FAO SRC REMARKS FOR – UPOLU LAUNCH OF PIG TRAPS

SAMOA, April 14 - Reverend Laupama Solomona,

Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Niuava Eti Malolo,

Honorable Members of Cabinet,

Members of Parliament

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Seuseu Dr. Joseph Tauati,

Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa,

Distinguished guests and beneficiaries,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

It is both an honor and privilege for me to be here with you all in the presence of all dignitaries on this important occasion. On behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, I dedicate to all Samoan friends this official launch of the wild pig traps with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Samoa, under the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems, STODAS Project.

This initiative is made possible through FAO with generous funding from the European Union. Today marks an important step forward in addressing the persistent challenges faced by our communities – particularly the damage caused by wild and feral pigs to crops and food sources.

The provision of these traps represents a timely and practical solution, aimed at improving food security, protecting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agriculture. We commend the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who have taken the lead in coordinating the distribution of the traps.

Their strong commitment to supporting farming communities ensures that these resources are delivered effectively and equitably to the intended beneficiaries.

To the recipients here today – your presence and participation are deeply appreciated. Your commitment to improving your communities and safeguarding your agricultural resources is at the heart of this initiative, and we are proud to stand with you through this collaboration between Samoa, FAO, and the EU.

As they say, a taro saved is a taro produced. So let us work together to see that through a shared and concerted effort that we address this problem of food loss through proper installation, monitoring and maintenance of these pig traps. FAO would like to work closely with MAF to develop good case studies on the issue of feral pig management as this is a problem faced by many across Samoa and the Pacific region.

Good learnings from this intervention will have long term implications for us all. I seek your support in this endeavor and wish you all well. Let us continue to move forward in partnership, united in our shared goal of sustainable development and food security for all.

May today’s launch be a step forward in building a more resilient, food-secure, and thriving agrifood system for Samoa.

FA’AFETAI LAVA

May 14, 2025