The Fiji Government is advancing a new national organic farming policy as part of a broader push to strengthen food security, reduce reliance on imported agricultural inputs and build resilience across the sector.

The National Organic Policy 2026-2030 is being framed by the Government as a response to rising fuel and fertiliser costs, climate vulnerability and pressure on household food security.

Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, recently updated Parliament on the policy, saying organic agriculture was central to Fiji's long-term economic and food security response.

"The National Organic Policy is not just an agricultural framework—it is an economic resilience strategy, an environmental safeguard, and a public health investment," he said.

"The Policy directly responds to increasing global pressures, including rising fuel and fertiliser costs, heavy dependence on imports, and the growing cost of living.

"These challenges have significantly impacted farmers' production costs and household food security nationwide."

The policy is designed to reduce Fiji's dependence on imported fertilisers and agrochemicals while supporting locally produced organic inputs.

The Government says the shift would lower long-term farming costs, improve soil health and increase climate resilience.

It is also expected to create opportunities for Fiji to strengthen its position in premium export markets.

Mr Tunabuna said Fiji already had a base to build from in the organic agriculture sector.

"Fiji already has a strong foundation in organic agriculture, with nearly 25,000 hectares of certified organic land and approximately 400 certified producers," he said.

"Key products such as turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, and yaqona are gaining recognition in international markets."

The National Organic Policy builds on work that began in 2018 and aligns with several national frameworks.

The policy has five main objectives.

They include scaling up organic production, particularly among smallholders, women and youth, strengthening food security through local organic inputs and improving climate resilience through sustainable soil management.

The policy also aims to expand market access and competitiveness through improved certification systems and strengthen governance through coordinated implementation.

The Government says the policy has been developed through an inclusive process involving more than 20 stakeholder meetings, more than 10 consultation workshops since 2018 and two validation workshops in 2025.

Support from the Australian Government's Market Development Facility has also contributed to the policy.

The Fijian Government has set several targets for 2030. They include reaching 50 per cent certification of key export commodities such as turmeric and ginger and expanding organic farmland from four per cent to 20 per cent.

The targets also include making 30 per cent of fertiliser use organic and having 70 per cent of the population consume safe, nutritious and locally grown organic food.

For the current financial year, the Ministry has allocated $300,000 toward organic agriculture research and development.

Current initiatives include the distribution of organic fertilisers, development of bacterium cultures, expansion of certified land through Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and establishment of Organic Learning Farms.

Mr Tunabuna said the policy was part of a long-term shift toward local solutions.

"In a time of global uncertainty, Fiji is choosing resilience over dependency and local solutions over imported vulnerability," he said.

"This Policy represents our commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future for all Fijians."

The organic policy is moving alongside a separate review of agricultural legislation.

The Ministry has commenced inter-ministry consultation on key agricultural laws, beginning with six livestock-related Acts.

Deputy Secretary of Agricultural Development Dr Tekini Nakidakida said the review was part of a Cabinet-approved initiative to revise 26 agricultural laws.

"The review follows a Cabinet directive issued in November 2024, recognising that many of Fiji's existing agricultural laws are outdated, with some dating back to the nineteenth century," he said.

"These outdated provisions have created gaps and inefficiencies that no longer reflect current economic realities, environmental challenges, and evolving agricultural practices."

The legislative review will be overseen by the Office of the Solicitor General and supported by the Fiji Law Reform Commission.

The consultation has brought together representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the Fiji Law Reform Commission and senior government officials.

"Strengthening the legal and regulatory framework is critical to ensuring its sustainability and resilience," Dr Nakidakida said.

"This initiative is part of our broader commitment to modernise Fiji's agricultural sector and create an enabling legal environment that supports innovation, compliance, and sustainable growth."

The Ministry said the policy and legislative review reflected a wider effort to prepare Fiji's agricultural sector for current economic pressures, climate challenges and future market opportunities.