Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development

The Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative is supporting women entrepreneurs in Fiji and Samoa to transform local crops, traditional knowledge and innovative ideas into sustainable businesses that benefit communities and protect the environment.

“Across the Pacific, MSMEs underpin much of the Pacific’s local economic activity and family livelihoods, and women are the centre of that story. Pacific women have long been innovators, producers, traders, and community leaders. What initiatives like Idea2Market do is help unlock the commercial potential of that knowledge and talent in ways that strengthen incomes, food security, and long-term economic opportunity,” said The Asia Foundation’s Regional Representative, Sandra Kraushaar.

Read more in the Fiji Sun Newspaper article below:
https://fijisun.com.fj/living/lifestyle/pacific-women-entrepreneurs-to-lead-new-regenerative-food-initiative

Pacific women entrepreneurs to lead new regenerative food initiative | Fiji Sun Six women entrepreneurs will receive mentoring, product development and market access support.

What does ‘regenerative food systems’ actually mean? For people in the Pacific, it means growing and creating food in ways that protect their land, oceans, culture, and future – while also supporting local businesses and families.

For too long, the people of the Pacific have relied heavily on imported processed foods. But across the region, women growers and food entrepreneurs are proving that our local crops, traditional knowledge, and Pacific ingredients have value.

The Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative, funded by The Asia Foundation, is helping Pacific women turn local food into market-ready products that are good for Pacific people and their environment.

25 years of FRIEND

FRIEND Fiji turns to food, clean energy and livelihoods to support communities The Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND) Fiji is strengthening its focus on food security, sustainable livelihoods and c

We were honored to host 'The Taste of Fiji' yesterday right here at Tukuni Restaurant at FRIENDheadquarters in Tuvu, Lautoka!
​Our space was buzzing as we brought together incredible women entrepreneurs, food innovators, hospitality leaders, distinguished diplomatic guests, and regional partners to celebrate the rich potential of Fiji's local food, traditional knowledge, and vibrant biodiversity.

​Highlights from the Event

​We were proud to showcase the groundbreaking work of three Fijian women entrepreneurs from the Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative—Viloki Gohil, Melaia Salacakau, and Amareeta Chand—who presented their innovative products to top buyers across Fiji's hospitality and retail sectors.
​Global Collaboration: We were thrilled to welcome Javara and Seniman Pangan, Indonesia’s premier food innovation hub, who traveled to Fiji to share their invaluable expertise with our local community.
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A special vinaka vakalevu to His Excellency Dupito Simamora, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Fiji, for joining us and gracing our event, reinforcing strong bilateral support for sustainable development and traditional food preservation. We were also privileged to have Ms. Sandra Kraushaar, Country Representative – Pacific Islands for The Asia Foundation, present to witness and champion this milestone.
​The event truly demonstrated the power of merging local knowledge with innovation, entrepreneurship, and market access—opening new doors for women while strengthening Fiji's local, regenerative food economy.

​Vinaka vakalevu to His Excellency Ambassador Dupito Simamora, Ms. Sandra Kraushaar and the team at The Asia Foundation for their vital presence and continued support, Pacific Island Food Revolution (PIFR), Javara, Seniman Pangan, and all the visionary entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders, and supporters who filled our restaurant with energy and purpose. The Fiji Times Fiji Sun Fiji One News fijivillage FBC News Mai TV

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Tribute to Na Momo Levu Na Tui Vuda

​The Board, Management, and Staff of the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND) express our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the royal family, the Sauturaga, and the entire Vanua o Vuda as we join the nation in honoring the life and passing of our paramount chief, Na Momo Levu Na Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia.

​Today, as His High Chiefly Grace is laid to rest at the chiefly burial grounds at Na Burenivalu in Viseisei Village, we reflect on his extraordinary wisdom, warmth, and humble leadership.
​As a steadfast pillar for community empowerment, Na Momo Levu consistently offered his blessings and patronage to FRIEND's work in rural livelihoods, community health, organic agriculture, and disaster response across our region. His enduring dedication to the well-being of his people and his commitment to unity leave a legacy that will continue to guide our efforts for generations to come.

​We extend our prayers to the chiefley family and the Vanua o Vuda during this time of national mourning. May the Almighty grant comfort, strength, and peace to all who grieve his loss.
​Moce mada Vakaturaga, Na Momo Levu Na Tui Vuda.
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We’re excited to announce the Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative, a new partnership supporting women entrepreneurs in Fiji and Samoa to transform Pacific ingredients and traditional knowledge into premium, market-ready food products. This new pilot is created in partnership between The Asia Foundation, Pacific Island Food Revolution, and Seniman Pangan.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the journeys of incredible Pacific women entrepreneurs as they develop exciting products. We’re so thrilled to share this journey with you – do come along!

Equipping Communities for Resilience! 🌿🛠️

​Over the last two weeks, our team has been back on the ground distributing essential farming tools, elevated garden materials, seeds, and seedlings to 50 households across 15 communities in Nadi and Lautoka!

​All receiving households were past participants of our recent training on flood-resilient farming techniques, organic composting, and elevated 9x9 garden modeling—held in partnership with BIRTH Fiji, where families from 15 communities gathered to prepare for heavy rains and climate challenges.

​It was truly inspiring to see that during distribution, several families had already put their training directly into action, preparing their land and setting up raised plots to receive their new supplies!

​A massive thank you to the Australian High Commission, Fiji for supporting this vital initiative. By providing these practical tools and resources, you are helping our local families turn learning into lasting food security. 🇫🇯🇦🇺

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We are Hiring!!

Program Officer – Lautoka

✨ We’re looking for team players who are reliable, hardworking, and eager to learn

Please send your applications to [email protected] or submit a hard copy to Lautoka Office.

A driving license will be an added advantage.

Earlier this week, participants from 4 different communities—Balenakula, Vatudei, Natabua Seaside, and Naboutini—gathered at Balenakula Settlement in Sabeto for a hands-on, practical training session on flood-resilient farming techniques, bringing together a total of 43 participants.

​A critical lesson we’ve learned from monitoring past disaster recovery projects is that to truly protect households, we must train for the specific, real-world impacts of flooding. We aren't just helping communities recover; we are strengthening their ability to withstand the next heavy rains.

​Participants engaged in both theoretical and practical, hands-on sessions covering:
​Flood-Resilient Gardens: Designing and building raised gardens specifically suited for flood-prone areas, alongside our signature 9x9 garden model.
​Sustainable Agriculture: Practicing organic composting, natural pest management, and essential seed-saving techniques to secure future harvests.
​Seed Distribution: Providing vegetable seeds to every participating household so they can immediately apply their new skills at home.

​True resilience is about more than just food; it is about mental and emotional well-being. We are proud to deliver this initiative in partnership with BIRTH Fiji, who joined us to deliver critical sessions on safeguarding and managing the heightened stress and anxiety that families face due to food insecurity. Their vital psychosocial support ensures that as we rebuild gardens, we are also healing hearts and minds.

​This crucial, locally led initiative is supported by the Australian High Commission, Fiji. By investing in these sustainable, practical skills, they are helping families secure their food supply, protect their livelihoods, and build a safer, self-sufficient future.
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Today, we welcome and honored to host our project partners again from Western Philippines University NIHR-Global CFaH Philippines and USP’s PaCE-SD Centre for Sustainable Futures-USP at our Head Office in Tuvu! 🇫🇯🇵🇭

​As part of the Global CFaH collaboration Community Food for Planetary Health, we welcomed our guests for a full tour of our premises, sharing the heartbeat of our community programs, sustainable food initiatives, and local resilience work.

​To top off a wonderful visit and exchange of ideas, we gathered at Tukuni Restaurant for a special farewell lunch—enjoying wholesome, farm-to-table local dishes and great conversation. 🍲🍃

​A huge Vinaka Vakalevu to our Philippine and USP colleagues, and a heartfelt thank you to the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for funding and supporting this critical work toward healthier, more sustainable community food systems. 🙏💙
​Safe travels back to our partners from Philippine, and here’s to continued collaboration across the Pacific and beyond! ✈️✨
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