Land Grabbing in Fiji

The issue of Land being grabbed by foreigners is a global issue and Fiji is not excluded either. After the summit in Bordeaux, France  i now realize that other governments are putting some form of control on land ownership to protect its citizens from being exploited by foreign investors. Others have farmer organisation which have been given constitutional powers to excise  addressing this issue.

Fiji is classified as a third world country and normally we don't give much notice on such land transactions and transfers as we prefer the investment necessitated. It is by far more important to drive investment rather than trying to protect citizens.

Fiji is experiencing the Asian invasion whereby Chinese investors not only buying commercial and residential properties but more to this is the buying of farm lands. I spoke with a representative from a land stakeholder organisation and was informed that they are one of the high buyers. And they buy with cash. Their purchasing power is far greater than those of locals who are financially stricken. Locals are on the loosing end.

There are no pressure groups from landowners and farmers, or if they do exist they is no impact on this problem.

We need to stand up to the need so as to secure the next generation of farmers.

Toso Viti!

Fiji Ginger at Budrim Ginger-Worlds Largest Ginger Factory

Fiji ginger is making its way into the Australia's ginger processing factory in Yandina,Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The company not only is a ginger factory producing a variety of ginger products but is a tourist attraction luring tourists flocking the Sunshine Coast to catch a glimpse of ginger. The tour basically introduces how ginger is farmed, harvested and processed into different products which is sold worldwide. During the tour we were briefed on planting to processing of ginger.

I a ginger farmer was waiting eagerly to know how they the company can be processing 2 tonnes of fermented ginger daily all year round. It quite a huge volume of raw ginger. I had questions in my mind where were the supply coming from to process that much of ginger. Later I had an opportunity to see one of their corporate manger whom i approached to try explore opportunities for a market for our young ginger farmers here in Fiji. Only to be told that they own Frespac in Wailada, Lami. In the tour nothing at all was mentioned that they sourced their ginger supply from Fiji. It sounded as if it was all locally Australian ginger.

The Factory

 

This ginger factory is huge and it uses all ginger byproducts like fermented juices are made to make ginger juice, ginger fiber is used for ginger bread and so forth.

 Just by seeing the size of this factory one would realize the volume of production and the markets in which their produts are being sold into. They are a recognised ginger factory in the world with their scintillating ginger base products.

After the tour of the factory we are taken into the tasting room to try some of the ginger products.

Below you see a tasitng plate with the ginger juice which was my favorite as it gives a refershing feeling as you gulp it down, wow its nice, you need to try it to believe me.

The Products: