Organic farming and fair trade in the Pacific…

Pacific Island countries experience increasing demand for premium quality products. So far, the export market demands agricultural products and fresh produce. Thus far, there is a national desire to protect the environment. Together with that they are looking to diversify family farming structures. It leads to the assumption that organic agriculture may be the answer. The belief is this may have good prospects for developing nations.

In fact, organic farming increases market opportunities. So,  it helps increase food self-reliance too. Hence, it may contribute to reducing the trend of dependency on food imports. Furthermore, it helps to improve nutrition intake too. Thus far, it gives people the opportunity to explore the potential of organic farming. Fairtrade goes hand in glove with organic farming. The focus is on cacao, coffee, pepper, vanilla, and virgin coconut oil. However, there is an increasing demand for products such as yams, taro, cassava, and coco-yams too.

Organic agriculture

Organic agriculture in the Pacific is growing rapidly. The market worldwide is growing too. Thus far, it is a viable proposition for the farmers. Consumer demand is increasing steadily for organic produce. So, farmers and processors can benefit from the expanding market worldwide. However, international market requirements are tough. Hence, the organic sector needs to develop specific policies. Thus far, Pacific Island countries need to set up international institutional standards.

So far, traditional farming methods in these countries are much like organic agriculture practices. Many communities in Pacific Islands normally use the ‘age-old’ agriculture systems. It already ensures environmental protection. They often do not use chemicals as fertiliser or for pest control. Thus far, there needs to be a formal organic certification for the international market to accept.

Organic farming produces critical opportunities for export. It opens up high-value niche markets. It enhances economic sustainability with low-volume crops.

Region data

Informal reports show that in the Pacific almost 22,500 hectares of agricultural land are used for organic farming. It averages about 2.8 percent of total farming land. These are mostly small lot farms. It totals 5,580 farms. It is spread out from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. While Kiribati and Tonga are developing organic farming, they lack data. Most of these countries are not collecting much information. Therefore the region is lacking true data. Moreover, communities are not inviting agencies to certify. However, efforts are underway to seek certification.

Organic certification

The certification status of producers keeps changing periodically. It is mostly because of the substantial costs of certification. Therefore it is presently not sustainable in most island countries. Hence, there is resistance to acquiring certification.  Hence, the cost is an issue in maintaining certification status too.

So far, others farmers believe there is a high variation in production. Hence, to them, it is not rewarding to continue with the certification process. It may be sustainable if production increases to higher levels. Thus far, it may be difficult to see certified organic products from the region. This is despite, they mostly use organic agriculture practices. It is a sad position of reality. So far, certified organic products coming from the Pacific may change from year to year.

Fairtrade

Together with the organic evolution, the interest in fair trade is growing in the Pacific. Thus far, organisations are making efforts to link organic farmers to fair trade programmes. It adds more value to the products. Hence, fairtrade adds value to the farmers’ income. 

It is evident there is an absence of domestic markets. Therefore these products are mostly exported to Australia and New Zealand. It is possible because of the close proximity. However, these countries have the presence of massive Pacific emigrant communities.

So, to a lesser extent, Pacific Island countries export to Japan, Europe, and the USA. These markets are growing steadily. So far, the main commodities are beef, cocoa, coffee fruit, and fruit juices. Other growth products are herbs and spices, honey, vanilla, vegetables, and virgin coconut oil.