Suva, Fiji – The Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston Recovery Project (IRP) managed by the Pacific Community (SPC) and funded by the European Union, is calling for proposals to improve the production and trading capabilities of agriculture, forestry and aquaculture farmers and enterprises in Fiji whose local and export trade has been adversely affected by the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

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The European Union has provided around EUR $2,000,000 (FJ$ 4,600,000) to support recovery efforts through the IRP project.

Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Christoph Wagner said, ”The European Union is committed to supporting Fiji’s agriculture, aquaculture and forestry industries to reliably supply high quality produce, being more prepared for and resilient to future climate events. Reliable high quality supplies will enhance the confidence of both international and local buyers into Fiji’s agricultural produce.  What is more, this assistance will not only restore trade and market confidence, but will generate jobs and improve livelihoods for communities.”

The IRP project focuses on the private sector and farmers involved in commodity supply chains.

Farmers and companies involved in local or export trade, and can demonstrate how TC Winston has directly affected their capacity to fulfil client orders and supply agreements are invited to complete the proposal template and identify the type of rehabilitation works, equipment and services that would enable the improvement and restoration of trade.

“The IRP project complements the multiple emergency response and recovery actions led by the Fiji Government. It  aims to assist farmers and enterprises to build back better and increase their capacity to endure future climate related disasters and quickly respond to restore trade and confidence in the market,” Pacific Community Deputy Director-General, Dr Audrey Aumua said.

The IRP proposal submission forms can be found online: http://www.spc.int/en/on-going-tenders.html

Proposals must be submitted to SPC by 4pm on Friday 12 August. [/restrict]