Ben Kush

STATEMENT ON MUCH NEEDED STIMULUS ON FIJI’S AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Fiji’s agricultural sector has recorded its highest export performance in over a decade, with fresh and frozen agricultural exports, 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫, reaching a 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 $𝟏𝟖𝟕.𝟐 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The export value reflects a 17.1 percent increase from 2024, marking the highest annual figure recorded since 2013.

Export volumes also increased by 3.7 percent to 16,720 tonnes, while 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝟏.𝟖 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲.

The agricultural trade deficit narrowed significantly from $375.6 million in 2024 to $338.8 million in 2025.

𝐊𝐚𝐯𝐚 remained Fiji’s top agricultural export commodity, generating $79.1 million and accounting for 42.3 percent of total agricultural export earnings.

A notable achievement during the year was the significant increase in exports to China, surging from $4.3 million in 2024 to $17.5 million in 2025, primarily fueled by strong demand for our yaqona.

The commodities sector has experienced robust performances, particularly in 𝐤𝐚𝐯𝐚, 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐬.

This growth has been significantly propelled by improved access to key international markets, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and China.

Such developments have not only enhanced export potential but have also contributed to the overall expansion of the sector.

To reduce Fiji’s dependence on imported food products, it is imperative to maintain a strategic focus on strengthening local production capabilities.

Efforts must be intensified to develop the livestock industry, support value-added processing initiatives, and invest in agriculture that is oriented toward export markets.

These measures will remain central to the country’s long-term strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and greater self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector.

Increased export earnings are a clear driver of economic growth, fostering job creation, strengthening rural communities, and contributing to national development through enhanced infrastructure, education, and public services.

Building on this momentum, the agricultural sector is set to remain a vital driver of economic growth and export revenue for the country, aligning with long-held projections.

Sustaining this progress is essential, as both the nation and the world depend on a reliable food supply. There is hope. Lesgo Agri!

-ENDS-