New era for fresh produce from Fiji to Kiribati
Opening market pathways for food and nutritional security
Fresh produce in Kiribati hasn’t always been easy to come by, but that’s starting to change. While some fruits and vegetables are grown locally, supply is limited and prices can be high. Many market stalls still feature imported staples like canned meat and rice, but there’s growing momentum for change. With the arrival of trial export shipments from Fiji, fresh options are beginning to reach more people, bringing with them a renewed sense of possibility.
A nation’s fight for fresh fruits and vegetables
Kiribati’s food security challenges are as vast as the Pacific Ocean that surrounds it. The country’s coral atolls and reef islands are breathtaking. But sandy, nutrient-poor soils make growing fresh produce difficult, and freshwater collected from rain or fragile underground sources is regularly contaminated with seawater. Relentless heat, strong sunlight and periodic droughts make farming even harder, while the country’s remoteness limits access to essentials like fertilisers and improved seeds. These challenges have long shaped the I-Kiribati diet. But Betty Trading is determined to change that.
“We know that access to fresh fruits and vegetables directly impacts the health of our people,” says Betty Trading Managing Director and Honourable MP from Kiritimati Island, Mr Teriba Tabe. “We’ve faced major hurdles—unreliable suppliers, strict biosecurity regulations, transport delays and soaring freight costs. But we cannot afford to give up. This initiative is more than trade—it’s about securing a healthier future.”
The challenges have been real. The first trial shipment from Fiji encountered setbacks, including flights with insufficient cargo space, logistical bottlenecks and produce that failed to meet biosecurity standards. Yet, through persistence, partnership and an unshakeable belief in what is possible, a second and third shipment have now arrived, proving that progress is not only possible but underway.
Breaking barriers: partnerships that deliver
Recognising the urgency of Kiribati’s food security crisis, the Australia and New Zealand-supported Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program connected Betty Trading with Fijian fresh produce exporters and engaged the Government of Kiribati in refining market pathways.
In its efforts to refine import protocols, ensure compliance and clarify regulatory expectations for exporters, PHAMA Plus supported the work of Kiribati’s Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) to increase and strengthen staff capacity. Part of the work included facilitating meetings between Betty Trading, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, MELAD, and Fijian fresh produce exporters to raise awareness about import protocols for Kiribati. The program also negotiated with Fiji Airways to secure adequate cargo space at reasonable costs — a game changer for getting fresh produce into Tarawa, Kiribati’s central trading hub.
From trials to transformation
More trial consignments are planned—each one a step towards regular, reliable trade. Exporters are learning the ropes, regulators are refining protocols, and MELAD has hosted workshops to raise awareness of import conditions. Fijian exporters will also need to stay informed of standards and compliance issues.
“After three trial shipments, we hope to establish clear protocols that open the door for more businesses to enter the market,” explains PHAMA Plus Portfolio Manager for Small Island States, Mr Kotoyawa Tamani.
“This isn’t just about a few shipments. It’s about laying the foundation for sustainable trade so that fresh produce becomes a staple, not a luxury.”
These activities are also shaping the future regulations and protocols that will govern the trade of fresh produce between Fiji and Kiribati.
A future fuelled by resilience
There is still work to be done. Prices remain high, and fresh produce isn’t yet accessible to every household. But the momentum is undeniable. Trade barriers are being dismantled, and the market system is evolving. A future where fresh, nutritious food is part of everyday life in Kiribati is no longer just an ambition—it’s becoming a reality.
“The journey has been challenging, but the impact goes beyond business,” Mr Tamani said. “We are building something bigger—a future where food security isn’t uncertain but assured.”
For more information please contact: Theresa Fox, Communications and Knowledge Manager on t.fox@phamaplus.com.au