Click here to watch the video: Tongan farmers upskilled in organic farming and agroecology

The Mahuleva Organic Learning Farm Centre in Tonga recently hosted its first training session for small-scale farmers, focusing on organic farming methods within an agroecological framework. The farmer participants attended a two-day training between 8^th – 11^th July in Nukualofa, Tonga.

The farmer participants are successful applicants of the first circle farmer programme within the Kiwa Initiative Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project. They learned about different types of composting, marcotting, and natural pest control methods, all of which are essential for maintaining healthy soil and promoting the long-term sustainability of organic farms.

Farmer participant, Sesili Sinipata shared, “It is better to move into organic, in that way we can preserve the soil for future generations. We must not be greedy and seek our own benefits, but we should also look at the youth and the future.”

The farmers left the training feeling inspired and motivated to implement the new techniques they had learned. They were grateful for the opportunity to enhance their farming knowledge and skills and were excited to see the positive impact these methods would have on their crops and livelihoods.

Overall, the first training session at the Mahuleva Organic Learning Farm Centre was a success, with small-scale farmers in Tonga looking forward to seeing the benefits of organic farming in their soil and opportunities in the organic market.

The POLFN Project is supported by the multi-donor agency, the Kiwa Initiative, which is funded by European Union (EU), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) with the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom).