$4 million FAO project enters new phase

On Tuesday morning, Secretary for Agriculture Anthony Brown advised the Herald he had met with three consultants from the FAO (United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation) who are in Rarotonga to follow up the Cook Islands preparation for the FSSLP project (Food security and sustainable livelihoods).
The team is lead by Project manager Aleki Sisifa. The other members are; Vanessa Griffith-adviser for gender engagement and Dr Siewa of the SPC – adviser for stakeholder engagement.
Brown said the FSSL project was initiated in 2007 by then Minister Hon Ngamau Munokoa and Agriculture secretary Nga Mataio. Since then there have been three rounds of meetings with FAO. The team was here last month for discussions with Agriculture Minister, DPM Hon Robert Wigmore.
The project is about capacity building and government now needs to put structures in place and consult with a wide range of stakeholders.
Brown said there are six projects under the FSSL initiative, worth a total of $4 million. They are;
-Snapper industry for Penrhyn Island
-relocation of Agriculture Research Station to Mauke (now most likely to remain on Rarotonga)
-enhancement of crop production
-mechanisation of agriculture (China to donate tractors and cultivators)
-sheltering of Punanga Nui Market
-aquaculture demonstration farm in Titikaveka.
Brown said the FAO will appoint its own project coordinator.

By Charles Pitt

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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