The symposium aims to "review progress in taro research, analyze needs and priorities, develop a strategy for future work in taro research and development, explore new ways to use genetic diversity and improve taro quality and production, and stimulate international collaboration, information exchange and networking". The symposium themes include the use of novel technologies to improve taro (a staple crop, important in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean). Organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, FAO and the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD).
