Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

The potential for tropical fruits production in Tonga - A feasibility and constraints analysis

Project ID:
HORT/2006/108: The potential for tropical fruits production in Tonga - A feasibility and constraints analysis
Collaborating Countries:
Tonga
Commissioned Organisation:
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Australia
Project Leader
Dr Patricia Chay
Phone: 07 40441658
Fax: 07 40642249
Email: patricia.chay@dpi.qld.gov.au
Collaborating Institutions:
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries, Tonga
Project Budget:
$123,332
Project Duration:
01/01/2007 - 31/12/2007
ACIAR Research Program Manager
Mr Les Baxter
Project Background and Objectives

Tonga is heavily dependent on fruit imports and relies on very few agricultural products for export income. The country's tropical climate and its highly productive soils suit tropical fruit production, but currently there is no 'commercial' fruit orchard that could supply fruits for domestic and tourist consumption and replace imports. This feasibility study will investigate Tonga's fruit market characteristics, seeking to gauge current and potential demand, and identifying the marketing and market access issues associated with potential export markets. The survey will also document potential alternative tropical fruit crops and compile a list of production technologies that the industry would require.

Project Outcomes
Outcomes for this project are currently being prepared