SPC signs partnership agreement with regional farmer network and launches value chain guide - photos of the event

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.

On the same occasion, the Agricultural Value Chain Guide for the Pacific Islands – produced by PIFON board members with the support of The Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation CTA, was officially launched. The practical guide targets farmers, traders and policy makers and takes into account the specific challenges in the Pacific, such as small volumes, high transportation costs and producers being far from the market. In order to produce the guide, participatory consultations with farmers and the private sector for better understanding the functionalities of the value chains for export markets, were held. 

A series of captures from the event, below :  

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SPC Deputy Director-General, Mrs Fekita ‘Utoikamanu signing the partnership agreement with Mr Andrew McGregor, PIFON Board Member; PAPP Team Leader, Mr Vili Caniogo looks on.

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Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Mr Ropate Ligairi (r), joins Ms Fekita ‘Utoikamanu (SPC Deputy Director-General), and Mr Andrew McGregor (PIFON Board Member) at the launch of the value chain guide book.

Source: http://bit.ly/1zMLFvj