Hazardous chemical used in farming was on the agenda at the Fourth Project Advisory Group (P.A.G.) Meeting at Nu’u Research Station, yesterday.
During his keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, spoke of two projects – both of which look at reducing the use of hazardous chemical in crop production through capacity building.
The first project is from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the second from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation program.
“Both of these projects have a common goal, which is the reduction of the use of pesticides in agriculture and agricultural production,” said Le Mamea.
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“Pesticide use in agricultural production is widespread around the Pacific farming communities with insecticides being a very popular product used in agriculture.
“There are mounting concerns on the adverse effects of pesticide and insecticide use in agricultural production and it affect agricultural systems and the health of the agricultural produce consumers.
“Increasing the awareness and the capacity of farmers on the adverse effects of pesticide and insecticide use is critical in ensuring that agricultural production remains safe for both the producer and the consumer of agricultural produce.”
He said the meeting was a unique opportunity for our neighbouring Pacific participants from Tonga, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, to witness first hand some of the ongoing developments in Samoa.
“We are greatly appreciative of your agreement, to hold the Fourth P.A.G. meeting here in Samoa during the 2013 meeting that was held in the Kingdom of Tonga,” he said.
“The main objectives of the P.A.G. meetings are to review the progress of the activities to date, identify shortfalls’ and issues, and to plan accordingly the way forward for the projects’ implementation.
“The Project Advisory Group consists of a diverse range of experts of pathologists, agronomists, economists and project managers to name a few.
“We truly look forward to effective dialogue, and meaningful engagement throughout the duration of the meeting in order to come up with feasible and practical solutions to decrease the reliance of our farmers on pesticides and insecticides in agricultural production.
“May I also take this opportunity on behalf of the four participating Pacific countries, to convey our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research, for your continual financial support which enables us to implement these current projects but also past agricultural activities and projects within the Pacific Region.”
The meeting concludes on Friday.
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