SPC signs partnership agreement with regional farmer network and launches value chain guide

The Pacific Agricultural Policy Program PAPP enhances the regional (Pacific) and inter-regional capabilities of the agricultural sector in eradicating poverty. Specifically, the program works towards increasing the capability of Regional Agricultural Development Organizations of the Pacific region to address the development needs of the smallholder agriculture by improving the linkages between smallholder farmers, Micro, Small and Medium-enterprises and markets. Funded under the European Union’s Intra-ACP Agricultural Policy Programme, the Pacific component will dispose of €8 million (FJD 19.7 million) out of which FJD 400.000 are allocated to increase the contribution of agriculture and forestry sectors to national economic growth and livelihoods in the Pacific region, according to the partnership signed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community SPC and The Pacific Islands Farmers’ Organization PIFON. 

The signing ceremony of the partnership took place on 24^th October 2014 in Suva and brought together the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture in Fiji, Mr Ropate Ligairi, representatives from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, SPC and PIFON members. The signed agreement lays the foundation in the following key areas of work over the next 24 months: support for regional exchanges of expertise between farmer organisations and private sector partnerships;collaboration with Pacific country extension services, national farmer organisations and organic producers on promoting sustainable agricultural practices; strengthening the sustainability of national farmer organisations; and establishing a help desk for questions on commercial agriculture.