ACIAR had strong representation at the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in Nadi, Fiji, which saw ministers and heads of agriculture and forestry departments from 21 Pacific island nations meet under the common theme of Transforming Pacific Agriculture and Forestry.
The week provided an opportunity for Pacific island countries to drive the conversation and provide guidance to partners working with the region on their goals and work priorities for the next 2 years.
Senior ACIAR staff engaged with Pacific leaders to discuss key development issues and identify opportunities for Australian expertise to contribute to future research priorities.
For 40 years, ACIAR has supported and connected Australian researchers with their Pacific region counterparts, helping to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods in agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the Pacific region.
Currently, ACIAR is investing more than A$18.6 million across 8 Pacific island countries.
During the activities at the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, ACIAR sponsored the Fijian Institute of Agricultural Science to lead a research symposium to identify how science and innovation could bolster food security.
The institute worked with The Pacific Community (SPC) to run a talanoa (a talk or discussion in Fijian) on Pacific food system pathways focusing on future research initiatives required to underpin broader transformation of Pacific agrifood systems.
The convening power of Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry also enabled ACIAR to engage with its research partners, host a networking opportunity for Pacific alumni and take part in a range of side events with key partners.
Tonga will play host to the next Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, scheduled for 2025.
