Pacific Community – SPC is hosting a workshop in Nadi, Fiji this week for organic farmers and members of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) from the Pacific region, organized under the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom). The aim of the workshop is to strengthen access to market certification by improving the delivery, operations, implementation, and management of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) as a viable organic guarantee system for small rural sustainable  farmers of the Pacific Region.

PGS, an alternative to third-party certification, is easily adapted to local markets and short supply chains. Joining a PGS group is a cost-effective way for small-scale farmers to label and sell their organic produce as guaranteed organic in local markets. The initiative enables small-scale farmers to access wider markets and earn premium prices for their products without the need for expensive third-party certification.

This workshop is supported by the European Union through the Safe Agriculture, Trade Facilitation through Economic integration in the Pacific (SAFE Pacific); the Australian Government through the Building Prosperity for Women Producers, Processors and Women Owned Businesses (BPWP) Project; the Kiwa Initiative through the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network Project, and the EU Protégé Project implemented in French territories.

The keynote speaker, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu, Fiji Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, spoke on the implementation of PGS in Fiji. “PGS are specially adapted to local markets and short supply chains. In the area of organic agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture in Fiji has established the Fiji Organic Task Force that has been working with the private sector, NGO’s and Farmer organizations to promote organic farming and to establish national accrediting process and guidelines for organics in Fiji.In Fiji we have PGS groups on Cicia island (since 2014), Rabi, Taveuni, Naitasiri, upper Nadroga /Navosa, and Rotuma.”

In his opening address, Ratu Tevita Dawai, Team Leader – SPC European Union – Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic integration in the Pacific Project, shared that the Participatory Guarantee System is a valuable catalyst for development to support market organic certification through safe trade and food safety for the region as a whole.

Participants at the workshop will benefit from a range of sessions, including the Pacific Organic Standard and the PGS Toolkit, steps to being certified by your PGS group, and the Peer Review Processes. This will be followed by a farm visit on Thursday 15^th June to Tudreu’s Farm and Lemana Vanilla Farm.

The workshop is an important forum for discussions on the challenges and opportunities of organic farming, innovation, and solutions. It presents an excellent opportunity for organic farmers to learn from each other about the latest practices, issues, and trends. By participating in the workshop, the organic farmers across the Pacific region can access the tools, knowledge, and support needed to expand their farms and businesses.

About POETCom

POETCom is the peak body for organic movement in the Pacific region. It is a membership organization of farmers’ associations, farmer support organisations, NGOs, private sector, and research institutions working with governments across the Pacific. POETCom is hosted by the Land Resources Division (LRD) of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Suva, Fiji.

POETCom is breaking new ground in the Organic movement, with a gender-inclusive people-centred approach that marks an important milestone in gender mainstreaming into the organic agriculture sector in the Pacific.

Media Contact: vilimainat@spc.int