Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry has commissioned a new freezer truck for the Agricultural Marketing Authority in Nausori to strengthen cold chain logistics and cut post-harvest losses for farmers, particularly in rural and maritime communities.

AMA works with the ministry to support local farmers by facilitating market access, improving supply chain processes and transporting produce to domestic and international markets.

The commissioning was framed as part of a wider effort to modernise the agricultural sector through improved infrastructure and service delivery.

Fiji's Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Inosi Kuridrani, described the investment as support for farmers and exporters.

"This freezer truck is not just an asset; it is a strategic investment in our farmers, our exporters, and the future of Fiji's agricultural economy," he said.

"It strengthens AMA's role as the government's marketing arm and ensures that farmers, especially those in rural and remote areas, can deliver their produce to market in the best possible condition."

The vehicle is intended to improve the transport of perishable commodities, including fruits, vegetables and root crops, while preserving quality through cold chain handling.

The freezer truck was funded under the Ministry's Commercial Agricultural Development Program, with FJD $142,400 (AUD 91,356) allocated for the purchase, to boost exports and support stable incomes for rural producers.

Non-sugar fresh and frozen exports were reported as increasing by 10.5 per cent in 2024, rising from FJD $144.7 million (AUD 92.83 million) in 2023 to FJD $159.8 million (AUD 102.5 million) in 2024.

The investment was linked to AMA's role in supporting export growth and strengthening competitiveness in international markets.

The commissioning was also framed as supporting value adding and orderly marketing within the agricultural sector.

Mr Kuridrani linked the freezer truck to handling and transport conditions that affect farmers' decisions to increase production.

"Post-harvest loss remains one of the biggest challenges faced by our farmers," he said.

"By strengthening cold-chain services, this freezer truck will reduce wastage, preserve quality, and give farmers greater confidence to increase production, knowing their harvest will be handled and transported under proper conditions."

Mr Kuridrani said the broader intent was to strengthen outcomes across the agricultural system.

"When farmers are supported, rural livelihoods improve," he said.

"When produce is preserved and marketed efficiently, food security is enhanced.

"When institutions like AMA continue to modernise and innovate, the entire agricultural ecosystem benefits."

Extending cold chain services into rural farming communities was linked to the ability to aggregate produce and access better markets. Improved market access was also linked to household income outcomes for producers in remote areas.

The handover was presented as strengthening AMA's operations and improving service delivery to farmers and stakeholders.

AMA Executive Chairman, Jone Sovalawa, received the vehicle and said the handover would strengthen AMA's day-to-day transport work for perishable produce.

"We sincerely thank the Government, especially the Ministry, for carrying AMA on its shoulders and enabling us to strengthen our operational capacity," he said.

"Reliable transportation is central to AMA's daily operations, particularly for perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables and root crops.

"This freezer truck will greatly assist us in delivering food in top quality and in line with the required safety standards."

AMA marked the end of the 2024-2025 financial year by pointing to work to improve market access and supply chain processes, with a focus on ensuring local agricultural products reach consumers efficiently.

AMA said the 2025-2026 financial year would focus on strengthening partnerships with farmers, enhancing operational efficiency and continuing innovation within Fiji's agricultural sector.

The freezer truck was described as playing a critical role in reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening Fiji's agricultural supply chain, especially in remote locations across the two main islands.