In an ongoing initiative aimed at transforming organic small-holder farms in Tonga, Claire Lataste, Organic Production Systems Officer for the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) at the Pacific Community (SPC), is leading a series of workshops to support Tongan farmers in designing their locally adapted Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).
Over the next two weeks, Claire and Tonga Farm Advisors Amanaki Funaki and Navuso Tuiaimeapi and In-Country Coordinator Drew Havea will train up to 100 small-holder farmers from nine different cluster groups across Tonga, marking a significant step towards organic certification and organic agricultural practices within an agroecological framework.
Farmer participant Mr Tomasi Taufa says, “I’m very much on board and, as a cluster leader, I will be participating in the Participatory Guarantee System with our group of farmers. I am excited to have a system that will guide us on what is organic and what is not.”
The Participatory Guarantee System provides a reputable, affordable and community-driven method for organic certification, giving farmers a practical alternative to third-party certification. This training is grounded in POETCom’s Pacific Organic Standard, which defines the regional farmers' requirements to obtain organic certification.
Key Benefits of PGS Training:
- Enhanced Knowledge of Organics and Certification Systems: Farmers will gain essential insights into organic methods, clarifying the definition of organics and organic practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience, fostering sustainable farming techniques that benefit both the land and their communities.
- Affordable Organic Certification: PGS offers an almost zero-cost certification option, reducing barriers for smallholder farmers and making organic certification attainable without the high expenses associated with international certification requirements.
- Access to Regional Markets: With PGS certification, farmers will have the opportunity to access regional, non-regulated markets that demand organic products, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening local economies.
The PGS training sessions are designed not only to impart technical knowledge but also to build a supportive network of farmers under the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project. This initiative is expected to strengthen organic and sustainable agriculture in Tonga by increasing awareness and relativity of the Pacific Organic Standard and allowing farmers to access participative organic certification. Hear from the farmers in the “Embracing Organic Transformation through Participatory Guarantee Systems” video:
POETCom’s work in Tonga highlights its dedication to advancing impactful agricultural practices for small-holder farmers. For more details on the organic learning farm network and the Participatory Guarantee System, visit www.organicpasifika.net or contact [email protected]
The POLFN project is implemented at the Pacific Community (SPC) through POETCom and is funded through the Kiwa Initiative. POLFN is dedicated to establishing a network of organic farms that exemplifies nature-based solutions such as agroecology, agroforestry, and various innovative organic production methods and technologies.
About POETCom
The Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) is a not-for-profit organisation with active members, farmer associations, farmer support organisations, NGOs, the private sector, research institutions and works with governments across the Pacific Island region. POETCom is hosted by the Land Resources Division (LRD) of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Suva, Fiji.
About the Kiwa Initiative
The Kiwa Initiative - Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience aims to build the resilience of Pacific Island ecosystems, communities, and economies to climate change through NbS by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity. It is based on simplified access to funding for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation actions for local and national governments, civil society, and regional organisations in Pacific Island countries and territories. The Initiative is funded by the European Union, Agence française de développement (AFD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It has established partnerships with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Oceania Regional Office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN - ORO). For more information: The Kiwa Initiative - Climate Resilience in the Pacific Islands thanks to Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
