HISTORY

The first ever Pacific Extension Summit was convened by SPC in the Kingdom of Tonga in 2005 recommended the
formation of the Pacific Islands Extension Network (PIEN). PIEN was endorsed and supported by the Heads of Agriculture
and Forestry Services (HOAFS) and Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry Services (MOAFS) of the 22 PICTs. A second
Extension Summit held in Fiji in 2009 recommended strengthening PIEN governance and accountability through a board
structure, representing the three Sub-Regions and SPC. In August 2015, with funding support from EU under the Pacific
Agriculture Policy Project (PAPP), USAID, IFPRI and GFRAS, PIRAS was revived and elected new Board Members and priority
areas identified to progress the work of the Network.

MEMBERS

Membership is open to national RAS providers and other stakeholders in the Pacific. Other interested individuals,
organisations and or networks may also become members of PIRAS, subject to the approval of the PIRAS Board.

GOVERNANCE

PIRAS is governed by a Board. PIRAS Board consists of 8 members and is composed of three seats for the three Pacific
Sub-Regionals (Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia), one each seat representing Farmers Organizations, Private sector,
Academia and International Linkages

VISION

The vision of PIRAS is to promote Extension Excellence and Resilient Communities in the Pacific.

MISSION

The mission of PIRAS is to provide advocacy and leadership on demand driven extension and rural advisory services (RAS)
to meet food and income security for Pacific Islands Communities.

CONTACT

Secretariat Contact: Mr. Gibson Susumu
Participatory Extension Specialist, Land Resources Division
Secretariat of the Pacific Community, 3rd Luke Street, Nabua, Suva, Fiji
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: +679, Mobile: +679 – 761-4920