Competition transforms economic resilience, food security

Local agri-food entrepreneurs are set to benefit from the second edition of the Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition.

The flagship initiative, under the European Union-funded Strengthening Trade and Development in the Pacific (STODAS) project, aims to transform domestic agri-food systems in Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the opening of the in-country display and pitching competition, European Union Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert said the STODAS programme is a $26 million investment implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

She said the programme supports sustainable agriculture, stronger value chains and innovation across the region.

It also directly benefits Fiji’s agri-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by strengthening production, processing and market access while promoting healthier and more nutritious local food systems.

“Agriculture contributes around 14 per cent of Fiji’s GDP (gross domestic product) and remains central to food security, livelihoods and exports,” Ms Plinkert said.

“Local production also plays a vital role in tackling malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).”

The competition is led by Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Business Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.

It builds on the success of its first edition by offering continued business assessment, investment grants and de-risked lending beyond the event itself.

Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development Sachida Nand said the display reflected the Government’s commitment to placing MSMEs at the centre of Fiji’s inclusive and sustainable growth strategy under the MSME Strategic Plan 2025–2030.

He said that by 2030, MSMEs are expected to contribute 40 per cent of GDP, supported by improved access to finance, skills development and market linkages.

The top 12 finalists — ranging from bio-fertilisers and organic farming to digital agriculture and value-added processing — will pitch innovative solutions aimed at building a more resilient, climate-smart and competitive agriculture sector.

Both leaders said the competition marked the beginning of long-term support for agri-entrepreneurs, positioning innovation as a key driver of Fiji’s economic resilience and food security.