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Second Consignment of Fijian Produce Exported to Naoero
August 25, 2026 – Fijian farmers are helping to meet the growing demand for fresh agricultural produce in the Republic of Naoero, after the second pilot consignment of export-quality produce departed Nadi Airport.
The Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Secretary General, Ms. Arpana Pratap, said it was important to maintain a consistent supply of fresh produce to Naoero.
She said the swift preparation of a second consignment demonstrated both the demand for fresh produce in the Northern Pacific and Fiji’s ability to meet that demand
“It is encouraging to see that we are able to send the second consignment within a week,” Ms Pratap said.
“This demonstrates the strong demand for fresh agricultural produce in the Northern Pacific and highlights Fiji’s potential to serve this market through its fertile land and productive farming sector.”
Assistant Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna was also on site to witness the work being done to prepare the second consignment.
Ms Pratap said it was also encouraging to see the Hon. Tubuna at the processing site in Nadi to witness the preparations for the consignment.
“The presence of Hon. Tubuna at the processing facility is a positive indication that we are on the right track as he has been very supportive towards the PIDF and this Pacific Fresh AirLink (PFAL) initiative.
“This PFAL initiative not only strengthens food security for families but also supports our local farmers by providing a market to sell their produce.
“Through this collaboration with New Valley Processors (Fiji) Limited (NVPL), we are delivering quality agricultural produce to Naoero while supporting Fiji’s economic development
NVPL Chairman, Vinesh Rai said maintaining a reliable and consistent supply of agriculture produce is critical for the company as it continues to grow its food processing operations in Sabeto, Nadi.
“We value our partnership with the PIDF and look forward to strengthening this collaboration as it continues to create opportunities for the export of Fijian agricultural produce to markets across the Pacific,” Mr Rai said.
“We recognize that some Pacific Island countries face challenges in agricultural production due to limited fertile land. Through this initiative with the PIDF, we can support these communities by providing access to fresh, nutritious produce while creating new market opportunities for Fijian farmers and exporters.
“Our farmers have remained committed and consistent in supplying quality produce, which has been crucial in meeting the requirements for this second consignment,” Mr Rai said.
A Biosecurity Authority of Fiji official was also on site to conduct the necessary inspections before the loading of the consignment onto the Nauru Airlines flight.
About the project
The supply of agriculture produce to the Republic of Naoero was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) partnership between the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and New Valley Processors (Fiji) Limited (NVPL), which was signed on July 22, 2026. Since the MoU signing, both organizations have worked closely to coordinate and mobilise agriculture produce from Fiji for exporting to Naoero.
The exporting of agriculture produce from Nadi, Fiji to countries in the Northern Pacific such as the Republic of Naoero, is part of the Pacific Fresh AirLink (PFAL) initiative under the Food and Nutrition Security project that is coordinated by the PIDF.
The PFAL initiative was setup to support the export of fresh agricultural produce from Fijian farmers to regional markets, creating new economic opportunities for local producers while improving access to fresh and nutritious food in Pacific communities.
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54 Boxes of Fijian Grown Produce Exported to Naoero
August 19, 2026 – A major milestone was achieved as the first pilot consignment of Fijian grown agricultural produce was exported to the Republic of Naoero under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) partnership between the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and New Valley Processors (Fiji) Limited (NVPL), which was signed on July 23, 2026.
The first pilot consignment comprised of 54 boxes of export-quality fruits, vegetables and root crops grown and harvested by Fijian farmers across Viti Levu.
The produce included eggplants, long beans, telegraph cucumbers, English cabbage, cassava, watermelons, pineapples, tomatoes, taro leaves, taro, papayas, bananas, kumquats and lemons.
The PIDF Secretary General, Ms. Arpana Pratap, was pleased with the quality of the produce and thanked New Valley for coordinating with the farmers to meet the first pilot consignment.
“The export of Fijian grown agriculture produce to the Pacific neighbors, such as the Republic of Naoero, demonstrates that Fiji’s agriculture sector has the potential to expand beyond the local market,” Ms Pratap said.
“Fiji has fertile land, favorable climatic conditions and hardworking farmers that can till the land, grow vegetables and crops that has a demand in the Northern Pacific market.
“While we encountered some challenges in preparing this first pilot consignment, we successfully worked through them. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our project partners, including NVPL, Nauru Airlines and the dedicated farmers.
The exporting of agriculture produce from Nadi, Fiji to countries in the Northern Pacific such as the Republic of Naoero, is part of the Pacific Fresh AirLink (PFAL) initiative under the Food and Nutrition Security project that is coordinated by the PIDF.
The PFAL initiative was setup to support the export of fresh agricultural produce from Fijian farmers to regional markets, creating new economic opportunities for local producers while improving access to fresh and nutritious food in Pacific communities.
NVPL Chief Executive Officer, Navitalai Tuivuniwai said they visited the farmers across Viti Levu to ensure that the quality and quantity were met with the export market.
“This first pilot consignment involved a lot of planning, discussions and meeting the farmers as well to ensure that we are able to meet the deadline for the flight,” Mr Tuivuniwai said.
“I am pleased that we were able to do so and we will continue to work with the PIDF to export more to the Northern Pacific because at the end of the day, our goal is to support and improve the economic livelihood of our farmers.”
“At New Valley, we supply seedlings to our cluster of farmers, which helps to scale the commercial production and processing of high-value crops and creating market opportunities for our growers.”
A Biosecurity Authority of Fiji official was also on site to conduct the necessary inspections before the loading of the consignment onto the Nauru Airlines flight that departed Nadi Airport last night and has since arrived in Naoero.
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Pacific Islands Development Forum Talanoa Builds Momentum
August 7, 2026 – Senior Government officials, institutional leaders, project partners, stakeholders, and heads of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Member Countries gathered in a special Talanoa session hosted by the PIDF.
The PIDF’s Pacific Fresh AirLink (PFAL) Initiative seeks to promote trade, strengthen food security, and enhance socio-economic resilience across the North Pacific through improved air connectivity for fresh produce.
Following the historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the PIDF and New Valley Processors (Fiji) Pte Limited, this milestone event further advanced collaborative efforts towards the growth of the PFAL Initiative.
The gathering provided a valuable platform for leaders and stakeholders to connect, exchange experiences, engage in forward-looking discussions, and explore pathways to strengthen and sustainably expand the PFAL Initiative, reinforcing collective efforts to enhance regional food security and resilience across the Pacific
Among the distinguished guests who joined the Talanoa session was the Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
The Minister acknowledged the valuable work of the PIDF and expressed strong support for the PFAL project, highlighting its potential to play a significant role in advancing food security and resilience across Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
The Talanoa session was designed to surface practical commitments — the bilateral relations, routes and financing that will let PFAL grow into a wider Pacific initiative.
The strong participation and active contributions from attendees demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing the objectives and work of PFAL.
Throughout the Talanoa session, stakeholders openly shared the challenges faced in the areas of trade, export market, market access, supply chain etc. These challenges demonstrated to the PIDF that there is a strong need for coordinated action, strengthened partnerships, and innovative solutions to serve the wider Pacific community.
Following the Talanoa session, the PIDF is confident in the support and show of commitment from stakeholders, project partners and the Governments of the PIDF Member Countries for their support towards the PFAL project.
The PIDF extends its sincere appreciation to all the senior government officials, representatives of Member countries, institutional leaders, project partners, stakeholders, and development partners, that attended the Talanoa session.
The PIDF looks forward to maintaining this momentum and working closely with all partners to transform the ideas and commitments shared during the Talanoa session into meaningful action that benefits Fiji and the Pacific.
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MOU Signing with New Valley Processors (Fiji) Limited
July 22, 2026 – It was a historical moment for more than 10,000 contracted farmers across Sigatoka to Rakiraki, who are now poised to benefit from new export opportunities in the Northern Pacific after the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New Valley Processors (Fiji) Limited (NVPL).
The partnership with NVPL marks a key step in connecting local farmers to the export market and expanding their economic potential through the Food and Nutrition Security initiative that is headed by the PIDF.
The Food and Nutrition Security initiative echoed the sustainable development goal 2 and 3, which looked at addressing food security, cultivation and production, and access to fresh produce through consistent supply and commitment to uphold zero hunger.
His Excellency, the High Commissioner of Naoero to Fiji, and Chairperson of the Pacific Island Development Forum- High Commissioner, Michael Aroi was the chief guest at the MOU signing ceremony at Sabeto, Nadi.
Mr Aroi shared how beneficial the partnership would be not only to farmers but also families back in Naoero.
“Fiji has rich and fertile land that can grow vegetables and crops that can be exported to the Northern Pacific such as Naoero where we heavily depend on imported goods,” Mr Aroi said.
“Through this partnership, families in Naoero would be able to consume fresh agricultural produce from Fiji, contributing towards the fight against NCD and growing a healthier society.”
The PIDF Secretary General Arpana Pratap shared that this partnership with NVPL would encourage local farmers to diversify and improve the quality of their crops and vegetables to meet local and export market.
She said that local farmers have so many untapped potentials but may lack market access.
“This is the area that the PIDF will strengthen and will bridge the gap through this partnership with NVPL by engaging more with these farmers, visiting their farms, as well as sharing resources to support the programs focused on high value crops that will be processed for export markets,” Ms. Pratap said.
“We will also identify and secure buyers in the Northern Pacific markets and negotiate commercial agreements with importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers so our local farmers are able to make good economic benefits from exporting their produce.
“Beyond economic gains, this partnership contributes to regional food security by ensuring that fresh and nutritious produce is supplied to Pacific Island countries that often depend heavily on imported foods.”
Under the Food and Nutrition Security initiative, the PIDF has been coordinating the export of agricultural produce from Nadi, Fiji to countries in the Northern Pacific such as the Republic of Naoero and will expand soon to the Republic of Marshall Islands, Federal States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau, through the Pacific Fresh Airlink project.
The Pacific Fresh Airlink project was setup to support the export of fresh agricultural produce from Fijian farmers to regional markets, creating new economic opportunities for local producers while improving access to fresh and nutritious food in Pacific communities.
A key component of the initiative is its direct support for farmers in Fiji, particularly those in the Tailevu and Ra provinces as this project assists farmers in improving the quality, consistency, and market readiness of their produce through enhanced agricultural practices, post-harvest handling, and supply chain coordination.
These benefits are expected to expand further through the partnership with NVPL, a newly established agriculture – processing and export company based in Sabeto, Nadi.
Chief executive officer Navitalai Tuivuniwai said NVPL currently purchases agricultural produce such as bora (yard long bean), chilies, eggplants, cucumbers, tomatoes, cowpeas, and several high value crops that have the potential to meet the local and export market in the Northern Pacific.
“We see the economic benefits the local farmers will gain through this partnership, as they export their produce to the Northern Pacific market,” Mr Tuivuniwai said.
“New Valley extends our deepest thanks to the PIDF and the Naoero Government for giving our farmers in hard-to-reach places a consistent, sustainable market. We are so grateful for the hard work negotiating this deal. This incredible support from our region ensures our farmers can finally smile, knowing their produce will always have a buyer.
“We have always encouraged our farmers to maintain consistency in the quality of their produce to ensure that it meets the export requirements and are of good quality for consumption.
“We have always relied on trust amongst our farmers to produce quality produce and they have been doing well in this area. Through this partnership, we are excited to have PIDF on board in connecting our local farmers to the Northern Pacific market.”
Through this partnership between the PIDF and NVPL, local farmers can become key contributors to food security, economic growth, and sustainable agricultural development across Fiji and the Pacific.
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Fiji reaffirms commitment to PIDF
May 21, 2026 – The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honorable Minister Sakiasi Ditoka, paid a courtesy visit to the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), where he met with the newly appointed Secretary General, Ms. Arpana Pratap.
The visit to the PIDF office at Domain Road reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment and support to the 14-member Pacific-led forum.
During the visit, Hon. Ditoka also met with the PIDF staff and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities across the Pacific.
“We cannot live in isolation; we must work together,” Hon. Ditoka said.
“By coordinating our efforts, we can better serve our communities and build a stronger Pacific region.”
Ms. Pratap thanked the Minister for the visit and expressed her commitment to working closely with Fiji and other PIDF member countries to advance sustainable and inclusive development initiatives across the Pacific.
PIDF Enters a New Era Under the Leadership of Secretary General, Ms. Arpana Pratap
May 21, 2026 – With its strong grassroots and people-centred approach, the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) is entering a transformative new chapter following the appointment of its new Secretary General, Ms. Arpana Pratap.
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Pratap served as Director Blue Economy at the PIDF Secretariat, where she built an impressive track record in strategic leadership, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation. Her work has been underpinned by extensive expertise in marine science and sustainable blue economy development.
Through her leadership of regional blue economy and food and nutrition security initiatives, Ms. Pratap played a pivotal role in developing comprehensive regional and national frameworks designed to promote sustainable ocean-based economic growth while safeguarding the Pacific’s natural capital and marine ecosystems for future generations.
She brings to the role a wealth of experience in advancing resilient and inclusive blue economies, alongside a deep understanding of the priorities, aspirations, and unique development challenges facing Pacific island countries.
As Secretary General, Ms. Pratap is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and administration of the PIDF Secretariat, guiding the organization in delivering effective regional leadership, fostering genuine partnerships, and advancing innovative mechanisms that support member states.
Under her leadership, the PIDF is well-positioned to strengthen its regional vision and usher in a renewed era of collaboration, sustainability, and transformative development for the Pacific region.
Pacific leaders reaffirm commitment to the Pacific Islands Development Forum
May 21, 2026 – The PIDF members collectively reaffirmed their strong confidence in and commitment to the Secretariat’s leadership and mandate, recognizing the PIDF as an important Pacific platform for advancing regional cooperation, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable development priorities across the Blue Pacific.
The PIDF is a Pacific islands multilateral agency set up as an action-oriented platform bringing together leaders from the public, private sector and civil society to address regional development challenges, and whose mission is to enable green-blue Pacific economies through inclusive strategies, multi-stakeholder governance, and genuine partnerships.
Located at 56 Domain Road Suva, Fiji, the PIDF’s role is to drive through national, regional and international frameworks, transformative changes by focusing on the sustainable and inclusive development of the Pacific Islands.
PIDF comprises of 12 members’ states, civil society organisation and private sector. The member states include Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Civil Society is represented by the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organisations (PIANGO) and private sector by the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO).
The call to set up the “Pacific Island Development Forum” (PIDF) was endorsed by Pacific Island Leaders during the 2012 “Engaging with the Pacific” meeting that was held at the Westin International Hotel, Denarau, Nadi, Fiji, on August 23rd – 24th, 2012.
In the Official Communiqué, it recorded that the Leaders, “Endorsed the convening of the Pacific Islands Development Forum for the purpose of engaging leaders from key sectors in implementing green economic policies in Pacific Small Island Developing States.”
The PIDF Members’ Meeting was convened on 13 February 2026 to discuss a way forward for the PIDF.
02 March 2020 – Ambassador Mara attended the 3rd Morocco-Pacific Islands Forum in Laayoune from 25-28 February and briefed the Moroccan’s senior government representatives on the PIDF’s mandate as a South-South Cooperation platform in the region tasked in supporting member states transits to greening their blue economy, with the active participation of the private sector and the successful delivery mechanism of civil societies to develop business application to sustain the work undertaken in conservation, climate action, renewable energy and ocean management.
Ambassador Mara accompanied Pacific Island leaders led by the Prime Minister of Tonga, the Speaker of the Nauru Parliament, the Foreign Ministers of PNG and Solomon Islands, and Ministers from Vanuatu, Kiribati, Palau and Marshall Islands. Ambassador Mara held bilateral meetings with senior Moroccan government representatives, including its Foreign Minister, the Minister for Energy & Environment, the Director of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, the Director for Vocational Training, the Director-General of the Confederation of Moroccan Chamber of Commerce and the Senior-Executive of the of the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University.
The meeting adopted the Laayoune Declaration which reiterated the importance of urgently addressing the devastating impacts of Climate Change on the health, livelihood, culture and security of the Pacific Islands and acknowledged the commitment of the Moroccan Government to provide technical assistance and share sustainable development experiences and expertise in the area of Climate Change adaptation, Education/Training, Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Health.
20 February 2020 – PIDF Team Leader Programme Management Mark Borg and Programme Management Coordinator Nikhil Lal participated in the inaugural meeting of the Plastic Waste Free Islands Project, implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with financial support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). The PIDF team emphasised the need to address the matter with urgency and ensure we have alternative and safe products in place before plastic bans are introduced, to find economically viable solutions and to involve the private sector at every step of the way as they will be the ones driving the transition.
18 February 2020 – PIDF Secretary General Ambassador Solo Mara and Team Leader Programme Management Mark Borg met with Ms Susana Waqainabete-Tuisese, Country Director of the Fiji Programme of Conservation International to discuss collaboration in initiatives that support community income generation with Private Sector involvement that would also have positive conservation outcomes.
13 February 2020 – The PIDF Secretariat hosted a preliminary discussion and way forward on the Pacific Region’s Organisations Partnership (PROP) concept with representatives from MSG Secretariat, Mr Stanley Wapot (Programme Manager for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management) and Mr Christopher Waiwori (Senior Executive Officer). The Pacific Region is fortunate to have a number of organisations (Regional/Sub-Regional Organisations, International CSOs, UN Agencies, Academic Institutions and Interest Groups) performing important work related to Green/Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in order to improve the lives of Pacific people and their environment. For this reason these organisations have felt it necessary to form a lose partnership (called Pacific Region’s Organisations Partnership) to optimise the work of these organisations.
13 February 2020 – PIDF Secretariat hosted a Talanoa session on the Pacific Decade for Sustainable Transport. Ship owners and shipping agencies were encouraged to contribute their perspectives and suggestions for the common goal of reducing both costs and emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuel in the shipping sector. During the discussions ship owners recommended that Government needs to step in and play an important proactive role to support sustainable transport. Consultation with the private sector would be very vital to find solutions suitable for all. Sustainable transport systems make a positive contribution to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the communities they serve. Transition to sustainable transport is important and the sector would benefit from the right regulations and incentives.
12 February 2020 – Ambassador Solo Mara acknowledged the Courtesy Visit by the Regional Representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Chitralekha Massey this morning.
11 February 2020 – A PIDF Programme team consisting of Team Leader Mark Borg, Coordinator Afsrin Ali and Intern Jordan Longworth visited the Permanent Secretary of the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture Mr Ritesh Dass and the Chief Economist Ms Sera Bose to share information on PIDF initiatives as well as explore areas of collaboration. Read more.
10 February 2020 – Pacific Islands Development Forum secretariat was honored to host Ms Miyeon Park, Portfolio Specialist- Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Volunteers, where discussions centered on PIDF work in the Pacific and areas of mutual interest.
6 February 2020 – Ms. Eseta Nadakuitavuki the Manager of Women’s Markets and Sustainability for Westpac Banking Corporation in Fiji, who is also the current Vice President of Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and is involved with one of its nine councils as the chair of the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) paid a courtesy call with her team to the PIDF Secretariat. PIDF Secretary General- Ambassador Solo Mara together with the PMU Team Leader Mr. Mark Borg and Coordinator Ms. Afsrin Ali briefed the WEBC team on the initiatives of PIDF and further discussed synergies and avenues of collaborations towards sustainable development especially for the women entrepreneurs in the private sector.
5 February 2020 – University of Fiji Vice Chancellor Professor Sushila Chang and the Registrar Ms Karishma Mani met with PIDF Secretary General Ambassador Solo Mara and Team Leader Programme Management Mark Borg to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the two organisations. In the meeting they shared information on their ongoing initiatives with the intention of involving University of Fiji students in research required to achieve PIDF’s mission and support Pacific Green and Blue Economies.
23 January 2020 – PIDF Secretariat hosted a Talanoa session this evening on “SEA LEVEL RISE AND MARITIME SOVEREIGNTIES IN THE PACIFIC”
It was an honor to have Professor Edvard Hviding who is from the University of Bergen. Professor Edvard Hviding’s on a major international research project he is undertaking on the subject matter as Project Director and funded by the Research Council of Norway through its programme for scientific excellence. The director presented agendas of research and invited opinions and suggestions from the prominent representatives of the Pacific region itself. The Talanoa forms part of the ongoing dialogues of the Mare Nullius project with the region.
22 January 2020 – PIDF Secretary General Ambassador Solo Mara and Mr Mason Smith, Regional Director of the Oceania Regional Office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, today signed an agreement for PIDF to become a member of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT). During the meeting the PIDF and IUCN also agreed to pursue collaborative efforts in areas of sustainable forest restoration and management, green packaging to replace plastic and other non-compostable packaging materials and marine spatial planning.
20 January 2020 – Ambassador Isikeli Uluinairai Mataitoga, who is an Ambassador of Fiji to Japan, was given an update of the work that PIDF is undertaking. It was acknowledged that some of these activities could have synergies with development work that Japanese entities were supporting.
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