More than 10,000 contracted farmers from Sigatoka to Rakiraki could gain greater access to regional export markets following a new partnership between the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and New Valley Processors (Fiji) Limited (NVPL).

The two organisations formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Sabeto, Nadi, under the PIDF’s Food and Nutrition Security initiative.

The agreement is expected to strengthen links between Fijian farmers and buyers in Northern Pacific markets, while creating new opportunities for local producers to increase their income and expand production.

Chief guest at the signing ceremony, High Commissioner of Naoero to Fiji and Chairperson of the PIDF, His Excellency Michael Aroi, said the partnership could deliver benefits beyond Fiji by improving access to fresh agricultural produce for families in Naoero.

He said Fiji’s fertile land provides an opportunity to supply fresh vegetables and crops to Pacific countries that rely heavily on imported food.

PIDF Secretary General Arpana Pratap said the agreement would help farmers diversify their production and improve the quality of their crops to meet both domestic and international market requirements.

She said many local farmers had significant potential but faced challenges in accessing reliable markets.

Through its partnership with NVPL, the PIDF plans to work more closely with farmers by visiting farms, sharing resources and supporting the production of high-value crops for export.

The organisation will also work to identify buyers in Northern Pacific markets and establish commercial links with importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, with the aim of ensuring farmers receive greater economic returns from their produce.

The initiative is also expected to contribute to regional food security by increasing the supply of fresh and nutritious food to Pacific Island nations that depend heavily on imported products.

Through the Pacific Fresh Airlink project, the PIDF has already been coordinating agricultural exports from Nadi to the Republic of Naoero, with plans to extend the programme to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.

The project supports Fijian farmers by helping them improve production quality, consistency and market readiness through better farming practices, post-harvest handling and supply chain coordination.

The partnership with NVPL is expected to further strengthen these efforts.

The newly established agriculture processing and export company, based in Sabeto, currently purchases products including bora, chilies, eggplants, cucumbers, tomatoes, cowpeas and other high-value crops with potential for local and Northern Pacific markets.

NVPL Chief Executive Officer Navitalai Tuivuniwai said the company saw significant economic potential for farmers through expanded access to export markets.

He encouraged farmers to maintain consistent production and quality to meet export standards and ensure their produce remains suitable for consumers.

With the new partnership, PIDF and NVPL aim to create stronger market connections for farmers while supporting food security, economic growth and sustainable agriculture across Fiji and the wider Pacific region.