Australia Steps up direct Support to Samoan Farmers

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 26 JULY 2022: The presence of Australia’s High Commissioner, HE Emily Luck at the Palauli No 1 Talomua last weekend, has been hailed by the Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao as a sign of the Australian government’s continuing support for Samoan farmers.

Emily Luck was a guest at the districts two day First Harvest – Talomua celebration that opened with a variety of entertainment on Thursday night that featured the Siva Afi fire knife dance icon, Leota Lene and dancers who is originally from the village.

Leading up to the Talomua, the Savaii Crops Farmers Association received much needed agricultural tools funded by Australia’s Pacific Island Rural & Agricultural Stimulus (PIRAS) Facility at a cost no less than US$100,000.

Laauli said more tools are expected for other districts and farming associations in the next coming months, and he acknowledged the Australian Government through HE Luck and PIRAS Facility for the support.

Luck acknowledged the Samoan Government’s Human Development Initiative which is Australia’s social framework for its key social impact development assistance.

Chainsaws, machetes, spades, shovels and agricultural tools donated to the Savaii Crops Farmers Association.

In March this year, Luck and Samoa’s Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o signed AUD$20 million grant to assist Samoa’s key policy reform and human development programs.

Australia’s support has been through either direct bilateral assistance or through the regional development programs.

In appreciation of the assistance, the Siutu Women’s Committee presented HE Luck with some of its unique handmade tapa – Siapo and some of the products on display at the various Talomua stalls.

One of the female farmers with her children displaying some of their harvest to ensure food security at home.

One of the female recipients of the tools is Faranisisi Fidow Sipaia, a farmer of Safotu village who said the tools are greatly appreciated and will help with what the Savaii Crops Association is trying to achieve.

“That is to rely and depend on our own lands and not on exported materials,” she said.

With more men leaving the land for seasonal work abroad, Faranisisi said the women are taking up farming and the fruits of their labour will be on display when her village puts up its Talomua harvest in December.