Agriculture in the Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, plays a significant role in the local economy and food production. While agriculture in the Cook Islands is not as prominent as other economic sectors like tourism and fishing, it remains crucial for subsistence, livelihoods, and maintaining the islands’ self-sufficiency.

Some potential agricultural export opportunities exist in noni products, fish and seafood, taro, papayas, and bananas.

PHAMA Plus works with businesses and the public sector to maintain and improve trade of agricultural products by assisting them to meet export market requirements. PHAMA Plus also assists with market research and market development activities in support of export products. To maximise impact, the program works with key actors in the market system to generate benefit among farming households.

In 2021, the Government of the Cook Islands partnered with PHAMA Plus for technical support under the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus) to enhance agricultural trade and promote sustainable economic development. Cook Islands became the eighth country to ratify the PACER Plus Agreement in 2020.

Since then, PHAMA Plus program has been working in Cook Islands to promote, improve and facilitate access to regional and global trade in primary and value-added products from the Cook Islands, which will contribute to building economic stability and recovery from COVID-19.