The Navuso Agricultural Training Institute (NATI) in Fiji is taking a big step towards promoting organic farming practices by establishing a 12-acre organic learning farm centre within the school. Launched in July 2023, with assistance from the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom), a programme with Pacific Community (SPC) and support from the Kiwa Initiative, the institute is set to become a hub for organic agriculture practices in Fiji’s central division.

Mr Uraia Waibuta, the Principal of NATI and the NATI Organic Learning Farm Advisor, highlights the importance of this initiative in the video below where he discusses the reality of marketing organic produce, the benefits of organic farming and the role of that NATI will play in promoting organic agricultural practices with their young farmers. By focusing on organic farming methods, the institute is not only supporting environmentally friendly practices but also providing valuable training and resources for future generations of farmers.

Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project Manager Timoci Nakalevu shares that “The collaboration between NATI and SPC with the Kiwa Initiative POLFN Project is a promising development for the agricultural sector in Fiji. This innovative approach that incorporates traditional knowledge with the modern concept of agroecology is designed to inspire other institutions and farmers to prioritize organic practices for a healthier and more prosperous future”.

The NATI Organic Learning Farm is one of seven organic learning farms launched in 2023, within Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and the Solomon Islands. These organic learning farms will be a living laboratory to demonstrate the benefits of Nature-based Solutions such as agroecology and agroforestry and organic production methods and technologies.

Watch Navuso Organic Learning Farm Centre Video Here

About POETCom

The Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) is a not-for-profit organization with active member (farmer associations, farmer support organizations, NGOs, private sector, research institutions and working with governments across the Pacific Island region. POETCom is hosted by the Land Resources Division (LRD) of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Suva, Fiji.

Media Queries can be sent to Communications Assistant-POETCom, Vilimaina Tamata: vilimainat@spc.int