PATHWAY OPENS TO MARKET FIJI “HEARTOF-PALM” IN NEW ZEALAND

There is good news for Fijians and consumers living in New Zealand as the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has accepted Fiji’s market access submission and approved the import of processed heart-ofpalm into New Zealand for sale. The special approval has been given to Hogamata Farms which operates out of Sigatoka Valley. Heart of palm, known commonly in Fiji as “seko” is a vegetable harvested from the inner core and growing bud of certain palm trees, notably the Fiji sago palm (Metroxyl onvitiense), peach or pejibaye palm (Bactrisgasipaes) andcoconut (Cocos nucifera). Hogamata Farms uses the peach palm to produce its special “Pacific heart-of-palm” as they consider the use of this species of palm to be sustainable. Because the peach palm is multi-stemmed; when one stem is cut, suckers grow up to take its place and the palm is not killed.

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) chief executive officer Hillary Kumwenda expressed delight at MPI’s decision to allow Fijian grown heart of palm to be retailed in New Zealand. He also thanked MPI for the swift risk assessment process undertaken for Fiji heart-ofpalm.

MPI Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Dr Stephen Butcher reiterated New Zealand’s support to help facilitate safe trade from the Pacific (including Fiji) through effectively managed biosecurity systems. Dr Butcher acknowledged the positive relationship that MPI has with BAF which has resulted in more variety of Fijian produce for NZ consumers, and more benefits for Fijian growers and exporters. Mr Kumwenda mentioned that BAF will continue to work closely with MPI as well as Fijian farmers and other key stakeholders and provide all necessary support to see that speciality produce of Fijian origin are exported to niche markets overseas.