vol 6 no 2 August 2010

CONTENTS Strengthening Pacific agribusiness to enhance livelihoods...... 1 Potential income from old coconut trees...... 2 HOAFS Meeting...... 3 Importance of agricultural biodiversity in the Pacific...... 5 Atoll agricultural conference...... 6 EU-FACT activities...... 7 Media and ICT in extension ...... 8 Pacific youth in agriculture strategy...... 11 PARDI will be looking for opportunities to more efficiently supply existing international and domestic markets, as well as opportunities to develop new products and markets. Farming as a business and Pacific farmers association...... 12 Biosecurity updates...... 13 Strengthening Pacific African tulip management...... 14 Coconut leaf pest in So Is...... 15 agribusiness to enhance Review of Vanuatu National Forest Policy...... 16 livelihoods Youth plan for climate change...... 17 ix Pacific island countries stand to problems are occurring, anywhere Quality Pacific Products...... 17 benefit from a four-year AUD10 along the producer-to-consumer chain. million project to improve the Collaborative research will then be Animal health reporting...... 18 S competitiveness of agribusiness in the designed to address those problems. Kiribati agroforestry training...... 19 region and enhance the livelihoods of PARDI will be looking for opportunities Solomon Islands Extension Pacific islanders. The Pacific Agribusiness to more efficiently supply existing Research for Development Initiative international and domestic markets, as Conference...... 20 (PARDI) is a platform for research and well as opportunities to develop new development of high-value agricultural, products and markets. PARDI will Land Resources News is the quarterly fisheries and forestry products in work closely with the private sector and newsletter produced by SPC Land Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, with encourage the constructive engagement Resources Division. expansion into Kiribati, Samoa and of governments with the private sector. Tonga. ACIAR Agribusiness Research We welcome feedback, comments or contributions. Please contact LRD PARDI is an initiative of the Program Manager, David Shearer, said publications officer: [email protected], or Australian Centre for International pearls and canarium nut are two of the the LRD helpdesk, [email protected]. Agricultural Research (ACIAR), to be high-value products to receive initial implemented by the Land Resources attention, along with improving the SPC Land Resources Division Division of the Secretariat f the supply chain competitiveness of the taro Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands Pacific Community (SPC) and The and breadfruit industries. Telephone: (679) 337 0733 University of the South Pacific, with In his opening remarks at Fax: (679) 337 0021 Visit our website: www.spc.int/lrd technical support from the University the inception workshop on PARDI of Queensland, James Cook University, workshop Acting Director of SPC’s University of Adelaide, Massey Land Resources Division, Mr ‘Inoke University and University of Sunshine Ratukalou, said that the productivity of Coast. the Pacific agricultural sector over the The initiative will use ‘value years has declined. chain analysis’ to identify where (.....cont’d overleaf) volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 1 Land Resources News IMPROVING PACIFIC AGRIBUSINESS...from pg 1 product development. the new project will focus on research ‘However, while there is an relating to high-value products which ‘Farmers are seeing fewer urgent need for initiatives like PARDI to might be small in volume but usually rewards in farming as a business. A key strengthen market linkages, past efforts gave better returns to smallholders. challenge for the region is developing to commercialise Pacific agriculture have The PARDI workshop pathways to promote commercial not been successful due to problems examined lessons learned from past agriculture within the traditional farming with the consistency of supply and the Pacific agribusiness projects, identified context, which will allow increased quality of produce. The impact of pests successful pathways and existing income generating opportunities for and diseases, declining soil fertility, initiatives with complementary rural households, but without sacrificing access to arable land and sheer hard strategies, and shared this information family and community cohesion and work to toil the soil are integral parts of among stakeholders. An important ultimately food security. development,’ said Mr Ratukalou. outcome of the workshop was a ‘Food production for a rapidly ACIAR through PARDI is common vision of the partners’ increasing population in the region will committed to improving competitiveness research and development strategy for therefore require greater productivity and market access for Pacific agricultural, products with real economic potential. for existing staple foods and better forestry and fisheries products in order to The inception workshop for management of land resources. increase economic growth for the benefit PARDI was held at Novotel Nadi, However, the key stimulus to increase of smallholder producers and traders in 15–17 June 2010. food production and productivity will the Pacific region. (For more information, please be an increased market demand; and ACIAR Suva-based program contact [email protected]) indeed, increased returns to producers. manager Dr Richard Markham said For this to be realised, improvements in domestic and overseas market linkages are needed.’ Mr Ratukalou said ‘agricultural Potential income from development projects tend to focus more on production, with insufficient old coconut trees attention to marketing surplus produce. PC in collaboration with Basically, if a farmer cannot sell the Australian Centre of surplus foodstuffs from his subsistence SInternational Agriculture requirements, why grow it? The Research (ACIAR) organised incentive to grow more hasn’t been there a half-day seminar to create because the market opportunities haven’t awareness on the potential of been identified and communicated to senile coconut palms. Themed, ‘Coconut Wood High Quality farmers. Flooring – A New Potential ‘PARDI can play a role by Industry for the Pacific’ the increasing the incentives for commercial seminar directly addressed a agriculture for Pacific farmers. This can recommendation of a regional be achieved through the development workshop on coconut wood utilisation held in 2004 to look at ways to or introduction of new, more efficient effectively use wood from senile coconut palms in the Pacific. technologies and by adding value The seminar was supported by Queensland Department of through branding, processing and Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and was held at the Holiday Inn hotel in Suva 3rd July, 2010. Mr Sairusi Bulai of SPC Land Resource Division, said a declining interest in the coconut industry is attributed to low commodity price and low production resulting in less return. “The low production is mainly attributed to senile coconut palms in the plantation.” “The only way to reinvigorate the interest amongst the communities to replant their old coconut plantation is to provide high economic return to the senile trees.” Mr Bulai said. He added that during the mid-70’s and late 80’s a lot of effort was made to look at in detail the properties of wood from senile palms and to determine the most appropriate end uses for the material. “This was mainly due to the findings that economic value for the senile palms was considered a vital component for success of any coconut revitalisation programme.” Mr Bulai said. The ACIAR-funded project through DEEDI in the last three years focussed on developing appropriate technologies and processes to produce high quality flooring from wood sawn from senile coconut palms targeting the high value international market for hardwood flooring. Flooring was one of the best options (photo, above) because it was Canarium nut is one of the two high-value thought that technology and skill level required to produce flooring could be products to receive initial attention, along with easily made available at Pacific island country level, especially at the initial improving the supply chain competitiveness of stages of the production process. the taro and breadfruit industries. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 2 Land Resources News

Agrobiodiversity on agenda of heads of agriculture and forestry meeting

he Fourth Regional Meeting of Heads of Agriculture Samoa has revealed that there is ample genetic diversity in local and Forestry Services (HOAFS) will be held from 14 to pigs and chickens, which will allow researchers to identify some T17 September 2010, in Nadi, Fiji Islands. locally adapted breeds that show specific resistance or tolerance The HOAFS forum is made up of CEOs, Directors to disease, limited feed and water, as well as climate change. and Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Agriculture and Agrobiodiversity can also make a significant Forestry of the 22 member states of the Secretariat of the contribution to our health. The increased consumption of Pacific Community (SPC). The Suva-based Land Resources imported foods of poor nutritional quality and the concurrent Division (LRD) of SPC provides the secretariat for HOAFS. neglect of traditional food systems has led to escalating The biannual HOAFS meeting is the main regional platform rates of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. for discussing Pacific agriculture and forestry issues, and for Growing and consuming the diverse traditional island foods updating members on developments at the national and offer an opportunity to improve the nutritional status and regional level across the two sectors. health of Pacific communities. Some Pacific Island countries In recent national and regional forums, there have and territories (PICTs) have already established national been strong expressions of concern and calls for more concerted programmes to boost local food production. Examples include efforts to address global issues such as climate change, food the Talomua programme in Samoa, Plant-5-a -Day in Fiji and security, biosecurity and trade, pest and disease incursions, Go Local in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). organic agriculture, and the place of youth in agriculture. The Mass media coverage of issues related to 2010 HOAFS meeting will address these issues within the agrobiodiversity has been relatively limited, although the context of the theme of the meeting, Agrobiodiversity to address International Year of Biodiversity 2010 has led to increased climate change, food security and trade, which recognises the UN coverage recently. Agrobiodiversity is an issue that cuts across International Year of Biodiversity 2010. a wide range of topics, including preserving island ecosystems, The importance of agrobiodiversity is specifically promoting health and addressing climate change impact. recognised in the SPC LRD Strategic Plan 2009–2012, which Recognition of its role in all of these areas will strengthen media includes the call to ‘conserve, develop, promote and utilise involvement in raising public awareness and political action. agrobiodiversity’. The establishment of the new Centre for Meeting organisers will work closely with the local Pacific Crops and Trees is evidence of the commitment of SPC and regional media during the 3rd HOAFS Meeting to provide to the sustainable conservation and use of agrobiodiversity. wide coverage of priority agricultural issues in the Pacific as Conservation and management of broad-based well to highlight activities marking the International Year of genetic diversity has been supporting the improvement of Biodiversity 2010. agriculture for 10,000 years. It is this broad base of diversity The 4th HOAFS meeting will review outputs and that has enabled agriculture to sustain increasing populations milestones from the SPC LRD Strategic Plan 2009–2012 and over the years. At the same time, this diversity has provided evaluate progress made on the recommendations from the 2008 resilience within agricultural ecosystems, so they have the HOAFS meeting in Apia. Discussions and recommendations capacity to recover from environmental stress and to evolve. from this important meeting will also guide the programmes This capacity to evolve has given us the diversity that can be the and activities of LRD for the next two years key to solving pest and disease problems. The sustainable use For more information on the 4th HOAFS meeting, please of agrobiodiversity can support the countries of the Pacific in contact [email protected]. meeting the challenges of climate change, ensuring food and nutritional security and developing trade. A recent livestock survey in Fiji, Niue, Tonga and volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 3 Land Resources News this broad base of diversity that has enabled agriculture to sustain increasing populations over the years. At the same time, this diversity has provided the resilience within agricultural ecosystems, so they have the capacity to recover from environmental stress and to evolve. This capacity to evolve has given us the diversity which can solve pest and disease problems. We have in the Pacific a perfect example of “diversity to the rescue”. In Samoa in 1993 taro production was severely affected by the fungus disease, taro leaf blight (TLB). Taro was the main staple food in Samoa as well as a Agricultural biodiversity is a sub-set of biodiversity and without it, we would have no food. lucrative cash crop, with exports worth ST $15 million annually. TLB wiped out the entire taro industry in a matter of Importance of months, raising food security concerns, and significantly reducing export agricultural biodiversity revenues, which affected the nation’s foreign reserves. Across the food sector, taro was soon replaced by less nutritious in the Pacific starchy staples in the form of instant by Dr Mary Taylor, Adviser, Plant Genetics third of the land in most countries of noodles and rice. The disease spread Resources and Manager, Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) the world. If these agricultural lands are rapidly throughout the country severely managed sustainably, they contribute affecting all local varieties. However, to wider ecosystem functions, such as its impact was the most severe on the hat is agricultural biodiversity? the maintenance of water quality, and variety Niue, which was unfortunate We often hear about the word W carbon sequestration. as this was the variety of choice for “biodiversity”, and when we do, we A range of populations commercial production. The area think of forests and inspiring species, are needed by agriculture, such as planted with taro Niue at the time was such as the gorilla and the panda. The pollinators (bees and such like) and extremely large and effectively ensured a global media highlight the threats to beneficial predators. These populations monocrop situation comprising a highly some of these incredible species and must have habitat diversity to survive. susceptible variety. For a while it looked thankfully also tell us when a new Agriculture therefore provides incentives like taro could no longer be the food species is found. But what exactly is to preserve areas, which support these of choice in Samoa. However, Samoa meant by agricultural biodiversity? populations. If we do not ensure there managed to revive its taro production Agricultural biodiversity is a sub-set of are habitats for these beneficial insects to by introducing new varieties from biodiversity and without it, we would prosper in, then agricultural production outside of Samoa. A variety from the have no food. Since agriculture began, could be negatively affected. Essential Philippines proved to be resistant to over 10,000 years ago, approximately functions such as nutrient cycling, TLB, as did a variety from Palau. These 7,000 plant species and several thousand decomposition of organic matter, pest varieties, and other varieties from outside animal species have been used for and disease control and pollination Samoa, formed the basis of a breeding human consumption. However, it are all maintained by a wide range of programme for TLB-resistant varieties. would be wrong to define agricultural populations in and near agricultural Without the input of these new varieties, biodiversity as just the plants and ecosystems. Increased nutrient that is agricultural biodiversity, Samoa animals that we eat - its value stretches availability and improved water – all would still be without its taro, a crop beyond these crop and animal species, helping us to produce better and more not only valued as a food crop but an and includes all forms of life directly food - can be the result of building on essential part of Samoan culture. relevant to agriculture, so not just crops and enhancing these functions. The need for diversity becomes and livestock but also organisms such as Moving on to agricultural far more apparent when we think of soil fauna, weeds, pests and predators. productivity to have a closer look at how agriculture will adapt to climate A closer look at agricultural how biodiversity helps food production. change. The negative impact of climate biodiversity highlights the huge role Conservation and management of change on agriculture, and thus on the it plays in our lives, and why we broad-based genetic diversity has production of food, could well place need to ensure we are conserving this been supporting the improvement at risk all other efforts to mitigate biodiversity and sustainably using it. of agriculture for 10,000 years. It is and adapt to new climate conditions. Agriculture occupies more than one- volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 4 Land Resources News

no single characteristic, no one climate consuming local island foods offer an Farmers will come across problems change gene that can ensure adaptation opportunity to improve the nutritional never before experienced: far greater across the board. In the Pacific we have status and health of Pacific communities. weather variability, increases in average significant crop diversity, albeit in some Some excellent work conducted by temperatures, increases in the numbers countries more than others. However, Dr Lois Englberger of the Island Food of extremely hot days, shorter growing through regional sharing mechanisms, Community of Pohnpei has clearly seasons, far greater moisture stress, such as the regional genebank at the shown the nutritional benefits that can added salinity from salt water incursion Secretariat of the Pacific Community be gained by thinking about which and irrigation systems, and new (SPC Centre for Pacific Crops and variety of banana to eat. The right combinations of pests and diseases. Trees), we can access crop diversity that choice can greatly increase the level of Agriculture has to adapt to this does not exist in our own country and beta-carotene consumed, and thereby wide range of challenges without any importantly in our own region. boosting our Vitamin A levels and our real idea of exactly what the weather We have discussed the benefits general immune system. pattern will be – unpredictability is of agricultural biodiversity to food In talking about agricultural perhaps the most demanding of the production and also to the wider biodiversity we must not forget the challenges. The Pacific is particularly ecosystem services. Are there other variety of living organisms that maintain vulnerable in this respect in that our benefits? Agricultural biodiversity can our soils. Using agricultural practices food security is dependent on crops also improve our health. Obviously that build on existing ecological that do not get the research attention the maintenance of water quality is processes such as soil conservation, of crops such as wheat and maize. important to our well-being but through and biological pest control, and With these more global crops, there is choosing what we consume, we can utilizing systems that include crop significant funding being channelled significantly improve our nutritional and livestock diversity, can reduce to international research institutes to status, which has beneficial effects on the need for fertilizers and pesticides, determine the impact of climate change our health. Serious health problems have thereby preserving the health of the through climate modelling and also in emerged throughout the Pacific as a agricultural ecosystem, and ensuring both conventional and non-conventional result of lifestyle changes. These changes food production into the future. breeding programmes. To some extent include the trend towards increased When you think about the we are on our own and more reliant consumption of imported foods of poor benefits that agricultural biodiversity on the traditional practices that has nutritional quality and at the same time, can bring at the individual, local, sustained agriculture in the Pacific a neglect of traditional food systems. national and regional level, and beyond for generations, and those traditional Rates of diabetes and other non- that globally, every effort has to be practices have centred round diversity. communicable diseases are escalating, made to promote its conservation, The only solution for while micronutrient deficiencies, and importantly its utilization. At the adaptation is agricultural biodiversity including vitamin A deficiency and local level, the diversity found within a – this biodiversity, in particular crop anaemia also exist. The presence of home garden can be increased through diversity, is the raw material for both of these types of nutritional growing a range of crops and also not adaptation, which will enable farmers disorders has been termed the “double the same variety of one crop. With to continue to produce food. There is burden of malnutrition”. Growing and sweet potato, for example, there is the very tasty orange fleshed variety that provides health benefits with every bite. Growing different crops and varieties ensures a diverse healthy diet, and food on the table regardless of the weather patterns. At the national level, using practices that safeguard and sustainably utilize agricultural biodiversity will secure food production, and at the same time, support a healthy population. Surely there cannot be anything more important than agricultural biodiversity, a “commodity” that sustains life?

For more information on agricultural biodiversity, please contact Dr Mary Taylor, Adviser, Plant Genetics Resources and Manager, Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT): [email protected].

The Samoa taro breeding programme benefited from agrobiodiversity through the introduction of a diverse genepool of taro varieties as parent material. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 5 Land Resources News Atoll Agricultural Conference —

The future is here; dialogue for setting the direction for atoll capacity for the Centre’s sustainability. food production, research and development A key strategic direction identified by conference participants was the need for developing an effective governance structure for the Centre in order to ensure ongoing strategic guidance and accountability to stakeholders. This was recognised as a critical development towards sustainability as was the need to ensure that the Centre is well linked with other research centres and existing agriculture practitioner networks, such as the Pacific Islands Extension Network, the Pacific Agriculture and Forestry Network, and the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community. The conference recommended that the Centre of Excellence focus on the Atoll Agricultural Conference following themes: • Research: Address the specific he Government of Kiribati Climate change, in particular sea level challenges of atoll food production and T— through the Ministry of rise, exacerbates these difficulties. Each environmental sustainability in light of Environment, Land and Agriculture country’s experiences, knowledge and climate change issues. Development — hosted the 2010 approaches in developing agriculture • Development: Address the Atoll Agricultural Conference with the differ. To effectively adapt, we need to most pressing development needs of theme, ‘The future is here; dialogue share skills, knowledge and experiences. atolls including food and nutritional for setting the direction for atoll food The survival of atoll agriculture depends security, climate change mitigation production, research and development’. largely on cooperation and partnerships.” and sustainable management of the The conference brought together Tuvalu’s Deputy Prime Minister environment. representatives of agriculture ministries and Minister of Natural Resources and • Trade: Enhance livelihood from across the Pacific as well as non- Environment, the Hon Tavau Teii also opportunities for atoll farmers through governmental organisations, and farmer attended, and stated, I have chosen to facilitating domestic and international and private sector stakeholders to discuss come to this particular atoll conference trade. the future of atoll agriculture. The because of its uniqueness, timeliness, • Partnership: Build strategic agriculture ministers of Kiribati and and its emphasis on atolls, which I have partnerships at national, regional and Tuvalu also attended. The conference to say is one of the first of its kind for international levels to ensure that the was held at the Otintaai Hotel, in South many years. It is also in the interest goals of the Centre are met to the benefit Tarawa, Kiribati from 26–30 April of my government and people for my of atoll farmers. 2010, and was financially supported by presence to learn from other atolls, but • Capacity building: Build the International Fund for Agricultural also to share some of our experiences and the Centre’s institutional capacity for Development (IFAD), the Food and developments, for the common good sustainability and also the Centre’s Agriculture Organization, and the and interest of our atoll communities, contribution to building enhanced Secretariat of the Pacific Community and to participate in working together human resource capacity within atoll (SPC). Key development partners with everyone in this conference, on a countries. included the University of the South way forward to further enhance our atoll Pacific, the Taiwan Technical Mission, food security and our people’s sustainable Next steps the World Vegetable Centre and livelihoods. Outcomes of the conference will the United Nations Development The overall objective of be presented to the SPC Heads of Programme. the conference was to map the way Agriculture and Forestry meeting in forward for the Kiribati-based Centre of September 2010 in order to further Conference communiqué Excellence for Atoll Agriculture Research bring to the forefront the development Delegates and representatives of the Atoll and Development that was established challenges of atolls. Agricultural Conference wish to endorse through an IFAD grant in 2008. Our development partners, the recommendations and key strategic leaders of atoll countries, and larger directions identified during the meeting. Centre of Excellence for Atoll countries with atolls are encouraged to The conference was guided by Agriculture Research and Development foster the development of the Centre the remarks of Kiribati’s Minister for The objectives of the Centre of of Excellence in order to address the Environment, Lands and Excellence are to 1) establish a pressing and challenging conditions of Agricultural Development, the Hon knowledge base on atoll agriculture with atoll food production and environmental Amberoti Nikora, who noted, “The the participation of farmers themselves, sustainability. atolls face extraordinary challenges 2) improve management for atoll For more information, please contact due to the poor composition of soil. agriculture, and 3) develop institutional [email protected]. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 6 Land Resources News

EU-FACILITATING AGRICULTURE COMMODITY TRADE (FACT) “SPC FACT is committed to permit or licence to operate. This extra Training develop VCO not only in Fiji but in the layer of specialists became a huge benefit supports Pacific as this will not only benefit the to the EU PACRIEP funded training private sector but also the grass roots.” project. development of “One thing about VCO, it could The SPC subregional office in Pohnpei even be produced by the women in the helped in organising the training. VCO most remote parts of Fiji - there is no The training is a timely follow up by Vinesh Prasad, FACT Information Assistant necessity for big capital and machines to the EU-FACT funded program and using the fermentation method,” Dr Development Sustainable Agriculture three-day workshop on quality Thomson said Projects (DSAP, Pohnpei) on capacity assurance and processing standard A “FACT project is providing building in Food Processing and Product of virgin coconut oil (VCO) was technical assistance to several private Development carried out in September conducted at Secretariat of the Pacific entrepreneurs through EU support, and October, 2009 which covered the Community’s (SPC) Community including especially Origins Pacific Ltd Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), Education and Training Centre in here in Fiji and Pacific Spices in PNG. Pohnpei and Palau. Narere, Nasinu (Fiji) from 21st to 23rd “FACT is also supporting the The Food Safety Authority in FSM June, 2010. Hazard Analysis Critical Control benefited with a greater appreciation of The workshop which was funded Point (HACCP) certification, a food the role they play in food inspection as by European Union and facilitated safety process, which is now one of the well as monitoring of processing premises by SPC’s Land Resources Division requirements demanded by the market.” before issuing Food Handling Permits to (LRD) invited 18 participants from Fiji He acknowledged the support processors. including Rabi Island. of European Union through Pacific The training format comprised of Free Lance International Regional Economic Integration Program, presentations, practical exercises and Consultant on Coconut Processing and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and developing of Good Manufacturing Utilization DIVINA D. BAWALAN the Ministry of Primary Industries for Practices (GMP) for better from Philippines, conducted the promoting the development of VCO in understanding. training supported by project staff from Fiji. Briefly at RMI, pandanus baby food EU funded Facilitating Agriculture development continued for the EU Commodity Trade (FACT). . Strengthening FACT Enterprise Robert Reimers Ent According to Ms Bawalan, the (RRE) with GMP for the pandanus Roundtable Meeting on the State of the food safety and process re-emphasised. For the island Art of Coconut Processing and Market state of Kosrae, the training activity Prospects of Coconut Products in the compliance in was a follow up to the EU FACT work Pacific Countries held in Fiji on June northern Pacific carried out in March 2010 on the 17 -18, last year highlighted the need taro flour processing for export. More of Pacific countries to focus on the by Apiame Cegumalua, Export Processing Marketing Officer, FACT emphasis on GMP with taro processing production of high value products for and identifying local produce for export. livelihood enhancement. reating awareness and building For Pohnpei, the active participation “The current training course is Ccapacity in the Food Safety Program and contribution by the Environmental a follow-up from that basic training and Compliance in food processing Protection Agencies (EPAs), Health module on the Processing of VCO, its were the objectives of a training exercise officials, the Small Business Enterprise by-products and downstream products, funded by the EU-Pacific Regional Centre and the CETC graduates was focusing on good manufacturing Economic Integration Programme a highlight to the training. The week’s practices and quality assurance (PACREIP) under the Forum Pacific training at Pohnpei facilitated the system that needs to be applied in Islands (FPIs) for the northern Pacific. integration and interlinking of relevant the processing of VCO to meet The training was conducted by stakeholders for food safety standard international standards.” Ms Apiame Cegumalua, and Manasa development and compliance. In the Ms Bawalan added that Katonivualiku of the Fiji-based EU- state of Palau, another enthusiastic understanding coconut oil and its Facilitating Agriculture Commodity group of small business entrepreneur and quality parameters, that entails physical Trade (EU-FACT) of the Land Resources trainers keen to adapt the GMP in their and chemical characteristics of coconut Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific operation. oil is very important because standards Community. The training was conducted It is anticipated that small business of VCO are directly related to it. in June, 2010. entrepreneurs attending the training “Also having sound understanding The one week training in each in these island states at FSM and RMI of the technology involved will enable Island state under the EU- PACREIP and Palau will now produce safe food them to attend to queries raised by their Funding which now includes Kosrae not only for consumers but will from buyers.” state, generated a lot of interests not now on promote food safety with their Dr Lex Thomson, Team leader of only from those involved in food counterparts for exports. It is envisaged FACT project assured the participants processing but particularly those involved that more training is to be carried out that SPC FACT strongly supports VCO with food inspection, monitoring and in the future as funding permits, for production in the Pacific including Fiji. implementation and have the authority those involved with issuing Food Safety to provide Food Handling Certificate or licensing or permits. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 7 Land Resources News Regional participants to the Pacific media summit visited a community reforestation project in the interior of Viti Levu...... up to 30% of the national gross domestic product (GDP) in some Pacific states comes from the agricultural sector. Media and ICT can help strengthen national extension services by Emil Adams, Publications Officer, LRD. quarantine. Kiribati airs an agricultural face challenges because of the scarcity in radio programme fortnightly, and Tonga human, financial and physical resources. adio remains a viable and cost- has three weekly three agricultural radio The need ‘to do more for less’ is a realty, Reffective medium for disseminating programmes each week.. and partnering with the media can help information on agriculture and rural Agriculture in the Pacific is enhance extension services. The extension development to the Pacific’s remote a significant contributor to rural officer to farmer disparity points to and geographically challenged islands. employment and food security, and is challenges in delivering information. Radio provides up to 90% coverage a foreign exchange earner. Up to 30% In Papua New Guinea, the ratio is one in most Pacific Island countries, and of the national gross domestic product extension officer per 3,600 people, and is the most common way that most (GDP) in some Pacific states comes in some parts of the northern Solomon rural communities receive information. from the agricultural sector. Agriculture Islands this ratio is 1 per 14,000. For However, lack of funds for programming accounted for over 50% of the Solomon medium size islands such as Samoa and poor reception in very remote Islands GDP in 2006. Most Pacific and Tonga, the ratio is closer to 1 per islands can hinder the use of radio for Island countries have large rural 800 people. Extension work is further communication. populations, with an estimated 15% hampered by a lack of transport, or lack In a recent workshop on Pacific of the population engaged in formal of fuel for transport. media and agriculture and rural employment. Agriculture’s contribution The production of extension information development held in Fiji in May 2010, to Pacific Island economies goes far is the task of the information units presentations from Fiji and Kiribati beyond simply the production clearly indicated that radio is the ideal of crops and livestock. The medium for communication, given multiplier effects of agriculture both countries’ many scattered outer on the rest of the economy can islands. Even larger Pacific Islands have be many times more than that isolated inland villages, some of which shown on quantities of primary are accessible only by hours of travel on production alone. horseback, and where radio is the only The delivery of information, source for information. technical advice and agricultural Radio and other forms of media skills training for farmers play a key role in bringing agriculture rests with national extension information to poor, rural communities. services. However, extension Vanuatu has five radio programmes every activities are typically given a week on agriculture ranging from market low priority across the Pacific. Ms Jemiama Garrett of Radio Australia conducting an information to talk-back shows covering Extension work continues to interview. Moses Stevens, PINA President looks on in the agriculture, fisheries, livestock and background. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 8 Land Resources News of national ministries of agriculture. priority news, how However, the capacity of national agriculture is reported agricultural information units to provide in the news, and this service have diminished over more. the years because the service is made In light of the redundant, or because these activities constraints of human have been absorbed into other technical and financial resources divisions following structural reforms and geographical implemented by national governments in distances, the the 1990s. media and ICT are Research and development on being promoted as agriculture is carried out at government valuable tools in the research facilities. Increasingly, researchers delivery of extension are adopting a holistic and participatory information. Group discussion session.....the media and ICT approach, recognising farmers’ input Increasingly, ICT is being regarded as are being promoted as valuable tools in the delivery of extension information into research and carrying out on-farm a tool for sustainable development and trials. The media and information and poverty reduction. Island countries and territories have communication technology (ICT) can Mobile phones offer another non-functional information units, help facilitate the link between research potential for extension workers, with extension officers need basic training in and extension. estimates of up to 50% of Pacific communication skills such as writing Farmers groups are formed in some Islanders having access to mobile phones. press releases for newspapers and radio, Pacific Islands to help screen new crop Mobile phones could help extension interviewing skills, publication and video varieties for taste, yield and production workers disseminate information on crop production skills, and using ICT for qualities. The farmers group ‘Taro pricing or pests and diseases to farmers. extension work. Improvement Project’ (TIP), based In Tonga, a pilot exercise is underway 4. Develop strategies on media at the University of the South Pacific using mobile phones to link farmers and convergence and explore cost-effective (Samoa campus) screens new varieties extension officers. The United Nations ICT that will increase intensity and of taro being bred at the Alafua campus Conference on Trade and Development diversity of media coverage of extension against the fungal disease, taro leaf blight. (UNCTAD) is helping develop an activities. TIP farmers have identified more than efficient market information system and 5. Broaden media formats to include: 10 varieties of taro that taste good and a user-friendly platform to disseminate • radio talk shows, using local are suitable for marketing. Planting information via mobile phones. celebrities and/or champions; material for the new taro varieties are UNCTAD supports the establishment of • local news on TV and newspapers; being propagated by selected farmers a regional information hub that would be • partnerships with other relevant for distribution to other farmers. (For based at SPC. sectors such as health, education, rural more information on the taro improvement Recognising the important role development, to co-sponsor media programme, please contact TIP coordinator, the media and ICT plays in assisting Tolo Iosefa: [email protected]). extension and information dissemination, (.....cont’d on pg 10) Partnering with the media offers participants at the Pacific Extension an alternative for extension agencies to Summit put forward the continue with one of their core functions following strategies for — disseminating information. However, using ICT and the media in this might be a challenge for smaller atoll extension transformation. countries such as those in Micronesia 1. Never use ICT as a stand- where media outlets are limited or non- alone strategy. It is one of existent. The increasingly important role many tools to use in extension of the media calls for a closer working work, but the value of face-to- relationship with extension workers. face communication must not Extension officers should also be be forgotten. responsive to new innovations emanating 2. Link round-table media from farmers. ICT can be used to capture capacity training to major or record these innovations and bring agriculture and forestry them to a national forum in order to events such as the Ministers share them with farmers from elsewhere. of Agriculture and Forestry The Pacific media summit in May and Heads of Agriculture and recognised the need for media workers to Forestry meetings to increase develop trust and a greater appreciation the level of reporting on of efforts in rural development work. agriculture and forestry in local Conversely, extension needs to be media. aware of the operations of the media 3. Identify opportunities industry, how information is collected for capacity building in media and reported, what is considered to be production skills for extension Participants were hosted to a officers. Because many Pacific luncheon by the Tokaimalo community. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 9 Land Resources News PACIFIC MEDIA SUMMIT...frm radio broadcasts of field days. CTA Launches the Peoples’ pg 9 Choice Photo Contest on ‘Peo- programmes; The Technical Centre for Agriculture ple, Water and ICTs’ • DVDs on agricultural practices; and Rural Development (CTA) has • mobile phones and telecentres; organised several information and Take part in the Peoples’ Choice Photo Con- • establish a help desk to improve communication workshops and test on ‘People, Water and ICTs’ and share extension services; seminars for Pacific ACP member your photos with the world. The Grand Prize is a Digital SLR and the opportunity to par- • high frequency radio for outer states in the past and in collaboration with SPC’s Land Resources Division. ticipate, all expenses paid, to the CTA Annual islands; and Seminar in Pretoria, South Africa from 22-26 The focus on the role of the media • the Internet and email groups; and November 2010. OLPC. in agriculture and rural development 6. Encourage media groups at was the highlight of a seminar held in It’s EASY TO ENTER and it’s FREE! Just upload national and regional levels to assist Brussels, Belgium in October 2009 your photos in the following categories: with information dissemination. Some (http://annualseminar2009.cta.int), • People and water (water use, in- of these groups include: Journalists where over 200 representatives of the cluding ACP coping mechanisms with respect to water or lack of it); Association of Western Samoa, Pacific media industry and rural development practitioners from ACP countries • Technology and water (informa- Islands News Association, PACNEWS, tion and communication technology (ICT) and gathered for discussion on the topic. The Islands Business, Radio New Zealand information and communication management International, Radio Australia, and seminar aimed to encourage the media (ICM); Pacific Regional Organisations Media to give greater prominence to agriculture • Water and environment (role of Officers. Encourage participation and in ACP countries. Media orgnisations water and climate change in agricultural and send out press releases on national through capacity building can facilitate rural development). and regional agricultural events, awareness, learning and action to address For more information on the contest, visit the seminar website to post famer field days, agricultural shows, major challenges in agricultural and rural development. SPC coordinated the your photo or, once voting starts, to vote for workshops, farmer success stories, and your favourite photo. See the Contest rules participation of Pacific representatives to environmental and health issues. The and regulations for details or contact us at purpose of these measures is to promote the seminar. [email protected]. the formation of media focus groups The Pacific media and agriculture that are specific to agriculture and rural meeting in May 2010 is an outcome Don’t forget that Registration, Call for Papers, development, as a means of addressing of the Brussels meeting, and the Exhibition and Sponsorship information are also now available on the seminar website: the lack of specialised media reporting in Pacific became the first member of this sector. ACP region to conduct a follow-up workshop. Participants to the Pacific Register now! 7. Establish media awards that Registration for both sponsored and self- acknowledge and encourage agricultural meeting comprised local and regional sponsored individuals and organisations is reporting. media organisations and heads of available online until 30 September 2010. 8. Incorporate a media component national extension services. An email Sign up before 16 August 2010 to take into national agriculture and forestry group has been formed to facilitate advantage of the Early Bird discounts. Get strategies to allow for the dissemination communication between the media online and reserve your place. of outputs and reporting of best and extension workers, and for summit Send in your Abstracts! practices. organisers SPC and CTA, to monitor growth in media coverage of agriculture The Call for Papers (oral, poster or multi-me- 9. Develop partnerships with dia presentation) is open until 30 September international organisations, local and rural development issues. Meeting 2010. Click here for detailed information on funding agencies, business houses, and participants also developed national plans the requirements and guidelines on how to non-governmental organisations to to increase synergies between the media submit your proposal or abstract and here to co-fund newspaper supplements, TV and agriculture through networking and send your paper. programmes, video documentaries, and capacity building. The Pacific Islands News Association has Exhibit your products and services to ACP been tasked with helping decision makers! coordinate media Find out how you can present research, prod- ucts and applications through demonstrations. training for regional Participation will be highly rewarding and extension officers. offers a unique opportunity to showcase your A similar effort to organisation to a highly-targeted audience increase media coverage comprising over 250 ACP decision makers — but focusing on the and influencers. environment, including the impact of climate Become a Sponsor Take advantage of a variety of sponsorship change — is currently opportunities to enhance your organisation’s being coordinated dedication, image and standing in the area by the South Pacific of water management. Regional Environment For more information, visit the semi- Programme. nar website at Bill Jaynes (Kaselehlie Press, FSM) and Keni Lesa (Samoa Observer) http://annualseminar2010.cta.int or contact take in the sights during the field trip to the interior of Viti Levu. [email protected] volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 10 Land Resources News

Pacific youth in agriculture WHAT THEY SAID...... strategy consultation ‘We need to change the negative one-day consultation on the Pacific perceptions that are everywhere AYouth in Agriculture Strategy was – whether in the village, school, town. held on Thursday 8th July 2010, in For most people agriculture is their last Suva at Studio 6 Conference Room. option. Many community elders hold on The public meeting in Fiji kicked off to the land titles which means that during a 3-week Pacific wide consultation to their most productive age, many young seek views from relevant stakeholders farmers have no access to land. We on the recommendations made need to be innovative and creative – we to increase youth participation in can’t keep producing the same crops agriculture in the Pacific. The purpose using the same techniques that we’ve of the youth in agriculture strategy is to been using for the past few decades recommend actions and initiatives that and expect to compete – we need to all stakeholders can pursue to encourage diversify,’ Livai Tora, Kokosiga Project the active engagement of youth in Officer. agriculture across the region and the development of young agricultural ‘We need to empower communities to provide extension services – train them entrepreneurs. to be the arm of the extension service Speaking at the opening of in the village. More effort is needed to the public consultation seeking youths Mr Bulai said times are improve coordination between different view, SPC Land Resources Division changing and we must recognize what rural development service providers head of forestry and trees Mr Sai Bulai modern society demands. The increasing – collaboration is currently mostly ad- said that Pacific youth comprise about integration of the cash economy with our traditional way of life demands that hoc.’ Jalesi Mateboto, SPC agricultural 20% of the total population of Pacific officer. Island countries and territories and their we equip our young people with the necessary skills to manage this transition. proportion is projected to grow at an ‘There are no strong youth platforms that annual rate of 2.2%. As part of the strategy development process, sessions on youth can act as a watchdog for our interests “This rapid rise in the – we need to strengthen institutions number of young people will increase in agriculture were held at the Pacific Youth Festival in 2009 and field work such as the Pacific Youth Council.’ Vana, demands for essential social services Department of Youth. such as education and health, and for was conducted in three countries (Fiji, Kiribati and Tonga) to inform the employment opportunities. ‘We need to provide young people with strategy recommendations. This public “Many young people in the region incentives. In schools no one ever sees the consultation provides an opportunity already struggle to find formal money for their agricultural work. Right for all interested stakeholders to employment when they leave the now we do agriculture to plant, eat and provide their views on the issue and education system. Agriculture has share – we need to put more emphasis often been regarded as a fall-back recommended actions. It also aims to on income generation. We can’t look at option – something to do if you don’t further collect examples of successful youth in agriculture separately – need to find anything else. But with high-levels case studies of youth in agriculture with link with the broader youth development of youth unemployment, increasing good potential for replication. issues. Many of the issues such as youth pressure on urban areas and high The Pacific Youth in Agriculture self-confidence are not agriculture food import bills should we not be Strategy will be presented at the next specific. We need to build the capacity doing more to encourage, support and Heads of Agriculture and Forestry of the person first.’ Aminiasi Driu, SPC- empower our young people to realise the Services (HOAFS) meeting in September CETC agricultural officer. full potential of a career in agriculture? 2010 and the Ministers of Youth in And in the process help to improve food October 2010 for their endorsement and ‘Agriculture at school is mostly the theory security, livelihood opportunities in rural to take back and adapt to the national side – not the practical side. We just areas and reduce pressure on urban areas. level. had small plots near the school but in my “Agriculture is not for everyone The development of the Youth village most of the farmer is on sloping – not everyone wants to be a farmer. in Agriculture Strategy responds to a land and we were never taught anything But our youth who are seeking to make request by the Ministers of Agriculture about contour farming techniques.’ agriculture a career should be supported to examine this issue in more detail Sainimare Sagawale – at the family and community level, and is an initiative of the Pacific within the church, and from extension Agriculture and Forestry Policy Network ‘The curriculum needs to inform students services. We should strengthen technical (PAFPNet) in partnership with the about all the options available to them. and vocational education to help support Human Development Programme of the Not just prescribe the use of chemicals young farmers meet their personal Secretariat of the Pacific Community. but also inform them of the damage that For further information, please chemicals can do and organic agriculture development goals,” said Mr Bulai. contact [email protected] solutions.’ Lynda Miller, Fiji Organics. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 11 Land Resources News EU AAACP News growers, by marketing multiple crops in different seasons; the dangers of ‘sideline selling’ by members and the need to discipline members who engage in this activity; the limited access Pacific Islanders enjoy to major trading partners markets, such as Australia, because of overly restrictive quarantine regulations, and the opportunities to address these; the importance of marketing to domestic consumers, in particular tourists; the importance of avoiding taking on too many overhead costs and poor cash flow; the real opportunities provided by certification (organic, fair trade, etc) but the difficulties PIC farmer groups Farming as a business will have in meeting and maintaining certification obligations, because of their small size and capacity; the need for and the role of farmer PIC governments to regulate imports of inferior and expired food products, associations which are displacing local produce; the importance of establishing enduring by Tim Martyn, LRD Resource Economist relationships with commercial out growers, by maintaining standing orders hat role should farmer associa- Farmers Association, the Farm Support and being understanding of supply tions play in assisting their mem- Association of Vanuatu, the Vanuatu W difficulties, as well as providing extension bers to increase their earnings through Organic Cocoa Growers Alliance, support; by assisting growers to meet improved marketing, certification and Nature’s Way Co-operative of Fiji, demand specifications; and the need to support? And how can we ensure that Tutu of Fiji, South Sea Orchids of Fiji, engage and empower individual growers the work of farmers associations can be Tongan Growers Federation, and the and families, rather than communities sustained? To answer these questions, Rarotonga Nita Growers association or other hypothetical groups which SPC LRD, the Food and Agriculture from the Cook Islands. Representatives don’t tend to define how Pacific growers Organisation of the United Nations from the Niue Department of organise. (FAO) and Nature’s Way Co-operative Agriculture and the PNG Highlands Finally, co-ordinating production combined to work with, and hear from, Group, as well as Fiji FRIEND and and demand cycles by engaging farmer groups from across the Pacific the Fiji ACIAR Papaya Project also with middlemen and buyers and region. participated. incorporating demand information into Held in Nadi, Fiji 3rd – 7th SPC provided information on the topics growers’ production practices would be May 2010, the training, funded under farming as a business and the costs one area of work PIC farmer networks the EU All Africa Caribbean and Pacific of maintaining organic certification, should engage in: “improve your Agricultural Commodities Program the costs and benefits of Fair Trade middleman” rather than demonising (AAACP) also recognised the role of certification, and some of the new types middle men and other key intermediate new information and communication of fair trade certifications emerging, actors who are instrumental in matching technologies in accessing and understanding and implementing supply with demand; farmers and farmer disseminating market information. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control networks should focus on their area of The training, organised by Points (HACCP) principles in expertise – farming – and not divide FAO and Nature’s Way Cooperative agricultural processing, and the their energies amongst too many supply of Fiji, focussed on the role of farmer emergence of new technologies and chain functions. organisations and networks in opportunities for the implementation of The workshop concluded with linking small farmers to markets. In better Market Information Systems. the FAO providing a commitment to addition, the training provided Pacific Other key issues and themes to continue to support farmer networks in farmer organisations with a better emerge from the training include ‘key the Pacific with capacity building and understanding on marketing as well as person dependency’ and the need to get further training under the EU AAACP learning management skills in operating young people and the next generation project. Under the programme FAO in a business environment. actively involved; problems Pacific Island will offer bilateral support, in addition Participants included farmer networks face meeting their to further regional activities. In the representatives from the Melanesian operational costs, and meagre financing meantime SPC will provide ad hoc Farmers First network, Kastom opportunities available; the importance support to countries and organisations Gardens from Solomon Islands, of diversifying income sources for Samoa’s Women in Business, Samoan that request it. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 12 Land Resources News

BIOSECURITY The negative effect of transboundary Biosecurity animal diseases, plant pests and invasive SPC alien species was stressed especially for small and vulnerable island states with contributes to training for inadequate resources to respond to incursions. Border inspections therefore Nauru and must be thorough and effective. fight against The workshop was officially Kiribati closed by the Minister for Environment, termites by Roy Masunda, Biosecurity and Trade Lands and Agriculture Development, he fight against the subterranean Facilitation Officer, LRD Hon Amberoti Nikora, who presented Ttermites affecting Fiji was boosted participants with workshop certificates. with a contribution of $20,000 worth We need to be aware Present at the closing ceremony were the of equipment from the Secretariat of the of the negative impact two permanent secretaries, Mrs Murdoch Pacific Community. of introduced exotic of MELAD, and Ms Matereta B. Raiman SPC Land Resources Division, of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry Inoke Ratukalou, handed over the organisms on the health of and Cooperative Services. plants, animals, humans equipment to the Operation Kadivuka For more information, please contact team coordinating activities in Lautoka and the environment. [email protected]. City. Mr Ratukalou said the donation wenty quarantine, research and was to help stop termites infestation. Textension officers from Nauru and Review of “In quantifying our commitment, we Kiribati attended a one-week training noted that our bio-security and forestry course to improve their knowledge and technical team had continually provided skills in effective border control and Pitcairn Island advice and guidance to the taskforce,” management. The training is intended to he said. strengthen their capacity in biosecurity Biosecurity The donation included computers, hard hats for field teams, cameras and operations, to minimise the risk of entry by Nacanieli Waqa, Biosecurity and Trade of exotic pests and diseases including Facilitation Assistant, LRD recorders and tents. invasive species. The officers were Mr Ratukalou said the secretariat recently engaged to provide biosecurity n 2006 SPC technical assistance will hire the services of an expert from services at their national borders. Ihelped to establish a biosecurity Australia to help with the manaagement The course was held in Tanaea, operation on Pitcairn Island, to maintain of the termites. Tarawa, Kiribati, from 7 to 12 June, the Island’s relatively pest free status, and “Our commitment is in line with 2010, and provided by the two SPC prevent the incursion of new pests. the responsibilities stipulated in our technical officers, plant pathologist In March 2010, Pitcairn mandate to all countries in the region. Tony Gunua, and biosecurity and trade Biosecurity was reviewed. The main Our bio-security concern and response facilitation officer, Roy Masamdu. aims of the review team were to assess on this incursion in Fiji from a regional The training was funded under by the the system and identify any gaps, so that perspective, is critical to us. Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic a plan could be formed to address any “Since our division monitors pest Relations (PACER) Regional Trade problems identified. distribution and movements within the Facilitation Programme under the The team reviewed seaport region, we are taking a scientific and quarantine support programme. border control activities, pest strategic approach so that our efforts are In her opening remarks, the surveillance and early detection implemented in a timely manner. permanent secretary for the Ministry of especially of fruit flies. Essential “This is to prevent the chances of Environment, Lands and Agriculture documentation, the pest identification termites spreading to other countries Development, Ms Tarsu Murdoch, referral system, and biosecurity within the region.” reminded the participants of fragile equipment were also examined. He said the migration of pests Pacific environments. The review team began negotiating to other countries have negative ‘We need to be aware of the access to the markets of the Gambier implications on trade, especially those negative impact of introduced exotic Islands of French Polynesia for some of who export fresh produce. organisms on the health of plants, Pitcairn’s fruits and vegetables. Meetings “It is imperative that the bio- animals, humans and the environment. were held between the two countries to security service maintains its country’s Therefore we need to strengthen finalise technical processes for market pest status.” our border operations to prevent access. The termites live six to eight feet introduction of new pests and diseases,’ The team also recommended underground and cover 300 feet in she said. updating pest surveys. radius in a compound. The termites have The training workshop covered SPC Biosecurity will continue infested cassava plants, breadfruit trees, aspects of aircraft and vessel inspection, to provide the necessary technical coconut trees, and mango trees and will pest and disease surveillance, import assistance and guidance to Pitcairn have implications on food security. regulatory systems, pest incursion Biosecurity, in order to continue to and response and export facilitation. facilitate trade. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 13 Land Resources News trials no other systematic research on physical or chemical methods have be undertaken in the Pacific.

Biological Control Biological control is the use of natural enemies to regulate a weed or pest population. In 2006, the Pacific Island Heads of Agriculture and Forestry urged SPC to find ways to manage the African tulip as it was becoming a major economic invasive species. While efforts have been slow due to financial Addressing the scourge of constraints the SPC Land Resources Division has made significant progress the African tulip tree into finding biological Other common names for African tulip include Fountain tree, Indian Cedar, or Santo control agents which Domingo Mahogany. The all-year round production of bright red to orangey flowers could provide a sustainable makes it an attractive ornamental plant. long term solution to the African tulip tree problem. by Warea Orapa, Plant Health Coordinator, LRD The answer lies he Africa tulip tree, Spathodea of which reach only about 25 m in height with in identifying highly campanulata, is a native of profound effects on their dependent assemblage of adapted biological control Tequatorial Africa and belongs to native epiphytic or arboreal flora and fauna. Limited agents (usually insects, the plant family, Bignoniaceae which also to no studies on the ecological and economic impacts mites and fungi) from has the ornamental trees, Jacaranda and of invasive species like African tulip in the Pacific, we the centre of origin of the Tecomaria. Its common names include can only make assumptions on what such a visually weed. Knowing the native Fountain tree, Indian Cedar, or Santo aggressive species is doing to the environment, people home range of the weed is Domingo Mahogany. The all-year round and economy. necessary to allow for the production of bright red to orangey identification of potential Control measures flowers makes it an attractive ornamental biological control of the plant. Chemical and Physical Control pest where it originated The attractive flower is probably The plant protection team at the Fiji Ministry of and occurred before being the reason for its introduction into Fiji Primary Industry has conducted limited research spread by humans. and other Pacific Islands from the 1930s. on herbicide efficacies using available herbicides. SPC is The African tulip tree is a fast growing They recommend three (3) herbicide formulations collaborating with the softwood tree and a worst invasive tree in using Tordon Gold®(Picloram 100g/l and Triclopyr Rhodes University and disturbed forests, river valleys, farmlands 300g/l combination), glyphosate(36% & 45% the Agriculture Research and forest plantations in Fiji, Papua New a.i.e) and a combination of 2,4-D and Dicamba. Council both of South Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti, Cook Islands and All the formulations mixed in water can be sprayed Africa to undertake a many of other Pacific Island countries. on the tree trunks after debarking with excellent locating the native home In Fiji the tree is now naturalized in both control in Fiji in 2009. Apart from these ad-hoc range of the African tulip the drier (western) and wetter (eastern) populations now present sides of the Fiji islands and widespread in Fiji and Papua New in moist south eastern parts of Viti Levu Guinea (PNG). where shifting cultivation and forest Using genetic techniques clearance is still practiced. to identify weed origins The light weight seeds of African tulip make its spread rapid in S. campanulata is a winds germinating quickly in even the polymorphic species smallest of forest gaps created by single comprising of three tree falls in native forests. Growing up to subspecies all of which are 30m tall in some areas, African tulip can native to central Africa. The three subspecies, easily displace a number of dominant The attractive flower is probably the reason for its subsp. congolana, native upland Fijian tree species many introduction into Fiji and other Pacific Islands from the 1930s. subsp. campanulata and volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 14 Land Resources News subsp. nilotica, have different native distributions. The morphological Coconut leaf pest polymorphisms found within the species indicate that considerable genetic investigated in Solomon variation probably exists in the region of origin. Different plant genotypes Islands may have varying levels of resistance to by Fereti Atumurirava, Plant Health Technician, herbivorous insects and mites, making LRD The SPC plant health technician some plant genotypes or subspecies plant health mission to Santa also visited Don Bosco vocational more susceptible than others to certain Cruz and Malaita group of school compound in Tetere on the main biological control agents. The region of Aislands in Temotu Province, island of Guadalcanal to investigate origin of the weed population genotype Solomon Islands took place in June reported coconut leaf damage looking is therefore important for the biological 2010 with the aim to try and find the very similar to leaf miner damage. Mr control programme against the weed parasite for the coconut leaf miner pest, Atu thoroughly examined the damaged because insects found on the closest Promecotheca opacicollis. coconut leaves and confirmed the native relative to the weed population The pest was first reported from reported damage is caused by Brontispa will be the most suitable biological Tikopia island in the control candidates for use on the Santa Cruz group in genotype (s) found in the Pacific. 1962. Tikopia is the To locate the native range of African tulip populations now invasive in the eastern most island of the Pacific, the SPC Plant Health team is Santa Cruz group and is working with South African researchers closest to Vanuatu, some as well as those in Uganda and Ghana. A 240kn away. In 2007 the study of the DNA from African tulip tree pest was reported from the leaf samples taken from wild populations two island groups, Santa in Fiji and PNG were matched with Cruz and Malaita. DNA from various locations in tropical SPC plant health and subtropical Africa and found that assistant, Mr Fereti the samples from West Africa showed Atumurirava conducted similarities with those from PNG and the survey of the islands Fiji although the DNA from PNG and in Santa Cruz. The survey visited West longissima coconut pest. Brontispa larvae Fiji showed some variation, indicating Santa Cruz localities of Banie, Manuali and adult both that the African tulip in these two and Nemba and East Santa Cruz in attack coconut countries are from West Africa but Nambalue and Neboi. A boat trip leaves, especially probably introduced separately. covered the coastal islands of Matu and the unfolded ones. Whilst in Field Exploration for Natural Enemies Neo localities in Temotu Neo islands. Santa Cruz Mr In mid 2009, based on molecular Field excursion was conducted in Atu checked up matching studies conducted at Rhodes collaboration with agricultural staff. University by Iain Patterson, a Master A wasp, Pediobius parvulus is the natural on farmers who of Science student working under the predator and biocontrol agent for the received training supervision of Professor Martin Hill, the coconut leaf miner pest. The mission in a farmer field first field exploratory trip to Ghana was collected damaged coconut leaf samples school training on undertaken in August and September to determine presence of the wasp (photos control measures and led by Dr Stefan Neser of the Plant of damage symptoms shown above, and for taro beetle. Protection Research Institute of South right). The farmer field Africa. Close to a dozen potential The biocontrol wasp lays its eggs school training natural enemies of African tulip inside the larvae of the coconut leaf was held in were collected in Ghana alone. These miner pest, killing the pest as adult wasps Honiara in 2007 at the completion of insects and a mite are being identified emerge from the pest larvae. the ACIAR-SPC project to identify taxonomically and recommendations Collected leaf samples were prepared control measures for taro beetle. Farmers have been made to screen at least 3 and are now kept in special insect proof who received the training on applying of them for possible use as biological cages under a constructed shade at control measures are now supplying the control agents in Fiji and PNG and other Honiara market with taro, a huge success Pacific Islands. the post entry quarantine compound story in identifying sustainable pest Further field exploration work at Henderson. The temporary shelter management strategies for major Pacific is planned but has been limited due to was constructed as the national plant lack of funding. health facility is as yet to be completed. crops. Agriculture staff will monitor in the For more information contact: Warea Orapa, months to come the emergence of any on email: [email protected] parasites, and to verify identity of the species. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 15 Land Resources News SPC/GTZ Regional Programme on Adaptation to Climate Change in the Pacific Island Region

SPC/GTZ provided technical assistance to facilitate a review of forestry during a series of consultation workshops with Vanuatu stakeholders, who represented government, industry and communities. SPC/GTZ is facilitating a coordinated approach to climate change awareness in Vanuatu as part of the Vanuatu climate change assistance. Review of Vanuatu National Forest Policy by Christine Fung, Land Use Planning and are appropriately captured in the draft, aims to build and strengthen the Facilitation Specialist/Deputy Team Leader, feedback from all stakeholders will capacities of the ni-Vanuatu people, and SPC-GTZ Suva Office. be incorporated. The intention is for their organisations and government, to the new policy to be endorsed by the help them adapt to, and mitigate the he Vanuatu component of the Vanuatu Council of Ministers by the effects of, climate change in agriculture, SPC/GTZ Regional Programme end of 2010. forestry, and land management. Ton Adaptation to Climate The Vanuatu ACCPIR Steering SPC/GTZ is facilitating a Change in the Pacific Island Region Committee has identified three coordinated approach to climate change (ACCPIR) began activities with a pilot sites where it will implement awareness in Vanuatu as part of the comprehensive review of the Vanuatu community-level climate change Vanuatu climate change assistance. National Forest Policy. adaptation measures. Pilot activities Bringing together the primary climate The Vanuatu forest landscape is are identified in the Vanuatu National stakeholders, ACCPIR is developing undergoing major changes including Adaptation Programme for Action a standard “climate kit” to bring a shift in focus from the harvest of (NAPA) and include introducing NACCC’s key messages to the people natural forests, to the promotion of climate-resistant crops, breeding for of Vanuatu. The coordination team forest plantation with key timber extreme weather-adapted livestock, has presented a draft version of the species like whitewood (Endospermum developing community land-use climate kit to workshops organised by medullosum), sandalwood (Santalum plans, trialling new agroforestry and Wan Smolbag Vanuatu, the Fisheries austrocaledonicum) , nangai (Canarium soil fertility methods and undertaking Department and the Vanuatu Village indicum), natapoa (Terminalia catappa innovative climate adaptation education Based Resource Managed Areas – tropical almond) and mahogany programmes. The activities will be Network. (Swietenia macrophylla). Developing directly implemented by Vanuatu GTZ- For more information on the a policy to guide forestry development partners including the Department of Vanuatu component of the Adaptation has clearly become critical in the face Agriculture, Department of Forests, to Climate Change in the Pacific Islands of current challenges including the Department of Quarantine & Livestock, Region project, or to find out how emerging threat of climate change in the Department of Environment and to become involved, please contact Pacific Region. Conservation, Wan Smolbag Theatre, the Vanuatu Steering Committee at SPC/GTZ provided technical Live and Learn Vanuatu, the Vanuatu [email protected] or assistance to facilitate a review of Farm Support Association, and the Mobile: 5552187. forestry during a series of consultation Vanuatu Agricultural Research and workshops with Vanuatu stakeholders, Technical Centre. More information can be found on who represented government, industry The Vanuatu component of the http://www.spc.int/lrd/Climate_Change.htm . and communities. A new draft National SPC/GTZ Programme is coordinated Forestry Policy was circulated in mid- by the National Advisory Committee May and, to ensure that sector priorities on Climate Change (NACCC), which volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 16 Land Resources News

QUALITY PACIFIC people today have acknowledged that PRODUCTS Pacific the consequences of living in a hotter world in the next 50 to 100 years call for hoppers are increasingly making youth plan urgent action today. Sdecisions between different products The Pacific Islands collectively based on their perceptions of its quality. for climate contribute less than 0.1 per cent of But what makes a shopper think one global greenhouse gas emissions, but product is of a higher quality than the the effects of climate change are already one sitting next to it on the shelf? Often change being felt in the Pacific. The youth of it is just the ability to prove the ‘quality’ by Nacanieli Speight, SPC/GTZ office Pacific Island countries, especially those claim. living in low-lying and coastal areas, will To help lure shoppers into eviving traditional knowledge be most affected. Innovation is needed buying Pacific products, The Pacific on caring for the environment to mitigate climate change impacts and Cooperation Foundation is developing Rcomplemented by advances in public-private partnerships must be a quality assurance model especially modern science can help better prepare established to address climate change at for products originating from the Pacific. Pacific island communities for natural the community and national level. The quality assurance model will assess disasters and a changed environment due At the end of the workshop, the business processes of exporters and to climate change. Pacific youth drafted national action measure the actual product against This was highlighted at the plans on climate change and with available national and international Pacifica Climate Leadership Workshop youthful enthusiasm showed eagerness standards. Products that achieve the attended by young people from Papua to take the plans back home for national requirements of the model will then be New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, consultation and implementation. able to carry the Pacific Quality Mark Samoa, Nauru, Fiji, New Zealand and The first milestone for the – True Pacific. Senior Programme Manager, Cook Islands. The workshop was held in workshop will be on 10 October 2010 Chris Cocker and Project Manager, Suva, Fiji, from 14 to 17 June, 2010. (10/10/10) when participants will Stella Tanoi recently travelled to the The youth and climate change collectively place their action plans into Pacific to gather expressions of interest consultation, taking to heart the the Global Work Party, which will be from Pacific exporters in becoming theme of ‘getting to work’, focused on taking place across the world. part of the pilot group of businesses to awareness raising and building leadership The Global Work Party is trial the quality assessment model and capacity amongst young people. an idea that originated in Britain and eventually become the first group to Workshop discussions covered was adopted by 350.org. The global carry the True Pacific label. climate science and climate justice, initiative focuses on activities that can Stella commented, ‘It’s so good climate policies, communications and help address the impacts of climate to see how many great Pacific products climate leadership, using the 350.org change including tree planting, clean-up are being produced in the Islands. True narrative format. campaigns, use of eco-friendly bags, and Pacific is going to create a market Regional and Pacific leaders the like. difference by giving consumers the want more consultation with youth The British High Commission confidence to buy Pacific and know they in planning national activities and the and the French Embassy in Fiji will be purchasing a product of proven workshop presented an opportunity for have pledged their support for the quality.’ Pacific Island youth to come together implementation of the action plans. ‘This is not a project to to discuss citizen-based responses to the The workshop was supported encourage shoppers to buy Pacific goods climate emergency. Even though it took by the SPC/GTZ (German Technical just for the sake of it - this is a project almost 100 years and an increase of 0.7 Cooperation) Regional Programme on that is taking strides to show that Pacific degrees Celsius for the world to react to Adaptation to Climate Change in the goods can take on the best the world in the urgency of climate change, young Pacific Island Region, the European terms of quality and is willing to prove Union, the British it.’ High Commission, Standards New Zealand has the French Embassy, been commissioned to work with PCF in the Embassy of the the development of the Pacific Quality People’s Republic Mark assessment model. A workshop of China, the Fiji was held in June with Pacific exporters Department of and stakeholders. SPC was represented Youth and Sports, by Stephen Hazelmen on behalf of the Embassy of the POETCOM. United States of Stella has also been working America and 350.org closely with the FACT Trade Facilitator Talei Goater and colleagues to identify For more information, potential exporters and to discuss future please contact: collaborative marketing opportunities. [email protected] For more information: [email protected]. Pacifica Climate Leadership Workshop participants. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 17 Land Resources News SPC advocacy to EU on behalf of SPC member countries, and the roles that would need to be adopted in terms of international expectations that animal health status be visible in order for trade to continue. He advocated increased awareness of aquatic disease risks which are likely to have implications for inter- national trade in marine ornamental fish from the Pacific. Dr Eduardo Leano provided an intro- duction to NACA (Network of Aquaculture Centres of Asia-Pacific, Bangkok), of which SPC is an Associate Member on behalf of SPC members. He touched on the aquatic diseases capabil- ity of NACA which includes regional reference laboratories, advisory services, SPC staff conducting post mortem training on poultry in Tuvalu. and training opportunities. Dr Leano also provided overviews about the main Improving capacity in animal health aquatic animal diseases, both IOE-listed and non-listed, likely to be of concern to and disease reporting the Pacific, in terms of how to diagnose The Workshop aimed to train appropriate fisheries, quarantine and these diseases and manage outbreaks. animal health staff in the use of the WAHIS system and animal ealth During hands-on WAHIS train- reporting procedures ing, Dr Leano provided realistic aquatic animal disease scenarios with which to acific island countries can look ing in the use of the WAHIS was con- try out the WAHIS system, and helped Pforward to maintaining market ducted for a number of countries in July participants to make appropriate choices access in marine products to the EU but 2009 by SPC in association with OIE and in filling out aquatic sections of their OIE conditional upon the establishment of FAO. However subsequent follow up has six-monthly and annual reports. improved animal health reporting in the shown that additional work is required in Pacific. order to strengthen countries’ ability to The main outcomes from the two This lack of animal health reporting comply with the reporting requirements SPC workshops, at the completion of this capacity has become a specific trade facili- and operate the system. second workshop on 25th June 2010, are first-time submissions to OIE of six- tation issue affecting the Pacific region’s Regional The second workshop titled, monthly and annual reports (for 2008) export trade in ornamental aquatic species Terrestrial and Aquatic Disease Reporting using the online WAHIS system by par- worth approximately USD 20 million Training was held in Nadi, Fiji Islands, 21 annually. ticipants from seven of the eight PICTs – 25 June, 2010. represented at the second workshop In 2009 the European Union (EU) The workshop aimed to train appro- – FSM, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon introduced new legislation requiring priate fisheries, quarantine and animal Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, and Vanuatu. competent authorities to meet particular health staff in the use of the WAHIS The remaining country, PNG, prepared reporting requirements including manda- system and animal health reporting proce- reports which were then “saved as draft” tory country membership of the World dures. The workshop focused on countries in the WAHIS system. These are ready for Organisation for Animal Health currently exporting aquatic ornamentals on-line submission, and will be submitted (OIE). At present only Fiji, Vanu- being able to comply with OIE reporting shortly subject to final checking by their atu, PNG, FSM and New Caledonia are procedures. However the training in the country’s OIE Delegate. Four countries members of OIE. WAHIS system also allowed Pacific island also submitted their reports for 2009. countries and territories to demonstrate The OIE reporting status of the eight SPC successfully negotiated with the their animal health status in regard to oth- participating PICTS as of 25 June 2010 EU to maintain this trade opportunity, as er potential aquatic and livestock export is shown in Table One. The training was well as to have non-OIE members added products. The workshop helped facilitate coordinated by SPC’s Animal Health and to the list of exporting countries. How- the development of disease reporting Production team in collaboration with the ever EU’s agreement is conditional upon systems in non-OIE member countries, Aquaculture Section of the SPC Fisheries, SPC assisting these countries to increase for both terrestrial and aquatic commodi- Aquaculture and Marine Environments capacity in aquatic animal health and ties – including ornamental fish. (FAME) division, with funding from the to make regular reports through OIE’s EU through the Pacific Islands Forum The workshop was opened by Dr Ken WAHIS. Secretariat, and from Coral Reef Initiative Cokanasiga, head of LRD Animal Health for the South Pacific (CRISP). OIE’s web based World Animal and Production team. Health Information System (WAHIS) is For more information, please contact lrdhelp- Dr Tim Pickering of SPC Aquacul- the standard system for reporting a coun- [email protected]. try’s animal health status. The first train- ture gave an update on the outcomes of volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 18 Land Resources News

Promoting agroforestry on Kiribati’s outer islands by Mr Ieete Temea, Agriculture Extension Officer, Agriculture Division, MELAD

evelopment of agroforestry Din Kiribati is seen as a way of improving food security. Kuria Island in Kiribati is the site of an agroforestry project aiming to integrate forest trees with food crops using local farming systems. The trees provide timber, Sarah Goulding of the Australian High Commision handing over seeds and farm supplies to Fiji agricultural officials for Cyclone Tomas rehabilitation efforts. SPC is helping coordinate the relief effort to help local firewood, shelter, ornamental values and farming communities recover from the devastation of Cyclone Tomas. herbal medicine, while food crops will include swamp taro and banana. The project, which is a Australian relief aid assistance collaboration between the Division of SPC Land Resources Division is coordinating an agricultural assistance package worth Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, FD$290,000 for Fiji farmers affected by Cyclone Tomas in collaboration with Fiji Lands and Agriculture Development Ministry of Primary Industry. The assistance is being provided as part of the Australian (MELAD) and SPC’s Forests and Trees government’s AUD$2 million assistance for Cyclone Tomas rehabilitation efforts. The Programme, is targeting the outer assistance is aimed to revive rural livelihoods post cyclone. islands. A team consisting of Mr Cenon The assistance has provided four tones of hybrid maize seeds and 62,000 kumala Padolina from SPC and two local cuttings. In addition, $100,000 worth of inputs will be provided to commercial taro officials from MELAD, Ms Tearimawa farmers in Taveuni. The soil fertility problems in Taveuni will also be examined as part Natake and Mr Ieete Timea, left Tarawa of the project. Both kumala and maize are fast growing crops and will boost food for Kuria Island in May 2010 to carry production across affected areas. out consultation and implementation of the project. The team brought with A ceremony was held in Suva in late July 2010 where the Australian High Commis- them various planting materials to be sion’s Counsellor Development Assistance, Sarah Goulding handed over the maize, distributed to households. kumala and fettilizer supplies to MPI officials. After discussions between team Staff from the Land Resources Division attended the handing over ceremony. members and the Town Mayor and Agriculture Extension Officer on MELAD Agriculture Officer, Ms Natake, helped conduct the practical training, the island, it was decided that the which ended with the group sharing the planting materials brought over by the team. agricultural association, Uaan the aoi ma These will be planted in backyards to mark the beginning of the project. te maeu, should be the site for project activities. Several households have been selected as demonstration sites for the agroforestry plots and more plants will be introduced to increase plant diversity at the sites. Swamp taro pits will be built and the area around the edges of the pits will be used for mixed farming, including banana and taro crops. A new site for pig pens was also discussed to enable a supply of manure for existing plantings downhill. Because a regular supply of planting materials for phased planting is essential, group training was conducted on propagation and management of tree crops following a discussion on the subject. The group found the training very practical and acquired new farming Kuria Island in Kiribati is the site of an agroforestry project aiming to integrate forest trees with skills. food crops using local farming systems. The trees provide timber, firewood, shelter, ornamental (...cont’d to next column) values and herbal medicine, while food crops will include swamp taro and banana. volume 6 number 2 - August 2010 19 Land Resources News their efforts to improve agriculture. The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) is helping to improve productivity in rice, vegetables, ornamental plants and small livestock. These activities are coordinated closely by the Department of Extension and Training. The Livestock Division presentation highlighted efforts to improve the quality of livestock products by imposing regulations on slaughtering and processing pork, chicken and beef. The national cattle project is aimed at reviving the cattle industry, including importing improved breeds from Australia, and The Department of Extension facilitates, develops and implements national re-establishing the Tenavatu Farm. agriculture development programmes, and champions the use of participatory The presentation by the Quarantine approaches to extension. Division covered efforts to protect Solomon Islands agriculture from invasive pests and Solomon Islands diseases. Two main threats are the giant African snail and cocoa pod borer. There was also Extension Conference discussion on international trade agreements that Solomon Islands is signatory to and how by Michael Ho’ota, Head of Extension, MAL, Solomon Islands these relate to trade. nhancing food security, generating rural employment, promoting The National Rice Development sustainable development, conserving natural resources, and caring with TTM began in 1983 with the successful Efor the environment are the foundations of the Solomon Islands establishment of demonstration farms. National Agriculture and Livestock Policy for 2009–2014. The policy TTM, which is based at King George Farm, document has become the blueprint and roadmap for the development of is now closely involved in the Provisional agriculture, and targets four main activities — cocoa and coconut produc- Rice Expansion Programme, with eight tion, oil palm development, rice production, and rearing small livestock demonstration sites set up in nine provinces. and cattle. Two other rice development projects are The Department of Extension and Training of the Solomon currently being developed. Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock held their annual extension The presentation on the Rural Development conference in May 2010 in order to review achievements in extension Programme Component 2 covered efforts to work and training against outputs identified in the National Agriculture improve agricultural services in four provinces and Livestock Policy for 2009–2014. (Choiseul, Western, Malaita and Temotu), The department facilitates, develops and implements national focusing on closer links between Ministry of agriculture development programmes, and champions the use of Agriculture and Livestock staff at headquarters participatory approaches to extension. The department plays a significant and provincial extension staff, and to establish role in facilitating the National Rural Rice Development Programme, the a National Agriculture Information System. National Oil Palm Development Programme, the Coconut and Cocoa A presentation on assistance from Rehabilitation programmes, and the Rural Development Programme the Australian Agency for International Component 2. Development discussed funding for the Rural The annual summit was held so that extension officers Development Support Project and the Cocoa could report on activities from their respective provincial centres. The Livelihood Improvement Programme. Department of Extension and Training facilitates the operations of Extension officers from the Department of provincial agriculture training centres (in collaboration with provincial Extension and Training identified several authorities), and community-based training is in collaboration with non- challenges to the efficient delivery of services governmental organisations, rural training centres, and other community- and to their roles as facilitators and trainers. based organisations. These include poor communication linkages The meeting was officially opened by the Minister of Agriculture and between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Hon Selwyn Riumana, who challenged agriculture Livestock headquarters and the provinces, extension agents and stakeholders to continue improving the delivery of delays in the release of funds that affect work technical services to farmers in order to achieve enhanced food security efficiency, the lack of operational guidelines and help alleviate poverty. for field activities, the lack of proper offices Permanent Secretary Mr Edward Kingmele introduced the and staff accommodation, poor transport National Agriculture and Livestock Policy, and referred to it as a guideline (e.g. outboard motors, canoes, motor-bikes, for national development. He emphasised the need to refocus the services vehicles), and minimal extension information. within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock so that they are more To increase efficiency the department aligned with the new policy, which promises to revitalise the agriculture encourages out-sourcing service providers as an sector. In doing so, agriculture will become a vital player in food security, alternative approach. income generation and poverty alleviation. The representative of the Government of Taiwan/ROC praised For more informnation, please contact: michaeltapa@ the continuing partnership between Taiwan and Solomon Islands and hotmail.com Abbreviation: DBH, diameter at breast height SPC-LRD main donor partners are European Union (EU), AusAID, volumeNZAid, German 6 number Technical 2 Cooperation- August 2010Agency (GTZ), and Taiwan/ 20 Land Resources News Republic of China