National women in agriculture symposium set for March

Women farmers, fishers and foresters will have the chance to showcase their achievements at a four-day national symposium in Suva from March 8 to 11.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry officially launched preparations for the 2026 National Women in Agriculture Symposium today at its Raiwaqa headquarters.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna announced the opening of applications for the Women in Primary Industries Award during the soft launch.

"I urge every woman farmer, fisher, forester, artisan, every agency, every partner in this room to seize the opportunity and to apply for the award," Mr Tunabuna said.

"Register for sessions, share your success stories, and mobilise your network."

The symposium will feature hands-on workshops, policy dialogues, business pitching forums, and a market exhibition connecting women producers with buyers and exporters.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Dr Andrew Tukana said the event marked a new beginning for the sector.

"This symposium is not just a Ministry event, it is a collective venture of Fiji's entire primary industries sector," Dr Tukana said.

He said the symposium aligned with the Government's Women's Economic Empowerment National Action Plan and the Policy on Gender in Agriculture.

The event will culminate with the first-ever Women in Primary Industries Award Gala Night on March 11.

Mr Tunabuna said investing in women in agriculture was smart economics.

"It is building food security, resilience to climate change, and sustainable prosperity for all Fijians," he said.

Women account for nearly half of the global agriculture workforce, with research showing that equal access to resources can increase farm productivity by up to 20 per cent.

Registration is now open for workshops, panels and field visits, with organisers anticipating high demand.