Funds to be used for 2016 Strategic Work Plan which is expected to further develop its 14 associations

The Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Trade Centre (ITC) that will fund its 2016 Strategic Work Plan.

Council chairman Simon Cole said the funding of $600,000 will provide for a number of activities, the most important in further developing its 14 Associations.

The Associations that presently make up the Council are Pigs, Honey, Dalo, Yaqona, Grazing Livestock, Ginger, Dairy, Fruit, Vegetables, Cocoa, Agri-Exporters, Rice, and Organics.

He said the MOU has reinforced FCLC’s relationship with ITC that began in 2013.

The funding, including that from the MOU, is being provided by the European Union through its Improvement to Key Services in the Agriculture sector facilitated by its project partner – ITC.

Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC) was created to represent the needs of an estimated 30,000 farmers in the non-sugar agricultural sectors in the country.

Launched by the then Minister of Primary Industries, Joketani Cokanasiga in 2010, it was established to raise the profile of farmers involved in crops and livestock production.

Mr Cole said it also acts as the apex forum for advocacy especially with Government.

It is also to provide the technical assistance and key services that are specifically designed to respond to the needs of, and reflect the reality of agriculture with the view to drive growth in the industry.

FCLC has its Secretariat located in Lautoka with a Board of Trustees in place, but the core of the Council is in its Associations.

Government continues its close working relationship with FCLC and recently signed an MOU with the agricultural organisation that provided additional funds for association development.

Fiji Crop and Livestock Council