Growing Skills, Growing Flowers: Pacific Floriculture Study Tour to Fiji

17 Dec Growing Skills, Growing Flowers: Pacific Floriculture Study Tour to Fiji

In late November 2024, a regional floriculture study tour brought Pacific growers and development practitioners to Nadi, Fiji, through networks such as the Pacific Island Farmers Organization Network (PIFON). The tour focused on practical learning—strengthening flower production, value-adding, and market readiness across the Pacific.

Over several days, participants visited commercial flower farms and nurseries, observed propagation and nursery management techniques, and learned simple but effective post-harvest practices to improve flower quality and reduce losses. Hands-on floristry sessions showed how growers can add value by turning stems into bouquets and arrangements for events, hotels, and local markets. Business discussions on pricing and basic financial management rounded out the programme.

Two MORDI Tonga staff members took part in the study tour, gaining practical skills and regional exposure that will directly support Tonga’s emerging floriculture work. Beyond technical knowledge, the tour helped build valuable regional networks with growers and trainers—connections that will continue to support learning and collaboration.

For Tonga, floriculture offers real potential as a diversified livelihood option, especially for women and smallholder farmers. Regional exchanges like this study tour demonstrate how Pacific-led learning can turn shared experience into practical solutions—planting the seeds for a more resilient and vibrant floriculture sector in Tonga.