Pacific countries chart roadmap for sustainable development of special agricultural products

Nanjing, China: A comprehensive roadmap is being developed for advancing sustainable development of Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) in the Pacific Island countries under the FAO One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative. The workshop in Nanjing, China, helped to outline the strategies for the development and promotion of SAPs across eight Pacific Island countries, with an emphasis on boosting sustainability, improving food security, and enhancing rural livelihoods. 

Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) in collaboration with the China-Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Center (CPIAC), the workshop ran from 16 to 22 October 2024. It brought together over 30 representatives from eight OCOP countries of Pacific Islands, including Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga. The participants worked on developing SAPs critical to their respective countries, such as cassava, taro, turmeric, poultry, vanilla, cocoa, and sweet yam. These SAPs play key roles in regional food security and sustainable agriculture development for the Pacific Small Island Developing States.

More than 120 participants from eight Pacific countries attended the workshop. © FAO/JAAS

A central focus of the roadmap is enhancing the entire SAP value chain—from production and post-harvest handling to market access and export potential. This integrated approach aims to build stronger, more resilient agrifood systems in the Pacific by leveraging innovative agricultural technologies. Participants were able to observe these innovations during field visits to rural revitalization sites in Jiangsu Province, where they saw advanced farming practices and agro-industrial development in action. These visits offered valuable insights into sustainable production techniques and innovations, providing practical solutions for enhancing SAP projects in the Pacific Island countries.

Launched in 2021 by FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu, the OCOP initiative is designed to optimize the production, processing, storage, and marketing of SAPs while minimizing environmental and social impacts. The initiative aims to maximize benefits for farmers and food value chain actors while promoting more diverse diets for better nutrition and food security.

During the workshop, representatives from each of the eight Pacific Island countries presented updates on promoting the selected SAPs, sharing progress, challenges, and areas where further support is needed. For instance, the Solomon Islands focused on cassava value chain, Papua New Guinea discussed vanilla cultivation, and Tonga highlighted the development of sweet yam. These discussions underscored SAPs’ potential to drive economic growth and rural development, especially as Pacific Island countries face the challenges of climate change and shifting global market demands.

Field visit.  © FAO/JAAS

The workshop featured technical sessions and discussions aimed at building the capacity of Pacific Island stakeholders to implement the OCOP initiative effectively. Topics covered included sustainable crop production, advanced food processing techniques, and strategies for rural revitalization. Participants also explored the role of SAPs in promoting biodiversity, improving nutrition, and creating sustainable livelihoods for rural populations.

H.E. Franklyn Derek Wasi, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of the Solomon Islands, highlighted the importance of the OCOP initiative for the Pacific region, noting that sharing resources and expertise has significantly benefited his country, particularly in areas like agricultural policy and environmental safety.

Mr. QIAN Bo, the Special Envoy for Pacific Island Affairs of the Chinese government, emphasized that the OCOP initiative offers a platform to support Pacific Island countries in achieving sustainable and green agricultural development, truly benefiting the local populations.

FAO’s Executive Secretary of the OCOP Secretariat, Mr. Jingyuan Xia, stressed the importance of strong partnerships in promoting the SAPs globally. "This workshop has strengthened the ties between Pacific Island countries and China, and the knowledge and technology shared here will be key to achieving long-term food security and sustainable agriculture in the region," he said during his closing remarks.

Mr. Zhognyi Yi, President of JAAS and Director of CPIAC, expressed hope that Pacific Island countries’ governments would draw on China’s over 70 years of experience in agricultural and rural development. 

Roundtable discussion (left) and field visit to learn best practices. ©FAO/JAAS

An exhibition showcasing SAPs from the participating Pacific Island countries was also featured during the event. Visitors interacted with delegates, learning about the value chains of various SAPs such as vanilla, cocoa, cassava, turmeric, and sweet yam. The exhibition highlighted the economic importance of these products and their role in enhancing food security in the region.

The week-long workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue collaborating on sustainable food value chain through the OCOP initiative. By aligning local expertise with international support, the Pacific region is set to make significant progress in strengthening its food systems and supporting rural communities.

Exhibition of special agricultural products from Pacific countries. © FAO/Hafiz Muminjanov