Apia, Samoa – A forum exploring linkages between research and the knowledge Pacific Island farmers need to improve their agricultural practices wraps up today at Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi  conference centre in Apia. . The region’s farmers are in need of improved extension advice to increase their efficiency, something that can only be achieved through capacity building training that is knowledge-based.

"Agriculture plays a vital role in achieving sustained growth, trade development and poverty alleviation in the region,” Samoa’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Le Mamea Ropati, said in opening the forum. “A strong and diverse agriculture sector is our best defence against the impacts of climate change, while meeting food security needs and contributing to the national economy,”Minister Ropati said.

The forum, made up of over 100 delegates from around the Pacific, as well as international partners, is part of the European Union's Pacific Agriculture Policy Project implemented in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and organised with the Global Forum on Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS), the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, the University of the South Pacific and the Government of Samoa. The Deputy Head of Delegation for the European Union in the Pacific, Johnny Engell-Hansen, reiterated that, "The European Union welcomes the collaboration between the project and its partners in Samoa in the workshop. In partnership with selected Pacific countries and regional agencies, the EU development assistance will continue to enhance the agriculture sector."

Concurrently, the Deputy Director of SPC’s Land Resources Division, Dr Ken Cokanasiga, reaffirmed SPC’s commitment to work with Pacific countries and territories in improving people’s livelihoods in the agricultural sector, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

In her keynote address on Monday, the Deputy Executive Secretary of GFRAS, Ms Natalie Ernst, said, "Agriculture is one of the largest sectors worldwide, yet achieving sustainable practices in agriculture remains a massive task. There are no best practices, only good practices and best fit practices.”

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) General Manger for Country Programmes, Dr Peter Horne said about A$82 million is allocated to research support in 2015 with PNG receiving 12% and Pacific receiving 7% of this budget.

President of the Federated Farmers of Samoa Incorporated, Saena Penaia, explained that farmers still prefer the human element in extension advisory despite the readily available ICT tools used for extension.

The regional forum, held from 24 to 28 August, is aimed at developing a Regional Extension Strategy for the Pacific.

Media contacts

Mr Gibson Susumu, Food Security Officer, Land Resources Division, SPC, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mr Emil Adams, Information and Communications Management Officer, Land Resources Division, SPC, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ms Anju Mangal, Knowledge Management Specialist for PAPP-Land Resources Division, SPC This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For more information on the workshop, visit www.spc.int/pafpnet