A mother of six from Dama in Ra is turning her passion for organic farming into a growing business while encouraging other women to use agriculture to support their families.
Mere Matanisiga, who is originally from Bureta in Ovalau and married into Nakorosule in Naitasiri, has been farming for the past 14 years.
Her business, Delainaulucavu Organic Enterprise, was officially registered two months ago after she attended the Women's Agriculture Symposium at the Grand Pacific Hotel in March.
Matanisiga says the symposium inspired her to take the next step and turn her farming activities into a registered business.
She says the event opened her eyes to new opportunities and strengthened her dream of becoming a woman entrepreneur.
Her efforts have already been recognised after she was selected by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji as one of the top 10 finalists from 40 applicants in the Agri-Innovation Business Competition held in Suva.
Matanisiga sells a range of organic fruits and vegetables grown on her farm.
She operates a roadside stall near her home and also receives orders by phone and through social media from customers and market vendors in Suva, Nausori and Lautoka.
She says farming allows her to earn an income from something she enjoys and believes it can also help other women who stay at home provide for their families.
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Matanisiga says she often shares her produce with relatives because it is grown without chemicals and is healthier for families.
She believes eating more organic food can help improve people's health at a time when non-communicable diseases continue to affect many Fijians.
While organic farming requires a lot of hard work, Matanisiga says dedication and perseverance have helped her to continue to grow her business.
She has also been a member of the Social Empowerment Education Programme for the past four years, which has encouraged her to continue farming without the use of chemicals.
Matanisiga says every successful business starts small and hopes her journey will inspire more women to pursue their passions and create opportunities for themselves and their families.
