Samoa celebrates 2025 World Food Day & Launch Sector Documents

Apia, Samoa – 31 October 2025 – In celebrating World Food Day this week, the Associate Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Aiolupotea Tony Aiolupo called on everyone to build a Samoa where local food is not only grown and harvested with pride but also sold and consumed with safety, dignity and value.

Under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and Better Future”, the Minister said he was especially pleased to see the active participation of schools, the teachers and young students.

“Your presence reminds us that the future of Samoa’s food systems depends on the knowledge, choices and values we pass on to the next generation.”

Celebrated 30 October every year, Aiolupo who is himself a former Head of Livestock for the Ministry of Agriculture, said this year’s celebration comes at a very important time for Samoa.

World Food Day tasting trials of some of the vegetables grow under the Samoa Agricultural Development Partnership Project with China at Nuu.

“Just this week, parliament passed the national budget for the financial year 2025 – 2026, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to investing in agriculture, fisheries and food systems transformation as one of the key drivers of growth, resilience, and well-being.”

As part of the celebration, the Minister also launched six key sector documents that will guide the Ministry’s work and the sectors focus towards stronger, climate – smart, and inclusive food systems.

These documents are:
1.   Cost of Diet Analysis in Samoa – providing evidence on the affordability of nutritious diets for all Samoans.

2. Samoa Aquaculture Management & Development Plan 2025 -2030 – safeguarding our coastal resources and supporting livelihoods of our fishing communities.
3. Samoa Coastal Fisheries Management & Development Plan 2025-2030 – safeguarding our coastal resources and supporting livelihoods of our fishing communities.
4. Samoa Tuna Management & Development Plan 2025-2030 – ensuring sustainable management of our valuable tuna resources.
5. Samoa Tuna Fisheries National Monitoring, Control, Surveillance & Enforcement Strategy 2025 – 2030 – strengthening governance, transparency and compliance in our offshore fisheries sector.
6. Mid-term Review of the Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030 – assessing our progress and identifying areas for acceleration towards a resilient and inclusive food future.

Locally grown mushrooms and products on display.

“Together, these documents represent Samoa’s renewed vision, to harness the potential of our agriculture and fisheries sectors through evidence – based policies, improved coordination, and stronger partnerships.

“In closing, I wish to acknowledge all our stakeholders and development partners for their continued support of Samoa’s agriculture and fisheries initiatives. Special thanks to the FAO Sub – Regional Office for the Pacific for their financial support, and to the participating schools, teachers and students for their valuable engagement in promoting sustainable food systems and nutrition among our future generations.

“Let us continue working hand in hand, government and communities, farmers and fishers, partners and youth, to build a Samoa where local food is not only grown and harvested with pride but also sold and consumed with safety, dignity and value.

The active participation of schools, the teachers and young students at the celebrations.