It is well accepted that the supply chains of the post-Covid economy are taking time to restore to previous structures, levels, and efficacy. While the practicalities of the evolving post-Covid reality are well known and have been much analysed, there are some elements to this complex matrix that have not received requisite focus.
One such element is the increasing difficultly faced by Pacific fresh produce exporters to meet the specific requirements of their markets. In New Zealand, importers are facing increased challenges sourcing fresh and frozen Pacific produce due to limited quantities and inconsistencies in quality and supply. Therefore, it has been challenging for importers to build a stable market for Pacific products such as taro, coconuts and ginger.
Key factors contributing to these challenges include unfavourable weather conditions - particularly excessive rainfall - which has disrupted production in countries such as Fiji. In addition, gaps in agricultural practices that could help mitigate the risks of a changing climate, widespread labour shortages, and a lack of necessary certifications continue to impact overall production capacity.
Another growing risk for Pacific produce exporters is climate-related changes abroad, coupled with advancing technology that enables international farmers - including those in New Zealand - to grow produce traditionally sourced from the Pacific, such as eggplant and okra. Finally, the emerging global threat of escalating reciprocal trade tariffs makes the need to build a resilient Pacific fresh produce industry even more urgent.
However, amidst these challenges, promising initiatives are emerging from Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) New Zealand and other agencies. PTI New Zealand recently commissioned an in-depth survey of Fiji’s pineapple growing, processing, and export industry. The survey covers a broad range of topics - including the selection, development, and nursery propagation of suitable varieties for commercial-scale production - as well as the preferences of end consumers in importing countries.
Elsewhere, the Tindall Foundation has funded a project in Samoa aimed at establishing agricultural rental equipment for the Samoa Farmers Association. This initiative will provide farmers with better access to modern machinery and help mechanise the agricultural process, improving efficiency, and productivity. Further, the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project by the World Bank supports farmers and fishers with training, equipment, and funding to boost productivity and market access, helping overcome current agricultural challenges in Samoa.
The details of this ongoing issue is reflected in a paper published in the journal Marine Policy, titled ‘Local practices and production confer resilience to rural Pacific food systems during the COVID-19 pandemic’, that argues the resilience of food systems is key to ensuring food security through crisis.
“Our findings suggest that policy in the Pacific should bolster sustainable local food production and practices. Pacific states should avoid becoming overly reliant on food imports, while having measures in place to support food security after disasters, supplementing locally produced and preserved foods with imported foods when necessary. Developing policies that promote resilient food systems can help prepare communities for future shocks, including those anticipated with climate change.”
The challenge now is to apply Pacific resilience, ingenuity, and tenacity, to bolster local food supply, with recognition of natural and other disasters, and grow the trade into a strengthened export capability.
