Minister reveals fully organic island plan at Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry farm tour

Nadi

Nadi, Fiji – Tuvalu’s Minister for Local Government and Agriculture Honorable Saaga Talu shared his plans to declare one of the country’s islands fully organic at an organic farm tour that took place last week during Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nadi, Fiji.

This is an opportunity to see what is organic and what is necessary to go for organic as there are plans to declare one of the islands as such. We wanted to know better on how to go about becoming organic,” stated Talu. 

Talu spoke during a tour of Bulaccino Farm in Nadi, organized by the Pacific Community (SPC) project POETCom (Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community). The tour, attended by over 30 individuals, showcased the potential of organic farming in the Pacific region.

Bulaccino, owned by Mrs. Eileen Chute, was previously part of a sugar cane plantation and was converted into an organic farm 12 years ago. The farm supplies fresh produce to Bulaccino Cafes in Nadi and Suva.

Mrs. Chute highlighted the importance of organic farming and the legacy of traditional farming practices. She emphasized that Pacific forefathers and ancestors were able to grow crops and produce without the use of conventional fertilizers, a key traditional practice to recall as the region moves towards a more organic and sustainable future.

“It was a joy and privilege to showcase the miraculous transformation of Bulaccino Farm to this diverse and enthusiastic group of international stakeholders in the organic movement,” said Jim Pierce, POETCom Coordinator for the Land Resources Division at SPC.

POETCom partnered with several members and partners, including the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development, Sea and Soil, Tonga National Youth Council, and Bulaccino Farm at the organic tour to deliver scientific insights and products that ensure the soil and natural resources are ready to yield organic crops, fruits, and organic fertilizers. Each member set up displays and organic products and shared how their work aligned with POETCom values of health, ecology, fairness, care, culture and tradition. 

POETCom is an initiative of the Pacific Community the Land Resources Division.

This event was jointly supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Building Prosperity for Women Producers Project and the Kiwa Initiative through the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network Project.

Media Contact: Vilimaina Tamata, Communications Assistant POETCom:  [email protected]

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