EU-supported Fiji Agri-innovate Competition concludes with top 12 entrepreneurs shortlisted for funding and recognition

Suva, 13 February 2026 - The Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition 2025, organised by Business Assistance Fiji in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, has reached its final stage with the top 12 agricultural entrepreneurs presenting their innovative ideas at a two-day event.

The competition is funded by the European Union through the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa (STODAS) project and technically supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, H.E. Ms. Barbara Plinkert highlighted the vital role of agriculture in our lives and domestic economy.

"The European Union is proud to support the Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition, which is a testament to our commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Pacific region. We believe that the agricultural sector has tremendous potential for growth and development in Fiji, and we are excited to see the impact that these innovative entrepreneurs will have on the industry."

"Our Global Gateway Strategy puts a strong focus on private sector development and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including support to sustainable and innovative agribusinesses."

"Let us work together to turn agricultural potential into real economic opportunities for Fiji's agri-entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities," concluded the Ambassador.

The competition, which aims to identify, train, and empower small to medium-sized entrepreneurs and agribusinesses across the country, has attracted a diverse range of participants with groundbreaking ideas in the agricultural sector. The top three winners will receive FJD $5 000 each in funding to advance their venture and secure a prestigious opportunity to pitch their innovations at the MSME Conference 2026, gaining invaluable exposure and potential investment pathways.

"We have witnessed an incredible journey of innovation and dedication from all participants since the launch of the competition. These top 12 finalists represent the bright future of Fiji's agri-food sector. The showcase and pitching competition are the final, crucial steps in a process that included an intensive 10 days of virtual bootcamp to enhance their business knowledge and investment readiness,"said Nitika Singh, Acting General Manager of Business Assistance Fiji.

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony on 13 February, Joann Young, Assistant FAO Representative in Fiji hoped that this competition would boost the Fijian agribusiness ecosystem. "Innovative agribusinesses will drive agrifood systems - the systems that feed all Fijians, to become more resilient and sustainable," she said.

The top 12 finalists of the Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition 2025 are:

• Go Global Solutions Pte Ltd

• Freedom Farms (Fiji)

• Jasfin's Honey Supply

• Sokoiwasa's Dream Investment

• Natures Farm Fresh Supplies

• Alena's Nursery

• Nithyananda Farms (Fiji)

• Excelsior Gold Investment

• Ground Gold Investment

• Island Eco-Smart

• Mesovu Fiji Pte Ltd

• Freshflow Farms

The In-country Showcase took place on Thursday, 12 February 2026, followed by the final Pitching Competition and Closing Ceremony on Friday, 13 February 2026, at the Civic Center Auditorium in Suva. The two-day event marked the final stage of a rigorous selection and training process, an integral part of the annual program of Fiji Agribusiness Incubation Center.

The Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands (STODAS) project aims to strengthen domestic agricultural production and consumption through a resilient and sustainable transformation of the agrifood system in these three Pacific Island countries.
In Fiji, it is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development.

ENDS