Increase in food prices a concern for FAO
Officials from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Sub Regional Office in Samoa hosted a two day workshop starting Thursday morning at the Parekura Conference Centre to discuss the drastic increase in the prices of food.
This workshop is aiming to develop a clear concept of what would occur if this were to continue, to demonstrate an understanding of our current status in the food market as well as to come up with different strategies to combat this issue. Hon Nandi Glassie, Minister of Agriculture and Health, along with Vili Fuavao, Director of the Sub Regional FAO, were among those who were present.
“The Cook Islands has a long history with food,” Minister Glassie told the Times, “It is claimed to be the ‘highest currency’ among our people!”
According to statistics, the Minister said, the Cook Islands is a country whose reliance on imported goods is currently standing at 80-90 percent. It is a well known fact that we are capable of reducing this percentage if we were to supply our own produce. Although the increase in consumer prices is a troubling matter, there is also an advantage to this. Our local farmers will generate a profitable amount to add to their income, from which they can benefit. This will, without a doubt, have a positive effect on our local economy.
A consignment of trade between Apia and the islands of the Northern Group has been implemented, so that these places will have a sufficient supply of fuel. An issue of pests and other agricultural diseases were raised, so the importance of trans-boundaries being respected is indeed a matter to take into consideration. “Of course, proper procedures will take place so that the risk of having unwanted pests or diseases are limited,” Glassie said.
An in-depth observation of Cook Islanders and their food preferences has shown an interesting fact. On some certain food products, the price has no effect on the customer’s purchases. “Even if you raise the price on a carton of chops, people will still buy it!” the Minister of Agriculture exclaimed. This is a clear indication of our people’s likings in terms of their selection of food. “With the introduction of fast food outlets to the Pacific, we have become a vulnerability to these factors,” says Fuavao. “We remain ignorant of our food sources.” The Pacific has shown an alarming increase in obesity and non-communicable diseases, such as heart ailments and diabetes and this is of great concern to the FAO.
During his travels to Vietnam, the Minister has revealed that he has expressed his opinions on how the Organization could assist the Cook Islands. “I have made many recommendations,” he says, “such as providing organic fertilizers to the local farmers, the extermination of unwanted pests and vegetation running rampant on farm land, fencing off the plantations and the such. It would also be good to have technical assistance from experts, so that we may have professional advice on how to handle things.”
“The views of the outer islands is also of great value to us,” he continues. “Some of the attendees were from the outer islands, so they can voice out their opinions on these matters.” -By Norma Ngatamariki

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