By Katalina Siasau
Tonga has taken full ownership of key agricultural export standards as the PHAMA Plus program concluded its 15-year engagement in the kingdom, handing over the Tonga Kava Standard and Watermelon Technical Guidelines to government authorities on 26 March 2026.
The transfer, marked at the “Harvesting Success: PHAMA Plus Tonga Knowledge Forum” held at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, signals a shift toward locally led regulation of major export commodities critical to Tonga’s economy.
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Alison Gow, formally handed over the Deed of Assignment for the Tonga Kava Quality Standard to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Viliami Latu. The standard, first published in 2020, has now been incorporated into the Tonga Kava Bill, establishing national benchmarks for quality, safety, and consistency in kava processing and export.
“We are humbled to stand alongside the government of Tonga for the handover of the intellectual property, for the Tonga Kava standard. This marks another chapter in a long entrusted partnership, a milestone that strengthens Tonga's capacity, shape legislation that protects opportunities for kava farmers and exporters while safeguarding the integrity of a product that has woven so deeply into Tongan identity, culture, and tradition," Gow said.
Watermelon Technical Guidelines were also handed over by Esther Jens of the New Zealand High Commission. The guidelines provide research-based direction across the full production cycle—from planting and harvesting to storage and export packaging—targeting farmers, exporters, and government officials.
Since 2011, PHAMA Plus has supported Tonga’s agricultural and trade systems through technical assistance to ministries and exporters, contributing to improved food safety systems, expanded processing capacity, and modernized export operations.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Gow said its work extended from pack houses to government offices and international shipping routes.
“Across Tonga, PHAMA Plus has shaped national efforts to strengthen food's safety systems, expand processing capacity, modernized fumigation services, and improve pack house operations in key export sectors. These are technical achievements, yes, but behind each of those are decisions made to lift standards and embrace change for the future of Tonga,” she said.
Latu emphasized the broader significance of trade for Tonga, describing it as essential to livelihoods and economic resilience in small island economies.
“With small island economies like Tonga, trade is not only about economic growth, it is about creating opportunities for farmers and exporters, strengthening rural livelihoods, and ensuring that our products can compete on the international market,” he said.
He added that strengthening access to overseas markets remains critical for job creation and income growth, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, sectors heavily relied upon by Tonga.
The forum brought together government officials, development partners, exporters, service providers, and farmers to reflect on progress and share knowledge, as PHAMA Plus formally closes its chapter in Tonga after 15 years of engagement.
