February 23, 2026

3 entrepreneurs funded in Agri-Innovate competition

Three people hold up certificates and a cheque

The Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition 2025 organised by Business Assistance Fiji in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, has recognised three agricultural enterpreneurs for their visions.

Joeli Waqanivalu of Island Eco-Smart, Subahsni Shobna Lal of Freedom Farm and Jashnita Reddy Lal of Nature Farm Fresh were the top picks for their innovation, passion and commitment to transforming Fiji’s agrifood sector.

The three winners will receive $5000 each in funding to advance their venture and also an opportunity to pitch their innovations at Business Assistance Fiji’s MSME Conference 2026.

The final stage of the competition, which was launched last year, saw 12 agricultural entrepreneurs presenting their innovative ideas at a two-day event.

The competition is funded by the European Union through the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa (STODAS) project. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is providing technical support.

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert says the EU’s support for the initiative shows their commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Pacific region. “We believe that the agricultural sector has tremendous potential for growth and development in Fiji, and we are excited to see the impact that these innovative entrepreneurs will have on the industry.” she said.

The competition, which aims to identify, train, and empower small to medium-sized entrepreneurs and agribusinesses across the country, attracted a diverse range of participants with groundbreaking ideas in the agricultural sector. The top three winners will receive FJD $5,000(US$2,500) each in funding to advance their venture and secure a prestigious opportunity to pitch their innovations at the MSME Conference 2026, gaining invaluable exposure and potential investment pathways.

The top 12 finalists of the Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition 2025 are:

•Go Global Solutions Pte Ltd

•Freedom Farms (Fiji)

•Jasfin’s Honey Supply

•Sokoiwasa’s Dream Investment

•Natures Farm Fresh Supplies

•Alena’s Nursery

•Nithyananda Farms (Fiji)

•Excelsior Gold Investment

• Ground Gold Investment

•Island Eco-Smart

•Mesovu Fiji Pte Ltd