The Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (FO4ACP)

The Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (FO4ACP) programme aims to increase the incomes and improve the livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and safety of organized smallholders and family farmers in Africa the Caribbean and Pacific countries by strengthening regional, national and local farmer organizations.

The FO4ACP programme has played a significant role in supporting various projects through the Pacific Island Farmers Organisation Network (PIFON) to benefit the Floriculture Support Association (FSA) over the last five years. Here are some of the key projects and initiatives:

1. Capacity Building and Training Programs:
   • Organized workshops and training sessions to enhance the technical skills of smallholder farmers in floriculture, focusing on sustainable farming practices, pest management, and crop diversification.
   • Provided leadership and business management training to empower women and youth within the floriculture industry.
2. Infrastructure Development:
   • Assisted in the establishment and improvement of nurseries and greenhouses for floriculture farmers, enabling better control over plant quality and production cycles.
   • Supported the development of irrigation systems to improve water management and increase productivity.
3. Market Access and Value Chain Development:
   • Facilitated access to local and international markets for floriculture products by connecting farmers with buyers, traders, and export partners.
   • Promoted the use of value-added products like ornamental plants and flower arrangements, increasing the profitability of smallholder farmers.
4. Research and Innovation:
   • Collaborated with agricultural research institutions to introduce new and resilient varieties of ornamental plants, adapted to the Pacific climate.
   • Encouraged the adoption of innovative technologies, such as tissue culture, to enhance the quality and variety of flowers and foliage.
5. Advocacy and Policy Support:
   • Engaged with government and regional bodies to advocate for policies that support the growth of the floriculture sector and protect the interests of smallholder farmers.
   • Assisted in the formation of cooperatives and associations to strengthen the collective bargaining power of floriculture farmers.
6. Community Development and Social Initiatives:
   • Supported community-based initiatives that promote social cohesion and environmental sustainability, such as community gardens and eco-friendly farming practices.
   • Worked on projects that aim to improve food and nutrition security in rural areas through the integration of floriculture and basic vegetable farming.

These efforts have contributed to the growth and sustainability of the floriculture industry in Fiji, improving the livelihoods of many smallholder farmers and their families.