Overview
The agriculture sector is a key part of Fiji’s economy, supporting over a quarter of the population and providing employment for 83% of rural residents. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries represent a significant portion of the national economy, collectively contributing 8.4% to the total GDP.
The government is focusing on developing the non-sugar agriculture subsector by offering tax incentives to encourage private investment. The government is also working to connect agriculture with tourism to benefit local farmers. However, challenges such as natural disasters, poor infrastructure, and high costs hinder the sector’s growth, and Fiji continues to import goods to meet tourism sector demand.
The industry faces stiff competition in international markets. The government has been working on improving trade agreements and expanding market access, especially within the Pacific region and to countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The agricultural sector’s future growth will depend on diversifying its production, enhancing productivity, and investing in modern technologies to improve efficiency and resilience against environmental challenges.
Stakeholders and policymakers are placing greater emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. Organic farming and eco-friendly practices are gaining attention, as are initiatives to improve water management and soil health.
Smallholder farmers in Fiji face challenges in accessing finance, modern equipment, and technology, which hinders productivity. Urban migration and an aging workforce continue to worsen rural labor shortages. Outdated agricultural infrastructure, like sugar mills and irrigation systems, reduces productivity. The government has introduced programs, including subsidies, technical training, and better market access, to support the sector.
Leading Sub-sectors
- Agro-processing: value-adding for niche products
- Cold storage
- Livestock farming
Opportunities
- Investment, equipment, and supplies needed to expand and support these industries are in demand.
Resources - Fiji Ministry of Agriculture
- Investment Fiji