The 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) has kicked off in Nuku’alofa with HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho gracing the opening ceremony as the guest of honour.
The week long event was formally opened at the Tonga National Indoor Stadium yesterday bringing together regional leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in agriculture and forestry.
Organised by Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, with support from the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the conference runs until 30 May.
Themed “Transform Agriculture & Forestry: More Regeneration, More Productivity, More Resilience,” PWAF 2025 aims to foster sustainable practices across the Pacific. Key sessions include the Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry and the Regional Meeting of Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services.
Dr. Viliami Toalei Manu, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, expressed his aspirations for the event:
“My expectations for the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry is for Tonga to achieve the Theme for 2025 PWAF. For Tonga to be MORE transformative, MORE Productivity, MORE Regeneration and MORE Resilience in Agriculture & Forestry.”
“Bringing together innovative and intelligent ideas from all Pacific Islands to discuss in Tonga will help create a strong bond of connection that will build a better tomorrow. Not only that, but the PWAF will bring in to Tonga more development and initiatives for the betterment of Agriculture and Forestry sector,” he added.
The event also features the inaugural Pacific Regional Research Symposium, focusing on “Transforming Agriculture and Forestry in the Pacific through Science, Technology and Partnerships.” This symposium provides a platform for showcasing recent research and innovations in the sector.
PWAF 2025 is anticipated to strengthen collaboration and share strategies to enhance sustainable agriculture and forestry practices across the Pacific region.
