Pacific Island Countries Endorse 'Growing The Pacific 2050' Strategy, Advancing Resilient And Inclusive Agrifood Systems
Nuku'alofa, Tonga - Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry from Pacific Island countries endorsed the Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy for Agriculture and Forestry today at the 4th Meeting of the Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
The 4th Ministerial Meeting concluded the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF), hosted by the Kingdom of Tonga and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Community (SPC).
The Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy is anchored in five interwoven strategic pathways — healthy, regenerative, secure, integrated, and enabled — which collectively guide transformative action across the agriculture and forestry sectors. These pathways underpin eight catalytic initiatives (2025–2030), which include promoting One Health and regenerative practices; advancing afforestation and climate-resilient systems; strengthening biosecurity and agrobiodiversity; supporting agribusiness and exports; and enhancing data, knowledge, and education systems to build future talent. This endorsement marks a major milestone in the region's collective commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems for the future.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Tonga, Honourable Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau set the tone for the ministerial meeting in his opening remarks by urging continued collaboration among Pacific Islands to tackle shared challenges such as out-migration, an aging farmer population, and climate change.
'Agriculture and forestry are vital for the Pacific, as they are the backbones of our economies and the foundation of our food security. But they face significant challenges,' said Dr Halavatau. 'Partnership brings us together today in a genuine effort to work together towards a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient future for Pacific peoples and countries.'
FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Guangzhou Qu, who reaffirmed FAO's support for the region, emphasized that traditional practices and knowledge in the Pacific provide scalable solutions for climate resilience and sustainable production.
'Guided by examples from across our Pacific nations, we envision a future where healthy soils thrive, farmer organizations lead, transparent data informs our decisions, and biodiversity flourishes,' said Qu. 'By empowering our youth and integrating indigenous knowledge, we can drive innovation that transforms Pacific agrifood systems, leaving no one behind.'
SPC's Deputy Director-General (Science and Capability), Dr Paula Vivili, reiterated the cultural significance of food in the Pacific.
'Let us also not forget that food is identity in the Pacific. Our region has immense food heritage and genetic wealth. We must protect it, celebrate it, and build systems that ensure its benefits for Pacific people,' he said. 'Today, through discussions on invasive species, climate-informed food systems planning, and domestic production, we are collectively shaping strategies that are tailored, timely, and rooted in national priorities,' added Vivili.
The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This biannual week-long event was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Sinaitakala Tukuaho of the Kingdom of Tonga. PWAF brought together governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and the private sector to chart a transformative path for agriculture and forestry in the region.
Hosted by the Government of Tonga's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, PWAF served as an essential platform for sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and driving collective action toward resilient and sustainable food systems across the Pacific.
The fifth PWAF will be hosted by the Solomon Islands in 2027, as agreed by Pacific countries and territories.
FAO and SPC, as key technical and resource partners in the region, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pacific Island Countries in tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, working collaboratively in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
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