FAO Pacific

19/06/2026

Calling experts: Join the National Steering Committee

🌱 Are you an expert in climate change, biodiversity conservation, the environment, or agricultural transformation?

🤝 Are you associated with a community-based organization (CBO) or NGO in the Cook Islands or the Marshall Islands?

If yes, you might be interested in becoming a member of the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the FAO Small Grant Programme (SGP) in the Cook Islands and the Marshall Islands.

The programme is forming a National Steering Committee comprised of a maximum of 9 members for a three-year term.

The NSC will include FAO and government representatives, alongside experts, professionals, and academics working in climate change, biodiversity, environment, or agricultural transformation who are associated with CSOs, NGOs, or universities in both countries.

How to apply: Email your Cover Letter and CV to [email protected] Please use the subject line: Application for NSC – (name of country)

📅 Deadline: 30 June 2026

19/06/2026

FAO hands over advanced equipment to strengthen agricultural statistics in Samoa!

The Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) was honoured to receive a drone, multispectral camera, and laptops from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) during a handover ceremony held today.
The equipment will support the implementation of agricultural statistical activities in Samoa by enhancing data collection, analysis, and reporting through the use of innovative technologies.

During the ceremony, Mr Raushan Kumar, Forestry Officer and the Officer in Charge for FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific, highlighted the importance of embracing new technologies to improve agricultural data systems. He noted that the drone and multispectral camera will enable the collection of information that is often difficult to capture through traditional field methods, helping to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of agricultural statistics. He emphasised that this investment moves Earth Observation from pilot applications into practical tools for routine agricultural statistics, and also reaffirmed FAO's commitment to supporting national initiatives that strengthen evidence-based planning and sustainable agricultural development – including a modern, data-driven agrifood system.

On behalf of the Government of Samoa and SBS, Government Statistician Mr Leota Aliielua Salani expressed sincere appreciation to FAO for its continued partnership, technical expertise, and investment in strengthening Samoa's agricultural statistical system.

This handover reflects the strong collaboration between SBS and FAO and their shared commitment to ensuring that Samoa has reliable data to support agricultural development, food security, sustainable resource management, and informed decision-making.

SBS extends its sincere gratitude to FAO for its continued support and partnership in advancing official statistics in Samoa.

18/06/2026

"The Pacific youth are ready and already contributing. We only need to be trusted, included, and welcomed to the table."

Powerful words from Aleksio Rabaka, representing the World Food Forum (WFF) Fiji National Youth Chapter at the Asia-Pacific Food Forum in Brunei!

From sharing critical youth perspectives in decision-making spaces to actively supporting Melanesian brothers and sisters in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands to establish their own chapters, our Pacific youth are driving real change in agrifood systems.

As we look at the challenges we face in our islands - from climate shocks to shifting food cultures - meaningful youth inclusion and sustained investment in their capacity are not just nice to have; they are absolutely critical for transforming our agricultural food systems.

At FAO, we are committed to ensuring our young people and rural women aren't just spectators, but the main drivers of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership across our Blue Pacific.

Click here to learn more: https://www.fao.org/asiapacific/events/events-detail/asia-pacific-food-forum/en

18/06/2026

The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is looking for a Food Safety and Nutrition Specialist to join our team in Apia, Samoa.

If you are passionate about strengthening regional food systems, improving nutrition, and enhancing food control systems across the Pacific, apply now!

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4epAwJ3

Key details:
✅ Location: Apia, Samoa
✅ Position type: Consultant (Non-staff opportunity)
✅ Duration: 11 months (with possibility of extension)
✅ Closure date: 9 July 2026

17/06/2026

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 ( ) report is out. For the Pacific Island nations, these global insights are vital as we continue to champion sustainable fisheries, strengthen coastal livelihoods, and protect our shared marine ecosystems.

Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4owRKHD

Just off the press: The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Aquatic animal products are among the most traded commodities in agriculture.

In 2024, global trade in aquatic animal products reached USD 184 billion, rivalling the USD 198 billion recorded for terrestrial meat products.

This highlights the growing importance of fisheries and aquaculture not only for food security and nutrition, but also for trade, employment and economic development worldwide.

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 explores the latest trends in the sector, from production and trade to sustainability and future growth.

Download the report and discover the latest insights on the future of aquatic food systems.

https://www.fao.org/publications/fao-flagship-publications/the-state-of-world-fisheries-and-aquaculture/en

15/06/2026

Meet Elema, a young vanilla farmer in Tonga who shattered stereotypes to establish "Falesiu Ki Moana Wahine Growers." Through an FAO mentoring initiative, Elema found inspiration in the late Seumalu Shelley Burich, Samoa’s legendary vanilla pioneer and FAO Food Hero. This proves that distance is no barrier to woman-to-woman mentorship.

With FAO's technical support in mixed-cropping and floriculture, Elema is transforming her farm into a thriving agribusiness and gearing up for her first major harvest. Now, she’s passing that wisdom on to the next generation of young women in her community.

Full video available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRrBKcv0l_Q

13/06/2026

Strengthening biodiversity conservation in Samoa!

Under a new project funded by the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, FAO has handed over specialized data processors and office equipment to the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE).

This targeted support will strengthen the Ministry's capacity for mapping, tracking, and protecting Samoa’s unique forests and biodiversity.

Over the next three years, this USD 1.16 million initiative aims to:

✅ help establish 10 051 hectares of new Protected Areas.
✅ improve the conservation and management of 44 346 hectares of local ecosystems.
✅ directly benefit over 5 000 people across both Upolu and Savaii islands by involving local communities in protecting their natural environment.

12/06/2026

Strengthening biodiversity stewardship in the Solomon Islands!

FAO is proud to partner with the Government of the Solomon Islands on a newly approved USD 2.7 million biodiversity project, endorsed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on 10 June 2026. The project “Empowering Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for Improved Biodiversity Stewardship in the Solomon Islands” aims to place communities at the heart of conservation through collaborative and adaptive approaches in key biodiversity areas (KBAs).

Key targets
✅ 20,000 hectares of landscapes under improved management
✅ 20,000 hectares of marine habitats under sustainable practices
✅ 15,000 people benefiting directly

By empowering the indigenous and local communities, this initiative will strengthen sustainable biodiversity management while supporting resilient livelihoods.

Beyond the Solomon Islands, FAO continues to support countries across the Pacific – including Palau, Samoa, and the Cook Islands – in accessing GEF resources for biodiversity conservation.

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

Strengthening agricultural value chains in Samoa!

Under the flagship Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative, FAO has delivered modern cocoa processing machinery and specialized nursery tables to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) Crops Division. This targeted technical support is designed to enhance post-harvest management, improve seedling survival, and support sustainable farming practices across the country.

The durable, multi-purpose nursery tables are already delivering immediate value at ministry stations and within local communities – serving as elevated, efficient stations for both seedling propagation and cocoa bean drying. Along with the new processing machinery, these assets enable smallholders to transition from raw harvesting to high-value, community-level processing.

This equipment delivery directly complements ongoing fieldwork by MAF and FAO technical teams to expand Samoa’s national coconut genebank at Nu’u. By collecting and documenting resilient coconut cultivars across Upolu, Savaii, and Manono Islands, the initiative is securing a robust pipeline of high-quality planting materials to boost agricultural commercialization and improve local livelihoods.