Focus on . . . Falkland Islands Development Corporation

The Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) was set up in 1984 to encourage and assist in the economic development of the Falkland Islands. Since then, it has helped in the start-up of 145 companies; has been involved in 1360 projects, and has invested approximately £25 million in economic development activities throughout the Islands. As the private sector has developed, the FIDC has been able to focus on facilitating the growing export market with marketing and promotional work. FIDC is headed by the Falkland Islands Development Board (FIDB) which also overseas the work of the Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Diversification FIDC is working closely with the Department of Agriculture to assist the farming community, which faces the same problems found the world over. Improved wool production and a move from wool to meat production, through the new EU-specification abattoir, are the two key areas of focus. Opportunities in horticulture, speciality foods, aquaculture and tourism are also being encouraged and developed. FIDB is also spearheading the Falkland Islands’ drive towards legally recognised organic status. Two farms have already been certified and, subject to the Islands’ organic certification system being accepted by the European Union as equivalent to the EN 2092 standard, Falklands’ organic produce is on target to reach Europe in 2002.

Major Projects Development of the ‘Falklands Finest’ quality certification scheme aimed at creating a recognised presence for superior quality products from the Islands. Setting up the EU-specification abattoir and associated meat industry. Improved wool marketing. Development of a sustainable tourism strategy, based on the natural assets of the Falkland Islands, to cater for specialist holiday groups (wildlife, military or maritime history enthusiasts) and to promote the range of activities that can be enjoyed in the Islands, including photography, sea trout fishing and horse riding. The Islands are also an increasingly popular port-of-call for cruise ships (the Tourist Board is anticipating 39,000 cruise ship visitors in the 2001/02 season) and FIDC is working with local operators and retailers to ensure that all parties get the most from this opportunity. Continued development of aquaculture in the Islands through the ongoing work with Falklands Fresh, a local company, which is growing half a million oysters and 200 tonnes of mussels and has recently started exporting snow-crab and local fish from its EU-approved processing plant in Stanley. Setting up a horticulture and speciality foods operation on West Falkland. Expansion of the rural energy programme (almost all farmers now have wind turbines providing 24 hour power from a renewable source) into the larger settlements. Investors in People In October 2001, FIDC became the first organisation in the Falklands to be awarded the prestigious Investors in People Award. This recognises the emphasis that the Corporation places on training and development of people both in the private sector and within the organisation itself. The Internet & E-Commerce FIDC has also been instrumental in the development of the Internet in the Falkland Islands and launched a new portal, www.falklandislands.com, this year with e-commerce facilities. Become a Falklands Friend at www.falklandislands.com

For further information on any aspect of the Falkland Islands please visit: www.falklandislands.com www.falklands.gov.fk

Falkland Islands Government Office, Falkland House, 14 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH Tel: 020 7222 2542 Fax: 020 7222 2375 E-mail: rep@falklands.gov.fk Feedback to: Falkland Islands Government Office