SPEECH FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE AGRICULTURAL SHOW IN UPOLU AND
WORLD FOOD DAY CELEBRATIONS - OCTOBER 19TH ,2005

[By Prime Minister - Hon. Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi]

Today is a special day for our local farmers, fishermen, manufacturers, exporters and all those involved in the hard work and in our continuous efforts to ensure food security for all.

This year's theme "Food security and agricultural exports" is timely for without consistent efforts from farmers, fishermen and manufacturers to produce enough, our nation will suffer from poverty and hunger. Likewise if exporters are not so vigilant in their role, our economy will suffer too as it has been articulated often enough "agriculture is the backbone of our economy".

Today's celebration is threefold. In addition to showcasing our agricultural products, we are also celebrating World Food Day and the World Coconut Day as their themes are interwoven with the focus on producing, improving and enhancing food security. Furthermore, World Food Day is officially declared as Samoan Day where our people are encouraged to plant, produce and consume locally grown foods as well as promoting our culture in donning our national dress, the elei.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Samoa's economy, with two-thirds of households engaged in some form of agricultural activity, a mixture of subsistence and commercial agriculture.

Many wage-earning households also engage in supplementary subsistence production. Agriculture therefore plays a critical role in the development of the rural areas and in improving the livelihood of all Samoans.

Having a special day like today to showcase the fruits of our Farmers and Fishermen's labors, is part and parcel of our Government's efforts to improve and strengthen agriculture and fisheries as highlighted in its Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) for the next three years.

Our Government's commitment to agriculture and fisheries development for food security for local consumption is a priority area, which is consistent with achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Government has put in place several initiatives to help farmers and fishermen. In terms of infrastructure, access plantation roads are built as well as providing water and electricity. On-going financial assistance for village agricultural projects competitions, has been made available through the Ministry of Women, Internal Affairs and Community Development, to encourage agricultural and fisheries development. The youth programme called "Future Farmers of Samoa" is now being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, NGOs, FAO and Peace Corp Office in Samoa. The objective of this joint initiative is to encourage our youth to take agriculture and fishery as a career for the future.

Strong networks and stakeholders' participation is encouraged through the establishment of Advisory Committees of the Ministry who play a vital role in policy planning, decision making and the implementation of several government initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural and fisheries sector.

Over the last two years, there have been some significant areas of growth, but there have also been some difficulties. There is more pressure than ever on our farmers and fishers, and on our resource. We have had to trade in a global market that is increasingly competitive.

This is not just for our exports but also for some of our local industries that face competition from cheaply produced imported products.

The challenge for Samoa is to adjust to these changes and seek alternatives where we will have an advantage. To achieve this your government will need your continued support and cooperation.

Your Government is most appreciative of the valuable contributions and assistance from our international and regional partners who have one way or another assisted directly or indirectly in improving our agricultural activities. The technical assistance in terms of programmes and expertise made available to various local organizations as well as farmers and fishermen in the villages have undoubtedly helped our nation in our efforts to increase and enhance food production.

To the business community, the non-government organisation and the various organisation such as FAO, UNDP, JICA and Peace Corps and other donor agencies we acknowledged your continued assistance and support of our Agricultural Industry with deep gratitude.

May I also thank the Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for their hard work in organizing today's agricultural show as well as their continuous efforts in implementing government's initiatives, policies and programmes to boost and strengthen the agricultural and fisheries' sectors in Samoa.

Last and most certainly not the least may I take this opportunity to thank all the Farmers and
everyone here today who have made this event possible. Fa'afetai, Fa'afetai, Ua malo le fai o le faiva.

It is now my pleasure to officially declare this Agricultural Show and World Food Day Celebrations in Samoa, open.

SOIFUA.