Fiji Starts New Organic Farming Plan on 18 May 2026 to Lower Food Costs

Fiji is fighting high global food prices, which are 35 percent higher than before the pandemic. This new 10-year plan focuses on local organic farming to help families.
By Newsroom | Agriculture, Fiji |

Shifting Politics Undermine Food Security

A stark warning has emerged from the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food). Their recent report signals that evolving global politics are fundamentally altering the landscape of food security. Without a significant shift in direction, the outlook suggests a worsening trajectory for food prices, increased hunger, and a consolidation of power within corporations controlling food production. Experts like Mamadou Goita acknowledge that solutions for building resilience already exist, yet their widespread implementation appears stalled amidst geopolitical turbulence. Global food prices continue their ascent, remaining more than 35 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels. This persistent inflation is attributed to a confluence of disruptive factors: ongoing conflicts, strained trade relations, reduced aid budgets, and energy market volatility, all of which have fractured established supply chains and driven up the cost of sustenance.

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Fiji's Organic Agriculture Push

In response to these global pressures, Fiji is actively advancing a national organic farming policy. This initiative forms part of a broader governmental strategy aimed at bolstering domestic food production and enhancing overall food security. The policy, a 10-year roadmap for the non-sugar agriculture sector, targets improvements across several key areas:

  • Expanding market opportunities.

  • Increasing agricultural productivity.

  • Strengthening climate resilience within the sector.

  • Directly addressing existing food security challenges.

This strategic plan was unveiled by Acting Minister for Agriculture, Alitia Bainivalu, at the New Valley Processors in Sabeto. It is structured around 10 thematic areas, encompassing everything from sustainable land and water management to fostering innovation, improving education, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring robust stakeholder engagement. The development of this policy received crucial support from the European Union through technical assistance under the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Programme.

Integrated Policy and International Cooperation

Fiji's commitment extends beyond organic farming. The nation is charting a unified vision for its food systems, integrating food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and public health agendas. This integrated approach was underscored during a recent workshop, where participants lauded Fiji's leadership in policy design. On World Food Day, coinciding with the FAO's 80th anniversary, the government symbolically handed over the finalized Food and Nutrition Security Policy from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. This act signifies a commitment to 'whole-of-government' coordination.

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==Fiji's pioneering efforts are intended to serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) seeking to align their food system transformations with their climate commitments. The outcomes of these policy efforts will inform future government decisions and guide national investment priorities. The country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Hon. Kamikamica, has actively called for stronger global partnerships, emphasizing that Pacific innovations are rooted in community knowledge and resilience. He has urged international bodies like the FAO** to bridge the gap between climate finance and frontline communities, positioning the Pacific not as victims of the climate crisis, but as leaders with solutions.

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WFP Engagement in the Pacific

The World Food Programme (WFP) is also deepening its engagement in the Pacific region, focusing on food security and sustainability. WFP's strategy involves supporting Pacific governments and regional stakeholders in preparing for and responding to emergencies. This includes improving the collection and analysis of food security and nutrition data, enhancing national social protection systems, strengthening disaster risk management, and bolstering the regional humanitarian architecture. The WFP's Deputy Country Director for the Pacific, Ms Emma Conlan, has been involved in discussions aimed at building the capacities of National Disaster Management Offices in Pacific Island Countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Fiji start a new organic farming policy on 18 May 2026?
Fiji started this 10-year plan to help local farmers grow more food and lower the cost of living. It aims to make the country less dependent on expensive imported food.
Q: How do high global food prices affect people in Fiji?
Global food prices are currently 35 percent higher than before the pandemic. This makes it harder for families to buy healthy food, so Fiji is using local organic farming to fix this problem.
Q: What is the goal of the 10-year roadmap for Fiji agriculture?
The goal is to improve how food is grown, help farmers sell their goods, and protect the land from climate change. The plan covers 10 areas, including better water use and new farming technology.
Q: Who is helping Fiji with this new food security plan?
The European Union is giving technical help through the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Programme. The World Food Programme is also working with Fiji to help the country prepare for emergencies.