Call to strengthen Pacific food systems

Food systems in Fiji and the Pacific must be able to withstand shocks, adapt to change, continue to nourish people, strengthen economies and safeguard cultures.

Pacific Farmers Organisation board chairwoman Eileen Burness made the remarks at the Regional Stakeholder Consultation forum at the Hilton Fiji Resort, Denarau.

She said there is a need for continued commitment to strengthening agriculture and rural livelihoods across the Pacific, including Fiji.

“The Pacific faces unique and growing challenges: climate change, natural disasters, market access constraints, and shifting socio-economic pressures. In this context, building resilient food systems is not just a priority; it is essential,” Ms Burness said.

Across the islands, smallholder farmers are not only food producers but also custodians of land, biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

“At the heart of these food systems are our farmers. They are innovators, adapting to changing climates and conditions with limited resources. They are the backbone of food and nutrition security in the Pacific.

“Yet too often their voices are not fully heard and their potential not fully supported. This is why our collective efforts matter.”

Ms Burness said no single organisation, government or partner can address the challenges alone.

“Strengthening resilient food systems requires genuine, inclusive and sustained partnerships. It requires us to work across sectors, align efforts and ensure farmers and their organisations are at the centre of decision-making,” she said.

“Through collaboration, we can scale solutions, share knowledge, mobilise resources and create enabling environments that support farmers to thrive. Together, we can safeguard our food systems for future generations.”

She said the consultation provides an opportunity to listen, learn and strengthen partnerships.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Asia-Pacific regional director Reehana Raza said the organisation partners with farmers to strengthen local economies, ensure food security and build community resilience.

“The theme of the consultation, transforming Pacific food systems together and empowering local people and solutions, reflects what IFAD believes in. Transformation is not delivered from the outside,” Ms Raza said.

“It grows from within — from the soil, the sea, and the knowledge carried across generations, and from farmer organisations that choose to organise, advocate and lead.”

She said IFAD’s role is to support that leadership by listening, investing and amplifying what already works.

Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) civil society organisation representative Clayton Simamao said farmer organisations and civil society groups are central actors and key drivers of change.

“In the Pacific, food systems are closely linked to culture, the environment and resilience to climate change. Investing in farmer-led solutions and building strong organisations is essential for sustainable and resilient systems,” Mr Simamao said.

He said partnerships must go beyond consultation.

“Governments, development partners, research institutions and the private sector must engage with farmer organisations and civil society as equal partners — co-designing and co-driving solutions.”

Mr Simamao urged national, subnational and regional civil society organisations to support farmer groups in accessing funding through GAFSP.

“We must work together to secure resources that will strengthen food security for years to come. Let us remain committed to approaches that place farmers and communities at the centre,” he said.