Partnership to boost Fiji’s agriculture sector

Fiji’s agriculture sector is expected to benefit from a partnership between the European Union-funded IACT (Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade) project and MDF (Market Development Facility).

A memorandum of understanding signed between the two partners will enable them to seek opportunities for synergies, collaboration and cross-programme learning to maximise effective development outcomes.

The IACT project works towards strengthening the export capacity of the agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and livestock industries in Pacific ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries. The project, which is implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, supports 44 enterprises across the Pacific. Eleven of these are located in Fiji.

MDF is an Australian aid funded multi-country programme. It works in key urban and rural sectors of the economy by partnering with relevant market actors contributing to increasing employment and incomes for low-income earners. Both IACT and MDF agree that the partnership will help businesses take advantage of export opportunities, promoting more inclusive growth.

The partnership, which runs till December 2014, is expected to facilitate regular exchange of expertise and valuable information about businesses between IACT and MDF. IACT and MDF will also contribute towards assisting enterprises to comply with trade standards such as HACCP, including through farmer group training for these businesses.

Link: Partnership to boost Fiji’s agriculture sector