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.

In a statement he said that this year celebrated the contribution made by family members to food security and sustainable development through family farming.

“Family farmers play a crucial socio-economic, environmental and cultural role, which amid serious challenges needs to be cherished and strengthened through innovation. This is particularly the case across the Pacific and in Tonga where a large proportion of the population lives in rural communities and in the outer islands.”

He said family farms are central to the food systems of Tonga but they must evolve over time and must be managed and led by farmers and communities working hand in hand with government.

“We need to have farmers first and we need to have farm food on our tables every day,” he said in a statement that was read by Tonga's Minister of Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries, Hon Sangster Saulala, at a World Food Day event in Tonga.

World Food Day 2014 was marked in Nuku’alofa under a theme ‘Family Farming: Feeding the world, caring for the earth’.

The Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano visited MAFFF on Vuna Road, where vegetables, traditional food crops and locally prepared food were displayed by village women groups, farmers and private entrepreneurs. MAFFF showcased locally manufactured products including jam and chutney. Zumba aerobics and a tau'olunga dance were also performed to celebrate World Food Day.