Minister of Agriculture presents Samoa’s Hand-in-Hand Investment Plan

18 October 2024 – The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi officially presented Samoa’s Hand-in-Hand Investment Plan at the FAO World Food Forum that focuses on the Coconut, Cocoa and Taro value chains.

The Plan, valued at USD 26 million, aims to modernize farming, improve processing technologies, increase access to premium markets, and reduce poverty by creating job opportunities and raising incomes for smallholder farmers.

The Minister led Samoa’s delegation at the prestigious FAO World Food Forum and Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, held from 14-16 October 2024 at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The delegation included Seuseu Dr. Joseph Tauati, CEO of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling, CEO of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour; and Lonnie Tuatagaloa, First Secretary to the Ambassador of Samoa to the United Nations Office in Geneva, along with Mrs. Heather Tupea Fosi Schmidt. Senior officials from the Samoa based FAO Sub Regional Office of the Pacific, Madam Xiangjun Yao and Mr Fata Philip Tuivavalagi also provided support for the Pacific Island countries presenting their Investment Plans at the forum.

Samoa’s participation in the event comes as part of the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HIHI), which seeks to transform agrifood systems by fostering investment opportunities that combat poverty, hunger (SDGs 1 & 2), and reduce inequalities (SDG 10).

The initiative champions collaboration and partnerships to improve market access, raise incomes, enhance food security, and bolster resilience against climate change for vulnerable communities.

La’aulialemalietoa and his delegation were also engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings with key partners, including FAO leadership, IFAD, UNCDF, WFP, World Bank, and development partners from New Zealand and Australia, to discuss shared priorities for Samoa’s agricultural growth, sustainable development, and building resilient food systems.

Samoa’s active participation in the FAO World Food Forum and Hand-in hand Investment Forum 2024 reflects the government’s strong commitment to transforming its agrifood systems and improving the livelihoods of all Samoans.