Students challenge Wholesalers on Samoa’s high imports dependence

By Dwayne Mahimkar*

Apia, SAMOA – 26 January 2026 – A tense and at times confrontational discussion unfolded at the USP Samoa Campus, as Monash University students directly challenged wholesale industry representatives over Samoa’s heavy reliance on imported food and its implications for national food security.

The insightful session which quickly evolved into a debate, placed Samoa’s dependency on overseas imports under the spotlight and raising uncomfortable questions about sustainability, nutrition, crisis preparedness and environmental impact.

Representing the Wholesale sector were Commercial Manager of Ah Liki Investment, Clyve Westerlund and Farm Manager of Sunshine Farms (Frankie), Oliver Ubaub. The panel faced pointed questioning from students concerned about what many described “as a dangerous overdependence on imported goods.”

Mr Westerlund confirmed a statistic that drew audible reaction from the room, “Over 95% of goods in Samoa come from imports with only a small fraction locally grown or sourced.”

Students questioned whether such reliance left Samoa exposed during emergencies, trade disruptions or climate-related disasters. Others raised concerns about the nutritional quality of imported foods and their long-term impact on public health.

Monash student Trisha Vinesh Vijayan thanks panelists Oliver Ubaub (Sunshine Farms/Frankie) and Clyve Westerlund (Ah Liki Investment).

The 2025 Energy Crisis was also raised with students pressing wholesalers on whether profit was prioritised over product quality and accessibility during times of national disruptions.

Mr Westerlund maintained that Ah Liki Investment was prepared, stating the company relied on industrial generators to maintain operations.

“Power had to be rationed for several hours during the day or night,” he said, adding that supply chains were maintained despite the disruptions.

Students pushed further, questioning whether Samoa would cope if imports were cut off entirely following a major disaster. Concerns were voiced over whether reliance on external aid had replaced meaningful investment in local food systems.

In response, Mr Westerlund said Samoa’s international trade partnerships would provide assistance in the event of severe shortages.

“If we were to run low on supplies during a crisis, international partners would offer assistance,” he said.

The answer, while reassuring to some sparked further debate among students who argued that food security should be built at home rather than on foreign intervention.

The session ended with mixed reactions. Appreciation for industry transparency on one hand and lingering unease on the other as students left questioning whether Samoa’s current food system is resilient enough to hold and maintain a sustainable future.

*Dwayne Mahimkar is a Third Year BA student in Communications and Media.