Dr. Viliami Manu, CEO of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, announced that this year’s Royal Agricultural, Fisheries, Tourism and Trade Show (RAFTT) will be held exclusively on Tongatapu Island, deviating from previous years when it was also hosted in the outer islands. This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, August 24, at the Atele grounds, is particularly special as it aims to welcome the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum arriving in Tonga for the 53rd Forum leaders meeting.
Dr. Manu outlined three main award categories for the RAFTT Show. The first category will recognise farmers with the largest range and quantity of crops or animal stock. The second will honour those demonstrating eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices, including crop rotation, minimal use of machinery, and a diverse range of plants and animals focused on food security. This category highlights farmers who balance family needs with commercial purposes.
The third award will be given to farmers who have shown remarkable progress, especially those who have recently entered the field and successfully scaled their operations over time.
King Tupou VI is set to attend this year’s show, adding to the event’s significance. Dr. Manu expressed enthusiasm about showcasing local talent and sustainable practices, aligning with Tonga’s broader agricultural and fisheries goals.
The RAFTT Show is a national event which showcases Tongan grown produce and products made locally. All island groups (Tongtapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u, Niuas) are involved in their local agricultural show which runs every August.
