A total of 1000 harvesting bins were handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest to be distributed to farmers and minimize post-harvest damage and loss of produce.

This support is part of the PACER Plus' Sanitary and Phytosanitary-related technical assistance and capacity building activities to Tonga and other PACER Plus parties.

Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, Mr. Roy Lagolago handed the bins to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forest, Lord Fohe on 8 February, at the Post-Harvest facility on Queen Salote Wharf, Nuku'alofa.

The harvesting bins will assist Tongan farmers by minimizing post-harvest damage and loss of produce harvested for export.

MAFF CEO Dr Viliami Manu extended the Ministry and farmers' gratitude for these bins, which is critical assistance to the sector and for farmers to use for their vegetables and other produces, not only for hygiene but ensure it is not damaged.

Tevita Tapaivalu said he and other farmers were happy to meet the PACER Plus Implementation Unit team as they support the agricultural sector.

"I want to continue to grow the volume of my produce and this support will assist me and other farmers in doing that. I look forward to continued talanoa with the Implementation Unit on how to help me grow my business."

Mr. Lagolago who is on its first official visit Tonga commended the people of Tonga for their resilience in regards to what has happened over the past few years.

"I think that is what we are and that is what we do in the Pacific, we tend to pick ourselves up and continue with what we need to do."

He said Pacer Plus also aims to ensure there are tangible benefits that reaches our communities.

The plastic crates are used minimize post-harvest losses of fresh fruits and vegetables that can occur when produce is moved, minimizing bruising, crushing, and other damages.