Yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, key stakeholders, and the Fiji National University (FNU) convened a workshop to discuss the Food Loss Intervention Project.

This collaborative effort between the government and academia aims to build trust and accountability, improve public service delivery, foster innovation, and address broader social, economic, environmental, and livelihood issues related to food loss.

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nii-K-Plange, described the workshop as an acknowledgment of the importance of addressing food loss, which he referred to as a critical issue in everyday life.

“I hope this workshop becomes more than just an event. Let it be a learning experience—one from which we gain insights that we can take back to our families,” he said.

“Any conversation on food loss must also consider the role of families in how they purchase, store, and consume food.”

The project is partially funded by FNU’s Australian partner, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Chief Guest, Director of Human Resources Development and Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Isikeli Bosevakaturaga, highlighted the essential role of collaboration between government and academia in overcoming national challenges.

“I am thankful to FNU for providing this platform for collaboration in addressing national issues. Academic institutions are critical in providing rigorous research capacity to support and complement government development initiatives,” he said.

“Research generates new knowledge that informs evidence-based decisions and drives innovation. The role of academic and research institutions in disseminating this knowledge ensures that it reaches policymakers, practitioners, and the wider public, ultimately improving national outcomes.”

He concluded by emphasising the potential of this partnership to develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of food loss and promote sustainable, long-term solutions.