Results for Agriculture

Irrigation systems for Tongan crops has become a new priority, after a drought in the Pacific last year affected a trial project of planting Zeamays, or different types of corn (Maize) in Tonga that was intended to encourage the expansion of small holder farming.

Tonga’s initiative to open up a new export market for Tongan squash in China could lead to first shipments as early as next season (2016) – if the Chinese government is satisfied that Tonga’s produce does not present a “high risk” for food safety and biosecurity - and that means that Tonga's produce has to be clean to a high standard, throughout the growing, packing and export process.

Tongan fruit pickers are taking part in two leadership and training programs launched on Monday, 24 August in Nuku'alofa.

Tonga has signed the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that promotes food security. on 16 March.

Family farmers contribute to Tonga's food security and are central to the food systems of Tonga, but they must evolve over time, Gavin Wall, the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific said on World Food Day 2014, today.

Four newly refurbished Massey Ferguson tractors have arrived in Tonga, destined for villages in ‘Eua and Niuafo’ou island to help increase their agricultural activities.

The 2014 Agriculture and Fisheries Show will be held on August 6-23 in six islands except for the Ha’apai Group who are recovering from Tropical Cyclone Ian.

Putting fresh products onto supermarket shelves in other countries is a major challenge and a lot of things have to come together before Pacific Islands growers can successfully get a particular product over the market access line, said Annalize Struwig, visiting the PHAMA program in Tonga.

Vanilla promises to be a major source of revenue for Vava'u growers and their families, who are being encouraged to recover neglected plantations and plant new vines.