The Fiji National University (FNU), in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific (USP) and The University of Queensland (UQ), successfully hosted a pivotal two-day workshop focused on strengthening Australia-Pacific research partnerships in food and agricultural systems. The event took place on Wednesday, 5 and Thursday, 6 June 2025 at the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies in Suva.
The workshop aimed to support resilient and sustainable food and agricultural systems across the Pacific region by fostering collaboration between researchers, communities, industry stakeholders, and government representatives. This initiative represents the first comprehensive application of systems thinking to food and agricultural systems in the Pacific paving the way for integrated multi-stakeholder solutions. It builds on previous efforts to connect regional partners and co-design research agendas that respond to local and regional priorities.
FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Paul Iji highlighted the significance of the partnership between Fiji and Australian institutions.
“Our strongest collaborations have been with Australian universities, drawing on the inter-governmental Vuvale (family) partnership. We have formal working relationships with several Australian universities, including Group of Eight institutions such as the University of Queensland,” Professor Iji stated.
He further emphasised the importance of learning from the University of Queensland’s approach. “UQ exemplifies successful integration of agricultural education and research, combining the former agricultural college at Gatton with government agricultural departments to form the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI). This model of collaboration and institutional merger offers valuable lessons for Fiji,” he said.
Professor Iji expressed optimism about the future of the tripartite partnership. “Our collaboration with UQ and USP is not just virtual; meeting face-to-face strengthens our collective efforts to develop research and teaching capacity in agriculture. This partnership, supported by industry stakeholders, ensures that research translates into practical benefits for the agricultural sector, driving growth and development.”
UQ School Director of Higher Degree Research, Professor Ammar Abdul Aziz presented on pathways to agribusiness and value chains in Fiji by focusing on underutilised crops and animal husbandry systems.
The UQ team leader, Professor Femi Akinsanmi, presented an overview of Agriculture at UQ. He emphasised that the partnership with UQ aims to create a long-lasting impact and support the capacity building of early-career researchers at FNU and UQ.
The Director of Higher Degree Research in the UQ School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, Professor Ammar Abdul Aziz, presented on pathways to agribusiness and value chains in Fiji by focusing on underutilised crops and animal husbandry systems.
“This project is dedicated to enhancing capacity and capability for climate-resilient food systems in Fiji. Our focus on underutilised crops, animal husbandry, and inclusive approaches encompassing Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) seeks to address the multifaceted challenges facing Pacific agriculture. Through this workshop, we have identified strategic priorities and will co-design research initiatives that effectively meet the needs of communities and institutions,” he added.
The workshop marked a significant step forward in fostering collaborative research to advance sustainable agricultural development across the Pacific, strengthening ties between Fiji and Australia’s leading academic institutions.