Tonga has taken a major step toward improving food security with the launch of its first-ever Tonga National Soil Strategy, aimed at strengthening soil management and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Project lead, Jane Lattimore, highlighted the importance of the initiative funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade-funded Climate Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management (CALM) programme,

“Tonga will benefit from ecosystem resilience, which in turn protects agricultural production and livelihoods,” she said.

Tonga joins Australia as one of the only countries in the Pacific to have a national soil strategy.

The strategy complements the Tonga Strategic Development Framework, the Agriculture Sector Plan, and the Ministry’s own strategic plans.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Forests (MAFF) Hon. Viliami Sisifa emphasized that this strategy will help ensure food and nutrition security, support sustainable development, alleviate poverty, increase employment opportunities, and drive economic growth.

New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Brody Sinclair, said New Zealand looks forward to supporting its implementation, embedding it into land-based production systems, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring benefits reach communities across Tonga for years to come.

Soil scientist and former Agriculture CEO Dr. Siosiua Halavatau, called for strong and immediate action to implement the strategy.

He stressed that protecting soil resources is critical to Tonga’s future. Dr. Halavatau urged stronger partnerships among government ministries, NGOs, farmers, and regional crop agencies, as well as continued efforts to secure funding and resources.

Tonga needs more soil experts

He also highlighted the urgent need to build technical capacity in soil science.

“I want to emphasize that a most critical risk to this plan is the technical capacity," he said.

“We need to build technical capacity of current workers in the areas of soil. We need more people with postgraduate qualifications and experiences. We need an organisational structure that is optimum to deliver the works of soils, unless we have a consistent structure, we may struggle.”

“We need to work together and get this strategy as part of the development strategy of our country to ensure we secure our soil resources and sustain our future. If we do not secure our soil, we will struggle in development.”

Meanwhile, Hon. Sisifa acknowledged the support of the CALM Programme and the Government of New Zealand. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Bioeconomy Science Institute, MAFF, and key national stakeholders.

The strategy was officially launched today, 30 March 2026, at the Kongakava Hotel in Sopu, Nuku’alofa.

The event brought together government officials, agricultural stakeholders, researchers, and community representatives to endorse a long-term vision for sustainable soil management.