Govt. urged to rethink

“Amending the Act that would allow large Fishing Vessels to fish in our E.E.Z. would only serve in diverging fi shes (sic) and others that have lived in our oceans” – Committee tells Parliament

The government has been urged to reconsider a way to assist “numerous fishermen” whose livelihoods are likely to be affected if Apia Export Fish Packers closes its doors.

That’s the advice from Parliament’s Primary Production, Commerce, Industry and Labour (P.P.C.I.L.) Committee in a report to Parliament, obtained by the Samoa Observer.

Chaired by Le’aupepe Tole’afoa Fa’afisi, the Committee says it’s imperative for the government help.

“Although the closing of this company is not official, the Committee believes that the Government should consider a way to assist in maintaining the living of numerous fishermen in the country,” the Committee’s report says.

“Especially since this Company has served the fishing development of Samoa, and has contributed to the country’s economy.

“Furthermore, companies who have played a part in Samoa‘s economy should receive assistance from the Government in times when it is in trouble and is in need of assistance.”

The Primary Production, Commerce, Industry and Labour (P.P.C.I.L.) Committee in its report on the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Annual Report for the Financial Year Ending June 30, 2011 was among 39 reports tabled and approved by Parliament without debate, last month.

The reports have been obtained and published by the Samoa Observer for the information of members of the public.

In its report the Committee warns the government about the fish being taken by bigger fishing companies from countries like Taiwan and how this would impact negativly on an already struggling industry.

“The Fisheries Division is no longer benefitting from revenue, due to changing prices of fishes found in the sea,” the Committee reports. “It was perceived that the majority of the public have steered this development in support with Samoa’s economy as well as serving the family, and the congregation.

“It was observed, that this development is not easy and cheap but it is important, in that everyone benefits in any development, so that Samoa’s economy continues to grow.

“The fisheries development was under full support by the Apia Export Fish Packers (A.E.F.P.) Limited who exported fishes under request in preparation for ocean fishing when it was delayed and other setbacks.”

However, the Committee went on to “carefully” note that A.E.F.P. will close due to business development.

“It was confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, that an opportunity will be given to Fishing Companies from Taiwan who will initiate this service together with provisions as set out, ‘The Act will be amended to allow Fishing Companies to enter Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone within a radius of 25 miles’.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries sees no reason as to why it is restricted, when fishes travel from one ocean to another.”

However, the Committee found reasons as to why this Act shouldn’t be ammended and why the A.E.F.P. Ltd Company should not close.

“Amending the Act that would allow large Fishing Vessels to fish in our E.E.Z. would only serve in diverging fishes (sic) and others that have lived in our oceans,” the Committee says.

“It would affect the living of local Fishermen, if the A.E.F.P. Ltd Company were to close.”

Other members of the Committee include Maualaivao Pat Ah Him as Deputy Chairman and Tuiloa Anetelea, Afualo Wood Uti Salele, Tialavea Fea T Seigafolava, Aeau Peniamina Leavaiseeta, Aveau Nikotemo Palamo served as memebers.

The report is published in full below:

1. RECOMMENDATION:- The Primary Production and Labour Committee recommends that the Assembly takes note of its Report.

2. PREAMBLE:- The Primary Production and Labour Committee is constituted pursuant to the provisions of Standing Orders 174.

3. STANDING ORDERS 174:-

It shall be the duty of the Committee: (a) To consider any bill, petition or other matter referred by the Assembly pursuant to these Standing Orders; and such Estimates or review of ministerial performance as maybe referred by the Finance & Expenditure Committee; (b) To examine the policy, administration and expenditure of ministries and associated government organizations related to primary production, commerce, industry, labour and tourism.

4. PAPER CONSIDERED:- (Presented 26/03/2013) (Referred 27/03/2013) P.P.2012/2013 No. 75, Annual Report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for Financial Year ended 30th June 2011.

5. WITNESSES:- During the course of its investigations, the Committee was able to hear oral evidence submitted by: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries: Fonoiava Sealiitu Sesega - Chief Executive Officer Misa Konelio -

Assistant Chief Executive Officer Crops Division Leota Laumata - Assistant Chief Executive Officer Livestock Division Lupeomanu Pelenato Fonoti - Assistant Chief Executive Officer Quarantine Division Fetu Setu - Assistant Chief Executive Officer Corporate Services Division Joyce Samuelu - Assistant Chief Executive Officer Fisheries Division Taimalietane Matatumua -

Deputy Assistant Chief Executive Officer Policy, Planning and Communication Division 6. FINDINGS:- Looking through the Ministry’s Annual Report in its executive, it was noted that Monetary Reserves for Work Outputs has seen a number of changes with the exception of 99% of Expenditure that was in line with the outlined resources. There are Divisions within the Ministry where monetary spending has increased due to the following reasons: Quarantine Division:

Additional Personnel to: - Fulfill work at Fagalii Airport; - The precise period in the opening of an operational wharf in Satitoa, Aleipata; - Increase salaries of Employees in accordance with additional responsibilities; Crops Division: There is work that the Ministry considers should take first priority as the Chief Executive Officer revised it before its implementation, at the exact time it was under review. This revision also included the Livestock Division in Vailima.

6.1 ONGOING SERVICES: -The Ministry is pleased with its findings that garnered positive results in searching good quality taro for public consumption, as attested by the widespread growth of taro in Samoa. This standard was not aborted but it has instead given its assistance in exporting taro to overseas markets. This preparation includes selecting and cleansing suitable taro before packaging. The Ministry emphasizes this service in that it looks ahead in continuing this standard in order to access more markets overseas. The Ministry previously wished to research relevant markets but the Cabinet recommended that this initiative should be carried out by the Private Sector where the Ministry would support in any area regarding the upheld standard of taro used overseas. - Preparation and work on enhancing aquaculture, includes: - Tilapia; - Mullet; - Highfin grouper; - Giant Clam; - Trochus; - Sea-grape.

It was noted that in step of improving this standard a newly constructed premises in Toloa officially opened. The Ministry continues to monitor marine developments to ensure that the public continues to access fishing in our oceans especially its favorite variety. This work should continue, as it would in future discourage overseas companies from green fish (including curry fish & sea cucumber) in our ocean. Based on research carried out by the Ministry they are convinced companies should not be allowed for this purpose. It was confirmed by the Ministry, that if this were to become available it would lead to depletion in the supply of curry fish or sea cucumber in our marine. Samoa would also no longer eat its usual seafood delicacies.

Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has also advised that Samoa should not allow any Company from fishing near its marine. The development in cross-breeding Samoan chicken with imported pure-breed chicken is continuing with the expectation that: - Imported pure-breed chicken can be consumed in foods used for Samoan chicken; - Enhances the blood in Samoan chicken;

- Imported chicken can produce and lay eggs.

The Ministry is giving its assistance to Farmers in their production of eggs. Close to 70% of eggs sold in Samoa are locally produced. The Ministry is currently maintaining this standard through its program for Famers so that it could produce the remaining 30%. The Codex Committee is grateful to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour on its Policy where it limits (30 days expiry period) imported eggs, in giving the opportunity for locally produced eggs to be sold. This Government policy serves to benefit our Farmers who have undertaken this development. The Ministry upholds its sheep program through its farms in Tanumalala, Avele, Togitogiga and Le Mafa. The number of Farmers incorporating sheep in their livestock has increased and there is a growing list of Farmers who require this development. The World Bank intends to support this initiative by providing a cargo of sheep.

6.2 ISSUES - The Ministry emphasized during the period it was under review, in improving its Filing System with the expectation of enhancing its records and requests as required for auditing. - The small number of Personnel was noticed, for agricultural services in educating individual Farmers in methods and technologies to handle any aspect of farming, as well as continuing the development of farming processes. Due to this issue the Ministry implemented a training program for Farmers;

it has also broadcast its programs on television. - Increased expenses in financing the Awareness Program as the Ministry is certain of the important underlined message for the information of the Farmers.

6.3 PROJECTED PLANS: - It was confirmed by the Ministry, that the Public Service Commission has halted new Employees.

However, the Ministry of Agriculture considers the need to increase its Work Output, improve services and the necessary knowledge and experience for work performance. - The Ministry is considering suitable changes by overtaking work that was carried out by the Constituency Offices in the past. At the conclusion of its review, the Ministry found that it is suitable in constructing/improving Ministry posts in Constituencies and prepare growth of plants. It was proposed, that it would hold information documents that can be accessed by Farmers in those Constituencies.

Employees will no longer use vehicles as it was done before, high expenses were noted but did not complete established objectives.

Farmers can also communicate through the use of cell phones, in areas where they need assistance and to also lodge complaints on the services of the Ministry.

6.4 COMMITTEE CONCERNS: The Fisheries Division is no longer benefitting from revenue, due to changing prices of fishes found in the sea. It was perceived that the majority of the public have steered this development in support with Samoa’s economy as well as serving the family, and the congregation. It was observed, that this development is not easy and cheap but it is important, in that everyone benefits in any development, so that Samoa’s economy continues to grow. The fisheries development was under full support by the Apia Export Fish Packers Limited who exported fishes under request in preparation for ocean fishing when it was delayed and other setbacks. However, the Committee carefully noted, that this Company shall be closing due to.

It was confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, that an opportunity will be given to Fishing Companies from Taiwan who will initiate this service together with provisions as set out, “The Act will be amended to allow Fishing Companies to enter Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone within a radius of 25 miles".

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries sees no reason as to why it is restricted, when fishes travel from one ocean to another.

Concerns: - It would affect the living of local Fishermen, if the AEFP Ltd Company were to close; - Amending the Act that would allow large Fishing Vessels to fish in our EEZ would only serve in diverging fishes and others that have lived in our oceans. Although the closing of this company is not official, the Committee believes that the Government should consider a way to assist in maintaining the living of numerous fishermen in the country. Especially since this Company has served the fishing development of Samoa, and has contributed to the country’s economy.

Furthermore, companies who have played a part in Samoa‘s economy should receive assistance from the Government in times when it is in trouble and is in need of assistance.

6.5 COMMITTEE VISITS: The Committee was able to visit development projects of the Ministry on 6 March 2014, to witness the progress of the work implemented. The Chief Executive Officer and two Assistance Chief Executive Officers were present during the Site Visits to explain and assist the Committee with any queries.

6.5.1 Improving aquaculture in the Toloa Premises: The aim of this project is to ensure the sustainability of aquaculture in the country’s oceans. Furthermore, it is an attempt to develop Samoa’s marine for future generations. It is an initiative of the Ministry, to hinder the natural breeding of aquaculture, if it is expected to breed in the sea. However, this development is a progressive marine scheme and will be given to those who will implement this kind of development. The Committee witnessed the sea grape development project and is a capable plan prepared by the Ministry. The Committee noted that this development started four (4) days ago and it was confirmed that it would be harvested after four (4) weeks. The most important aspect of this initiative is maintaining and building this food item especially in raising its quality to export. lt was also noted, that sea grapes have been affected by climate change, due to the heat of the sunlight, throughout the time it is collected by the reefs. However, it is helpful that it has been developed. The progression of improved developments was witnessed on mullet and long face emperor fishes. It is a beneficial plan in increasing this natural economic good for future generations.

The Committee noted that this development can be undertaken by individuals or families and the Ministry is planning to give their support wherever needed.

6.5.2 Chicken Project (Vailima): The Committee notes the importance of this initiative. Positive results were noted in the first progressive where hatcheries of eggs gained chicks within three weeks. There is an aspiration to acquire roosters to cross breed with Samoan chickens in an effort to breed fat and well-formed chickens, like breeds found in the past.

6.5.3 Imported Livestock Project at Mount Vaea: There is close to 100 acres being utilized for this program. There are more than 60 imported livestock and there is a plan to give cattle to farms in Togitogiga and Le Mafa. The reason for this standard is to shift the Livestock Division Office in Avele and will merge with the livestock Development in Mount Vaea. The Ministry continued that the land utilized by the Livestock Division in Avele will be used to construct the new Office of the Chinese Ambassador. The Government of China has given financial assistance in building a new Office for the Livestock Division in Mount Vaea.

The Ministry confirmed its agreement as the building that housed this Division of the Ministry was old with a staff of 62 employees. If an Application were submitted to the Government asking, to construct a new Office it would take a long time due to financial constraints. According to the long term outlook of the Ministry in upholding the development of breeding animals, it planned to import cattle to enhance the blood of breeding animals currently in Samoa. The Ministry is certain that it would be an easy and cheap initiative compared to the current difficulty in importing breeding animals.

6.5.4 Crops Division in Villages: The construction of houses is continuing in order to plant crops including other Greenhouses that have enabled cabbage, tomatoes and eggplants to be planted. lt is a project funded by the Government of China, and the Committee witnessed the consistent effort shown by the Ministry. The task is progressing into using old tin houses in growing a number of plants including vegetables. The banana propagation program is continuing for the access and purchase by Farmers.

ASPECTS OF THE VISIT: The Committee observed the importance of having Visits, it is a way in which work and programs that are undertaken by Ministries and State Owned Enterprises can be measured. It also allows presented evidence on problems and issues that should be prevented and improved upon.

This Visit was an important opportunity in that it is not accessible to the public especially to Members of Parliament in considering and witnessing the work undertaken by the Ministry.

This is another method that enables the Committee to voice the services of the Ministry pursuant to their establishment. The economy of Samoa has observed the supply of taro, bananas, yams, green vegetables and other farming developments, and it is living evidence that the program created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has yielded positive results. The work put in for the future does not need guessing, as the Ministry continues to prioritize the standard of food availability in Samoa. The important aim that the program is created upon is to ensure: - Recommendations and implementing training programs for Farmers are issued; and - That these programs are pursued and examined to ascertain that main objectives are reached.

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:- The Committee wishes to convey its appreciation to the Ministry for its good work that was able to be completed especially in achieving good results that were laid out for the agricultural development. Not only that, but it’s important programs in capturing progressive methods in future as the agricultural sector of Samoa is the heart of its economy. We also wish to convey our appreciation to the Chief Executive Officer and his Administration for their complete preparation of the Annual Report as well as making their time available as Witnesses during the period they were under review. If it was not for this support, this Report would not have been complete.

8. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on its Findings the Committee recommends to the Government:

1. To establish a Marketing Division in the Ministry and employ persons with upmost knowledge on markets and trade, in order to administer all topics that are in its relation so that assistance is given to Farmers in their Development. 2. In future to prepare an Annual Report that will include revenue from every agricultural development, so that exact sources of revenue from agriculture can be attained, as these sums were from the efforts of the Ministry.

3. To attain a cargo of cattle and sheep in order to satisfy the demands of Farmers, while the program is under revision, as there will be a new method in importing breeding animals. 4.

To support the Development Programs of the Ministry that is underway.

9. RESOLUTION At the conclusion of its consideration, the Committee resolved to recommend the Assembly: That the P.P.2012/2013 No. 75, Annual Report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for Financial Year ended 30th June 2011 be approved.

Hon LEAUPEPE Toleafoa Apulu Faafisi CHAIRMAN