Pacific Island Farmers Organisation Network (PIFON) is hosting a two-day Farmers Forum and Farmers-to-farmers Leaning Exchange with the aim to bring about awareness on the importance of advocacy and policy engagement.

This is through the sharing of case studies and the introduction of tools to help the farmer organisations to be more effective in engaging with the Government.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Viam Pillay made the comment when he opened the Farmers Forum in Deuba.

There were about 50 participants at the forum. They include farmer organisation representatives across Fiji’s agricultural sector, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and representatives from relevant non-governmental organisations and development partners.

Mr Pillay said: “This is the new trend, farmers forming groups and getting themselves organised and as leaders, you have been invited to come and learn how to work together, network with each other, know what the others in the sector is doing, get updated and also provide feedback on how your sector is doing too.”

He added that such Forums assist with a new method of learning where farm leaders return and share the message to their own group of farmers.

Fiji Yaqona Farmers Association representative, Kiniviliame Salabogi said, the forum is another way of learning and also a platform for the farmers to share their experiences and challenges them facing. Also, it is a good networking opportunities for them.

Pacific Island Farmers Organisation Network manager Kyle Stice said they have seen that farmers learn best from another farmer.

Farmers sharing their experiences and exchanging ideas is the best way of learning, he said.

It was the first Fiji Farmers Forum to be organised by a farmer’s organisation, Fiji Crop and Livestock Council (FCLC).

Meanwhile, today the participants will be visiting farms around Navua area. This hands-on approach will enable them to learn from the other farmers.

The Forum ends today.

Feedback:  selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj