25-07-2025
Cook Islands Completes Landmark Crop Pest Survey To Strengthen Trade And Plant Health
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands has successfully completed a national crop pest survey, its first in years, as part of a push to protect local agriculture and strengthen trade opportunities in the region and beyond.
The survey, carried out from14-25 July 2025 in Aitutaki and Rarotonga, was led by the Cook Islands' Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Australia's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Lincoln University. It forms a key part of the Cook Islands' commitment under PACER Plus to improve its plant health systems and support safe, sustainable trade.
'Keeping our agricultural borders strong for potential export opportunities requires good data,' said Ms. Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Head of the Ministry of Agriculture. This survey provides exactly that, an up-to-date understanding of the pest and disease risks facing our crops, and a stronger foundation for trade.'
The fieldwork involved targeted surveillance of key crops and entry pathways across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, followed by in-country diagnostic training for Ministry staff. Samples collected were analysed in-country and further tested in DAFF's specialised laboratories in Australia. This dual-track approach not only ensured scientific rigour but also built long-term diagnostic capacity within the Ministry.
Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, said the plant health surveillance demonstrates how to facilitate international trade while protecting plant life or health in the PACER Plus territories.
'Cook Islands is showing leadership by investing in the systems that matter such as biosecurity, pest reporting, and diagnostics,' he said. 'We're pleased to support this work because plant health isn't just a technical issue. It's about growing exports, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring farmers can reach new markets with confidence.'
The activity included the procurement of specialised traps, lures, and field kits from Australia, and hands-on training for Cook Islands agricultural officers in data collection and pest identification. Survey results will be used to update the Pacific Pest List Database and meet reporting obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
By providing an updated pest status, the survey sets the stage for more accurate pest risk assessments, improved biosecurity planning, and strengthened trade access for Cook Islands-grown produce, particularly in regional and international markets.
A final report capturing the survey's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in August 2025.
