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Locally-led investment strengthens Tonga’s root crop export sector

July 9, 2025

Locally-led investment strengthens Tonga’s root crop export sector A locally owned Tongan agribusiness is celebrating the launch of its upgraded agri-food processing facility—set to boost Tonga’s export capacity and provide new opportunities for youth, women, and the broader community. Kaufa‘a ‘o Tōkanga, a family-run business based in Nukunuku, Tongatapu, exports fresh and frozen taro, cassava and yams to wholesale buyers in Australia. With support from the Australia and New Zealand-funded

Supporting seedbanks for resilience in Vanuatu’s agriculture

July 2, 2025

Supporting seedbanks for resilience in Vanuatu’s agriculture The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Technical Centre (VARTC) are enhancing Vanuatu’s agricultural resilience through new seedbank toolkits. The Australia and New Zealand-funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program collaborates with DARD and VARTC through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity (MALFB) to establish a strong seed distribution system

Inclusive Agribusiness Guidance Note

July 1, 2025

Inclusive Agribusiness Guidance Note Inclusive agribusiness can enhance productivity, strengthen community ties, improve market access, and create sustainable economic opportunities for all — especially for people with disabilities. It provides practical actions that can be taken by agribusinesses, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and farmers with disabilities to create more inclusive agricultural systems. It is rooted in real experiences and diverse voices from across the Pacific. The Guidance Note

Pacific agribusinesses explore disability- inclusive agribusiness at PWAF 2025

May 27, 2025

Pacific agribusinesses explore disability- inclusive agribusiness at PWAF 2025 A side event at the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) this week brought together agribusinesses, government representatives, civil society, private sector and people with disability to explore what it means to be an inclusive agribusiness in the Pacific. Hosted by the Australia and New Zealand-supported Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program, the event “Becoming an

A legacy of cocoa excellence: Aisen Tavhabat

April 11, 2025

A legacy of cocoa excellence: Aisen Tavhabat Polycarbonate roofing, covering his solar dryer laden with cacao pods, is keeping Aisen Tavhabat smiling these days. Polycarbonate roofing is a durable, lightweight, and transparent plastic material often used to let in natural light while protecting against rain and UV rays. Gone are the days of replacing standard ultraviolet light plastic coverings that last only six to twelve moexplnths. Over the years, the

Reconnecting with roots: Oonagh Browne helping 200 Malekula farmers rediscover the power of Cacao

April 11, 2025

Reconnecting with roots: Oonagh Browne helping 200 Malekula farmers rediscover the power of Cacao In the heart of Malekula, cacao is not just a crop—it’s a forgotten treasure waiting to be rediscovered. For over 30 years, this ancient plant has flourished in the fertile soil of Vanuatu, yet the farmers of Malekula who tend to it have often never tasted its rich, complex flavours. Oonagh Browne, founder of The Cacao

Ronaldine Tchivi’s boosts Vanuatu’s food safety and certification

April 11, 2025

Ronaldine makes strides in food safety certification in Vanuatu At just 25 years old, Ronaldine Tchivi is already playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Vanuatu’s food safety and certification systems and standards. As a certification officer at Quality Solutions, she assists local businesses in meeting international standards for certification, opening doors to local and export markets. Certifications like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) are crucial

Milestone for Tuvalu’s red toddy industry

March 11, 2025

Milestone for Tuvalu’s red toddy industry A significant milestone for the Niulakita Island community will be marked this evening as Niukita Pty Limited officially receives essential equipment to support its red toddy juice production. The handover event highlights the growing potential of red toddy syrup as a key economic and cultural product for Tuvalu. The Honourable Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, together with David Charlton, Australian High Commissioner to

Timely boost for Tongan root crop exports

March 10, 2025

Timely boost for Tongan root crop exports Construction has commenced on the completion of a root crop processing and packing facility in the Eastern District of Tongatapu that will strengthen Tonga’s agricultural exports and improve the livelihoods of root crop farmers. The project is a partnership between Lotopoha Trading, one of Tonga’s leading root crop exporters, and the Australia and New Zealand supported Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus

Kaiming Agro Processing celebrates women in Fiji’s spice industry and launches new accommodation facilities

March 9, 2025

Kaiming Agro Processing celebrates women in Fiji’s spice industry and launches new accommodation facilities Kaiming Agro Processing Ltd today marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the vital role of women in Fiji’s spice industry and officially launching new women’s accommodation facilities in Navua. Founder Calvin Qiu highlighted the company’s commitment to gender equality, with women making up 130 of its 180 employees across all levels of production and leadership. The

Shaping the future: women’s growing role in Samoa’s agriculture

March 9, 2025

Empowering women in agriculture is crucial for community development and gender equality A recent study, supported by the Australian and New Zealand funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program and the National University of Samoa (NUS), highlights the challenges and opportunities that women face in Samoa’s agricultural sector. This International Women’s Day, themed “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” underscores the importance of actively

Breaking barriers in kava science: Deepti Devi’s groundbreaking research

March 4, 2025

Breaking barriers in kava science: Deepti Devi’s groundbreaking research Deepti Devi is making history in Fiji’s kava research, a field traditionally dominated by men. As part of her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Fiji National University (FNU), she is conducting groundbreaking work to analyse the kavalactone content in the roots and rhizomes of different kava varieties. Kavalactones are the active chemical compounds responsible for kava’s sedative properties. By studying their

Farming the future: Ane Mataitoga’s mission to protect crops and break barriers

March 3, 2025

Farming the future: Ane Mataitoga’s mission to protect crops and break barriers Ane Mataitoga Research Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways “Follow your passion!” These are the words of Ane Mataitoga, a dedicated research officer with the Plant Health Project, under the Ministry of Agriculture. Through the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program, Australia and New Zealand support the Plant Health Project, an initiative focused on

Celebrating a Milestone: Lapaha Packhouse Achieves HACCP Certification

March 3, 2025

Celebrating a Milestone: Lapaha Packhouse Achieves HACCP Certification The Lapaha Packhouse is now HACCP-certified, marking a significant milestone in Tonga’s food export industry. With technical support from #PHAMAPlus, funded by Australia and New Zealand, this facility now meets international food safety standards, opening doors to higher-value markets. This achievement brings multiple benefits to Tonga, including: Greater export opportunities for root crops, watermelons and coconuts More income for over 300 farming

Lami Kava launches instant green kava

February 28, 2025

Lami Kava launches instant green kava Lami Kava launches instant green kava Lami Kava launches instant green kava Lami Kava announced the launch of its new dehydrated green instant kava powder, a ground-breaking innovation in the kava industry. The launch, officiated by Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to take Fiji’s kava industry to new heights. One of

Revolutionising ginger production in Fiji

January 27, 2025

Revolutionising ginger production in Fiji When Calvin Qiu started his small ginger farm at Navua in 1997, he had little to no farming experience. All he had was a passion to learn and tenacious spirit to excel. Over two decades later, Mr Qiu has grown to be one of the country’s biggest exporters of the much sought after spice. His company, Kaiming Agro Processing Pte Ltd, has built a strong

Enhancing Kava Production, Increasing Volume, & Promoting Diversification in Vanuatu

January 21, 2025

The PHAMA Plus Program has signed new partnerships with Mount Kava, Hebrides Gate and El Manaro to improve kava production, volume and diversification in Vanuatu. These partnerships aim to increase Vanuatu’s kava exports through sustainable production, investment in onshore processing and product innovation.The proposed interventions align well with the objectives of the Regional Kava Development Strategy 2024 – 2028, the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and Vanuatu’s kava strategy. For more

Partnership to enhance kava industry

January 20, 2025

The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program, funded by Australia and New Zealand, has signed a new partnership with Fakatoumafi Kava Trading & Finance Services to support the kava sector in Tonga. This collaboration will focus on improving Fakatoumafi Kava’s processing capacity and food safety standards, and ensuring higher quality kava products for domestic and diaspora export markets. With enhanced processing capacity and improved product quality

Supporting Vanuatu’s resilience to climate shocks

January 17, 2025

The PHAMA Plus Program is working closely with Vanuatu to build greater resilience of the country’s agriculture sector to natural disasters. PHAMA Plus is strengthening seed distribution systems, providing seed bank tool kits and improving access to high-quality, climate-adapted seeds for farmers in partnership with Vanuatu Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Technical Centre (VARTC) through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries & Biosecurity.

SAPE expands with new facility, better exports

January 9, 2025

The Australia and New Zealand funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program is pleased to be working alongside Saints Agriculture Produce & Export – Sape in Samoa to help improve their operations and expand their reach. SAPE has been a cornerstone of the local agricultural community for over 9 years, providing fresh taro and other crops like yams, cocoa and kava to the American Samoa market.