Bilateral Meeting with The Honourable Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, Minister for Agriculture, Health, Cook Islands National Superannuation and Internal Affairs of the Cook Islands

Nadi, Fiji - At the SIDS Solutions Forum held in Nadi, Fiji, the FAO Director-General met with The Honourable Rose Toki-Brown, Minister for Agriculture, Health, Cook Islands National Super-annuation and Internal Affairs of the Cook Islands.

The Minister highlighted the Cook Islands’ self-sufficiency goals and requested FAO's technical support in securing local food supplies, enhancing export potential, and addressing labour shortages in taro production.

The Minister also stressed the importance of involving women and youth in agriculture and noted challenges related to climate impacts, including water scarcity. She advocated for FAO’s guidance on water-efficient technologies and advanced agricultural practices and requested support for a “One Health” approach to integrate plant, human, and environmental health.

The Director-General reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, noting the role of the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Center in promoting sustainable practices.