Karen and Arthur Mills, owners of Mudrenicagi Organic Farm in Bua, have been awarded the prestigious Organic Farmer of the Year Award at the Fijian Ministry of Agriculture’s National Awards Night in Suva.
The couple has dedicated the last nine years to organic farming, blending permaculture principles with local traditional practices.
“This award is not just for me; it recognises the collective effort of our family-based farm,” Karen said upon receiving the award. She added that the recognition validates their commitment and motivates them to pursue their vision of a successful, sustainable, regenerative organic farm and training centre.
The Mills’ 25-acre coconut polyculture food forest features a diverse range of crops, including pineapple, banana, and various fruit trees. Their farm also supports a poultry operation with 300 hens, producing approximately 260 eggs daily. In addition to intercropping, they have planted 200 new vanilla vines and maintain 40 beehives.
Their journey in organic farming has significantly improved soil health, crop vitality, and their family’s well-being, while also addressing climate change impacts and ensuring food security for their rural community.
Supported by the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project, Mudrenicagi Organic Farm has also become a key learning hub, recently launching training programmes for 50 smallholder farmers in northern Fiji.
Emosi Cagi, Fiji Country Coordinator for the POLFN Project, praised the Mills for their contributions.
“As trainers and mentors, they equip smallholder farmers with essential skills for a changing climate. We need more advocates for organic agriculture that prioritises the health of Fijian soil and economic resilience,” he said.
This award marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind for organic farmers in Fiji, aimed at raising awareness of organic farming and its benefits among smallholder farmers.
