Fiji Farmers to Benefit from Australian Flood Relief Funding

8 April 2009


Farmers affected by the January floods are to benefit from Australian Government funding of over F$1 million as part of Australia’s overall assistance towards flood rehabilitation in Fiji.

The funds will be channelled through the Ministry of Primary Industries and the Secretariat for the Pacific Community (SPC). An Exchange of Letters formalising the funding agreement was signed in Suva today by the Australian High Commissioner, Mr James Batley, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Dr Richard Beyer and SPC’s Director Land Resources Division, Mr Aleki Sisifa.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Australian High Commissioner Mr James Batley said “agriculture plays an important role in the livelihoods and food security of the people of Fiji”.

“Fiji’s agricultural production was adversely affected by the floods and it will take some time to recover fully. Australia remains committed to helping the people of Fiji, especially during the aftermath of a natural disaster such as the floods,” Mr Batley said.

Australia’s funding will cover the supply of seedlings and planting materials, purchase of livestock drugs, resurfacing of some access roads and research on food crop varieties. This assistance is intended to rebuild the livelihoods of those affected by the floods by helping farmers get back on track and also to develop a more sustainable local supply of seedling and crops for distribution for future natural disasters.

“It is anticipated that this assistance will benefit about 3,500 affected farmers and also contribute to research efforts to develop and make available more disaster-resistant crop varieties.” he said.

As part of infrastructure rehabilitation, the MPI will disburse the funds to the eight Agricultural Extension Divisions.

SPC has already begun working on purchasing seedlings and livestock drugs and is working with the MPI on distributing these to affected farmers.

Following the floods, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Stephen Smith MP, announced on 16 January that the Australian Government would provide F$3.75 million in assistance towards immediate relief efforts and longer term recovery and reconstruction. Australia’s flood assistance is focused on health, education and agriculture.
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