A mei (breadfruit) festival was held to celebrate the versatility of breadfruits as stable and resilient food crop for Tonga, with the theme, “Our actions on Mei for Health, Education and Economic Development are our future.”

The Farm Organisations leading Research and Innovation (FORI) held the festival last week, 9 May, at Queen Salote Memorial hall, Nuku’alofa.

Tui Mafi from Acts Community School won the primary school poster competition, and ‘Iona Tu’itavake from Tonga High School won the poetry competition.

Women’s cooking competition

A cooking competition for the village woman’s groups highlighted Mei as an ingredient in various dishes. Tacos made with breadfruit, breadfruit soups and porridges and even profiteroles and pancakes were created with Mei.

The Hihifo Women's Group won the best healthy Mei breakfast, Vaini Women's Group won the best healthy Mei lunch, and Kolomotua won both the best healthy Mei dinner and best Mei dessert.

The FORI pacific Breadfruit Project Tonga is funded by EU International Partnerships, OACPS Secretariat and AgriCord and is coordinated through Pacific Farmer Organisations, with its Tongan implementing partner being Nishi Trading.