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While our Corona Virus cases may not sound that drastic with fewer than 10 active cases at one stage, the economic impact to the country of Fiji is tremendous. Tourism is 40 % of the GDP and with the massive unemployment, the heartache continues.
Fortunately, Fiji is blessed with arable land and natural resources. Many are going to their teitei’s or backyard gardening which the most health source of food. On any given day now, with lock downs over, you can lines of fishing on rivers around the country or engaged in backyard farming.
Cocoa farmers have been the most motivated to date during these Covid 19 period. While there may have been a lukewarm demeanor towards cocoa farming, the importance of cash and market access provided by Cacao Fiji during these tough economic times has been highly appreciated. Cocoa has a great potential and should be given serious strategic thought for a more broad-based Fijian economy.
During the long school break, children were helping their parents to harvest cocoa and earn some urgently needed cash . We have so far managed to support the farmers who are willing and able to work with us. We take great pride in helping the revitalisation of the Fijian cocoa industry and at the same time working in areas of high poverty and high unemployment.
