The Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Honourable Tomasi N. Tunabuna, today officially opened the new Vuda Training Room at the Fiji Meat Industry Board (FMIB), describing it as a significant investment in capacity building and the long-term sustainability of Fiji’s livestock industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Tunabuna commended FMIB’s Board and management for their leadership and commitment to strengthening skills development within the meat processing sector.
“This facility represents more than just a physical structure. It reflects our shared commitment to investing in people — in skills, professionalism, food safety standards, and innovation,” Hon. Tunabuna said.
Constructed through a Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Grant from the Ministry, the training room will serve as a dedicated space for structured learning, staff upskilling, occupational health and safety programmes, food hygiene and quality assurance training, leadership development, and collaboration with industry partners.
Hon. Tunabuna emphasised that the Government’s vision is to build a modern, resilient and inclusive agricultural sector that contributes meaningfully to food security, employment creation, import substitution and economic growth.
“To achieve this, we must go beyond production alone. We must strengthen competency-based development, enhance food safety compliance, promote value addition, and reinforce linkages between farmers, processors and markets,” he stated.
As the only approved and accredited meat slaughtering facility in Viti Levu, FMIB plays a critical role in supporting livestock farmers, ensuring market access, creating employment opportunities, and maintaining national food supply.
Hon. Tunabuna noted that improving food safety and hygiene standards is particularly important as Fiji strengthens its efforts to link local agricultural production with the tourism sector.
“With growing interest from tourism stakeholders in sourcing locally, our ability to meet and maintain high food safety standards is essential,” he said.
He further acknowledged FMIB’s collaboration with HACCP Australia to secure Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification for its Nakasi facilities, with full certification targeted for March 2026.
The training facility is also expected to support workforce preparation for overseas employment opportunities in the meat processing sector, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, through collaboration with relevant government and overseas training agencies.
While commending FMIB’s progress, the Minister also acknowledged challenges facing the organisation, including reduced animal throughput, the need for infrastructure modernisation, environmental compliance requirements, and legislative reforms to support sector growth.
“Government support must be matched with accountability, good governance, and a clear commitment to national development outcomes. I am confident that FMIB is moving in the right direction,” Hon. Tunabuna added.
The opening of the Vuda Training Room marks another step forward in strengthening Fiji’s livestock value chain and advancing national efforts to enhance food security, improve rural livelihoods, and create decent employment opportunities.
