Cocoa is an important export earner in Solomon Islands. The Australian and New Zealand governments, through the PHAMA Program, have been supporting farmers to further develop the premium solar-dried cocoa export market. PHAMA has developed a series of videos that provides information and advice to cocoa growers and processors in the Solomon Islands on how to produce good quality cocoa for the premium or niche cocoa market.

Happy International Women’s Day! To mark #IWD2021, #PHAMAPlus is this week celebrating some of the leading women it works with. Dr Monika Devi, a veterinarian at the Biosecurity of Fiji (BAF) works closely with PHAMA Plus in safeguarding Fiji against African Swine Fever (ASF) – a viral pig killing disease. In this video, she tells you what #ChooseToChallenge means for her and what its like in her role! PHAMA Plus is proud to work with women and men staff of Pacific biosecurity authorities perform their market access facilitation functions better.

Kusuta is a watermelon grower from the village of Tatakamotonga in #Tongatapu, #Tonga. Married to Sosefo Amone with 7 beautiful children, the couple runs a family farming business – where everyone is involved and has equal roles. They supply watermelons to Nishi Trading for the export markets. “I draw inspiration and support from my husband. Farming for us is a partnership as a family where everyone is involved and has a role to play both at the farm and also at the local market,” Kusuta says.