Golden Cowrie Complex Limited, a small family run farm and floriculture business, has signed under the Fijian Grown emblem in Suva yesterday.

Owner, Virginia Kwong, said being under the Fijian Grown emblem allowed good representation of their produce.

“We are very happy to apply for and be given the Fijian Grown Certificate as this would support us in better marketing our products as Fijian Grown and we hope that local customers will continue to support local produce and farmers,” she said.

She said while they have a small team at the farm, they work very hard to produce the best quality of flowers, potted herbs, seedlings, plants, and other fresh produce to their customers.

“We would only supply a product that we would be comfortable giving to our family.”

They currently supply their flowers, potted herbs, plants and produce to Extra Supermarket in Flagstaff, Suva.

Mrs Kwong said the farm had also supplied produce, mainly floral works to various hotels and resorts.

However, supply had ceased at the onset of COVID-19.

Adapt, Adjust
“What we are doing now is adapting and adjusting to the changes brought by the pandemic.”

Golden Cowrie Complex Limited has certified 42 varieties of fruits, plants and flowers under the Fijian Grown emblem and intends to diversify further.

“This year, we hope to move into more fruit tree production by increasing our planting of the Green Pearl guava, dragon Fruit, kumquat and lemons.”

“We aim to roll out some product stickers with the Fijian Grown logo on our products,” Mrs Kwong said.

Minister for Commerce, Faiyaz Koya has encouraged locals to join the Fijian Grown emblem to support local produce and the local markets.

“With COVID-19, many had resorted to farming so the Fijian Grown emblem will promote these local farmers in the market as well,” he said.

He has also urged famers to partake in organic farming.

“I think we can do really well in the world stage as well in terms of organic farming.”

“Many farmers already engage in organic farming, so the Ministry is also encouraging farmers to register under our Fijian Organic emblem.”

There are 18 businesses licensed under the Fijian Grown emblem under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport.

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