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Fijian farmers better equipped for sustainable agriculture
Close to 50 small-holder farmers were trained in organic agriculture and agroecology at the Navuso Organic Learning Farm Centre in Viti Levu, Fiji, last week. The three-day intensive training aimed to fulfil the primary objective of the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project: to familiarise small-holder farmers with both the concept and implementation of organic agriculture and agroecology while also offering support for converting their farms to organic practices. The farmer participants are successful applicants of a Call for Expression of Interest that was advertised in late 2023 across Fiji.
Farmer participant Mr Isei Tudreu said, “Smart, protective, and sustainable agriculture is indeed Fiji's life support system. We were grateful for the talk on soil health and especially on establishing a soil fertility management system through an agroforestry farm setup.”
Mr Isei and his wife, Daphne Tudreu attended the Organic training at the Navuso Organic Learning Farm Centre, and they operate their organic farm in Sabeto, Nadi, Fiji.
The dedicated farmers were introduced to a distinct set of organic agricultural concepts and methodologies through an integrated hands-on approach involving both classroom instruction and practical experience in farm fields.
Mr Emosi Cagi, Fiji’s In-Country Coordinator under the POLFN Project, said, “Navuso Organic Learning Farm Centre is not just training farmers, it is also empowering them to choose organic for the better health of our soil and vanua, for the well-being of our families and communities.”
The training was simultaneously run at the Mudrenicagi Organic Learning Farm Centre in the Bua province of Fiji. POLFN aims to benefit a total of 100 farmers across Fiji. The POLFN Project is funded by the Kiwa Initiative and is dedicated to establishing a network of organic farms that exemplifies nature-based solutions such as agroecology, agroforestry, and various innovative organic production methods and technologies. POLFN is implemented by the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) at the Pacific Community (SPC).
The Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) is a not-for-profit organisation with active members, farmer associations, farmer support organisations, NGOs, the private sector, research institutions and works with governments across the Pacific Island region. POETCom is hosted by the Land Resources Division (LRD) of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Suva, Fiji.
