Mrs Jiu Daunivalu, the FCLC CEO says that the turnout for the Fiji Crop & Livestock Council Farmer Forum exceed their expectations.

The FCLC farmer commodity associations had over 100 members arriving to register for the forum, that was held on Wednesday 24th April at the Yatu Lau Conference Centre, which had to give additional chairs and tables since the turnout was beyond their expected numbers.

Dr Andrew Tukana congratulated FCLC for providing the platform for farmers and their organizations when he officially opened the forum, which had the theme of Organizing and Strengthening Farmers and Farmers’ organizations as entrepreneurs and partners in Agribusiness.

He also stressed the importance of agriculture for the livelihoods of many families in Fiji, particularly for food and nutrition security; He also drew attention to the potential in increased agricultural produce, in terms of production, for both local and export markets.

To quote him, when he concluded the event,

“By coming together as a collective force, we will lay the groundwork for appropriate groundwork solutions. I take this time as well to wish the Fiji Crop & Livestock Council Council all the best for its 10th anniversary, and I look forward to working closely with you,” concluded Dr Tukana.

Appreciation was given for the forum’s success due to the collaborating efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and with the support of the EU, IFAD, ACP funded Farmer’s Organizations for Asia, Caribbean and Pacific (F04ACP, through the Pacific Islands Farmers organization Network (PIFON).

Mrs Daunivalu had concluded by saying that it was a fitting way to celebrate FCLC’s 10th Anniversary and that she looks forward to making this an annual event.