PRESS RELEASE

18 March 2024

Tonga is hosting the first Pacific Islands Laboratory Week Workshop in Nuku’alofa, Tonga from the 18th to the 22nd March 2024. The week’s events are organized by the Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) Initiative,

Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests and Ministry of Trade & Economic Development, and

the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The Pacific Islands Laboratory Week Workshop represents an important milestone for the regional PQI

Initiative to continue strengthening cooperation and coordination among Pacific Island Countries on

Quality Infrastructure (QI), with the aim of improving access to reliable laboratory testing services across

the region.

Tonga’s Minister of Health, Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola officially opened the Pacific Laboratory Week

Workshop. The agenda

for the week will include:

• the first face-to-face meeting of the Pacific Islands Testing Committee (PITC), to discuss the

recommendations from the PQI laboratory survey, the Committee’s governance structure including

its Terms of Reference, and to plan upcoming activities;

• classroom and hands-on laboratory training sessions for laboratory personnel and the national

Testing Focal Points;

• site visits to laboratories in Tonga; and

• raising public awareness on the importance of laboratory testing for trade and the wellbeing of the

people of the Pacific.

The week’s events are jointly funded by the PQI Initiative, through the European Union’s Strengthening

Pacific Intra-Regional and International Trade (SPIRIT) Project, and the United Nations Industrial

Development Organisation’s ACP QI Project. Funding supported the in-person attendance of participants

from developing Forum Island Countries, with participants from other Forum Members welcome at their

own cost. Online options for the PITC Meeting and most training sessions will be made available to

participants unable to travel.

This is a very important event for Tonga. Prior to the Pacific Islands Laboratory Week, a National

Laboratory Committee was established to progress necessary preparations, and to continue working

together in the development of standards of Laboratories for Tonga.

-END-

Vacancy available.

Lau mahina faka-Tonga ke tokoni ki he kau ngoue.

18/08/2023

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Lord Fohe received the first courtesy visit of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific, HE Ms. Xiangjun Yao at the Ministry’s Headquarters at Nukuálofa.
Lord Fohe expressed the Government’s appreciation for the engagement of FAO in Tonga during Ms Yao’s tenure as the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific. He noted that the country is committed to addressing priorities and objectives set by the Ministry’s Corporate Plan, 23/24 – 25/26 FY, and the FAO Country Program Framework (CPF) 2023-2027. He highlighted the tremendous impacts of climate changes, volcanic eruption, tsunamis, volcanic ash-fall, and war in Europe and the importance of all interventions to contribute significantly to the Food System Transformation to enhance better production, better health, better environment, and better quality of life leaving no one behind. During the meeting, they reviewed the work FAO had been doing in Tonga and discussed how FAO could further collaborate with the Ministry to improve the agricultural sector to address Agri-food System Transformation.
HE Ms Xiangjun Yao responded that FAO continues on with a lot of TCP and Trust Fund Projects to support Tonga in creating resilient Agri-food systems with better production, better health, better environment, and better quality of life leaving no one behind. Tonga has recently benefited from Emergency and Recovery Projects to assist in the rehabilitation of Tonga after the giant volcanic eruption last year.

The handover ceremony of tools and equipment from the Australian High Commission to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests was held today, 26 May 2023 at MAFF Headquarter, Queen Salote Wharf.

The handover was made between the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Hon. Rachel Moore and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Lord Fohe.

The Ministry is very honored and privileged to have the 10 complete set of tools and equipment provided by the Australian Government, through the High Commissioner’s Office. These tools and equipment will assist the Ministry in the improvement and timely maintenance of official vehicles and tractors that carry out mechanical land preparation for the farmers in Tonga.

The Hon Minister thank the Australian High Commissioner for the continuing support provided, not only from these tools and equipment but also to all the other development assistance provided in the past and at present.

On behalf of the Government of Tonga, the Hon Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests, Lord Fohe, is looking forward to continuing and maintaining the good working relationship with the Australian Government through the Australian High Commissioner, Hon. Rachel Moore.

Press Release Ends.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests wishes to advertise the following vacancies available for interested applicants within and outside the Government services.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests hereby invites interested candidates within and outside the Public Service to apply for these job vacancies:

Due Date: No later than 4:30 pm Wednesday 9th March 2022

View All VacantDownload

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests hereby invite interested candidates within and outside the Public Service to apply for the following job vacancies:

Interested applicants are required to submit their applications together with the following supporting documents:

*Covering letter, Updated Curriculum Vitae and References, Certified certificates and academic transcript, Valid police record and birth certificate.

All applications are to be addressed to the A/CEO for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF), Ma’ufanga and to be received no later than 4:30pm, Thursday 23rd September,2021.

Public Service employees who wish to apply must submit their applications with endorsement of their respective Chief Executive Officers.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Should you require a copy of the Job description please contact the MAFF Office at telephone number :7401 – 101/ 7401-115 or email Mrs. Kalati M Hafoka: latimau@gmail.com or Mrs. Katinia Sole: ilaivahanitoni.sole@gmail.com during working hours.



The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests hereby invite interested candidates within and outside the Public Service to apply for the following job vacancy: Interested applicants are required to submit their applications together with the following supporting documents: Covering letter, Updated Curriculum Vitae and References, Certified certificates and academic transcript, valid police record and birth certificate. All applications are to be addressed to the A/CEO for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF), Ma’ufanga and to be received no later than 4:30pm, Wednesday 16th September, 2021.

Public Service employees who wish to apply must submit their applications with endorsement of their respective Chief Executive Officers. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Should you require a copy of the Job description please contact the MAFF Office at telephone number : 7401 – 101/ 7401-115 or email Mrs. Kalati M Hafoka: latimau@gmail.com or Mrs. Katinia Sole: ilaivahanitoni.sole@gmail.com during working hours.

Lord Tu’ilakepa, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

GOVERNMENT OF TONGA

MEDIA RELEASE

“Lord Tu’ilakepa delivers Tonga’s National Statement at the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit”

Back Row : Mr. Pau Likiliki ( FAO’s Representative), Mrs. Leody Vainikolo (Acting CEO, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests), Mr. Sione Hufanga (United Nation Country Coordination Specialist), Mr. ‘Isileli ‘Aholelei (Head of Food Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests), Dr. Siola’a Malimali (Deputy CEO, Ministry of Fisheries), Dr. Vailala Matoto (National Food System Consultant)
Front Row : Lord Tu’ilakepa, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests and Minister for Fisheries who is also the UN Convener for the Tonga National Food System Summit Dialogue; delivered Tonga’s National Statement at the Pre-Summit of the UN Food Systems Summit. 

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests and Minister for Fisheries who is also the UN Convener for the Tonga National Food System Summit Dialogue; delivered Tonga’s National Statement at the Pre-Summit of the UN Food Systems Summit. 

The pre-summit hosts by the headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome from 26-28July, 2021. 

Lord Tu`ilakepa said,

From the outset of 2021, Tonga is faced with the common Global challenges of the pandemic Covid-19, Non-Communicable Diseases, or NCDs, and changes to our climate. These challenges have already severely affected 10% of our local businesses, and we are living in the most critical era. Therefore, the Kingdom of Tonga is insisting that UN members must work arm in arm to help mitigate these global crises”.

The Minister added that Food System and Nutritious Food is very important for Tonga.

“Tonga is one of the very few lucky countries that is still free from Covid-19. However, we are being victimized by NCDs since the last few decades. More than 70% mortality is from NCDs, therefore, the subject of Food System and Nutritious Food is very important for our people if we need to decrease the sky high rates of NCDs”.

Lord Tu`ilakepa took the opportunity to highlight on the outcomes of the National Food System Dialogue:

“Tonga is a small country with a population of over 100,000. Our Economy is characterized by its smallness, vulnerability to external shocks, and isolation from international markets, even though we have rich soils and marine resources. Tonga has about 15,000 households, and more than 90% of the households are engaged one way or another on Food System Activities.  Therefore, the outcomes of the National Dialogue on Food System Summit stresses special developments on these production sectors and the processing sector to ensure:

1) food security and nutritious food; 

2) people are educated to understand how eating nutritious food helps minimize NCDs;

3) that Food System development is friendly to our Environment,

4) that Food System development will create employment and to assist the most vulnerability groups      in society – it should promote Equity; and

5) Tonga’s Food Systems are available at all times to minimise internal and external shocks”.

In conclusion, Lord Tu`ilakepaoutline Tonga’s response to food systems challenges:

“In order for Tonga’s Food System to successfully transform and to achieve Development Goals, we also need these as cross cutting across all the sectors;

1.  Access to financial resources to implement the transformation

2.  Technical assistance to review and update relevant policies and legislations

3.  Strong awareness program to educate the public and drive the transformation

4.  Develop and strengthen research and development in all these areas to make sure our endeavours are always up-to-date and reflect any change to lifestyle, environment, climate, etc.”

“I would also like to add that prior to the Global Food System Summit Dialogue in September, Tonga will complete its Action Plan by developing relevant Strategies and Activities”. 

-ENDS-

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests hereby invite interested candidates within and outside the Public Service to apply for the following job vacancies:

Interested applicants are required to submit their applications together with the following supporting documents: Covering letter, Updated Curriculum Vitae and References, Certified certificates and academic transcript, valid police record and birth certificate. All applications are to be addressed to the A/CEO for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF), Ma’ufanga and to be received no later than 4:30PM, Monday 7th June,2021.

Public Service employees who wish to apply must submit their applications with endorsement of their respective Chief Executive Officers.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Should you require a copy of the Job description please contact the MAFF Office at telephone number :7401 – 101/ 7401-114 or email Mrs. Kalati M Hafoka: kalati.hafoka@mafff.gov.to or Mrs. Katinia Sole: katinia.sole@mafff.gov.to during working hours.

Click Here

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests hereby invite interested candidates within and outside the Public Service to apply for the following job vacancies:Interested applicants are required to submit their applications together with the following supporting documents: Covering letter, Updated Curriculum Vitae and References, Certified certificates and academic transcript, valid police record and birth certificate.

All applications are to be addressed to the A/CEO for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF), Ma’ufanga and to be received no later than 4:30PM, Tuesday 25th May,2021.

Public Service employees who wish to apply must submit their applications with endorsement of their respective Chief Executive Officers.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Should you require a copy of the Job description please contact the MAFF Office at telephone number :7401 – 101/ 7401-115 or email Mrs. Kalati M Hafoka: kalati.hafoka@mafff.gov.to or Mrs.Katinia Sole: katinia.sole@mafff.gov.to during working hours.

Click Here

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF)

Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga

 9 April 2021

The following information is to correct any misinformation regarding the Ministry’s partnership with the Beijing Machinery Repair Company Limited (BMRCL).

  1. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and its staff are not involved in any way in the partnership between MAFF and BMRCL.

MEDIA RELEASE ENDS

Potungaue Ngoue, Me’atokoni mo e Vaotātā (MAFF)

Nuku’alofa, Pule’anga ‘o Tonga

 9 ‘o ‘Epeleli 2021

‘Oku tuku atu ‘a e ngaahi fakamatala ko eni koe’uhi ke fakatonutonu ‘a e ngaahi fakamatala hala fekau’aki pea mo e fengaue’aki ‘a e Potungaue pea mo e Beijing Machinery Repair Company Limited (BMRCL).

  1. ‘Oku ‘ikai ke ‘iai ha kaunga ‘a e Embassy ‘o e Pule’anga ‘o Siaina pea mo hono kau ngaue ki he fengaue’aki ‘a e MAFF pea mo e BMRCL.

NGATA’ANGA ‘O E ONGOONGO TUKUATU

PREVENTION OF THE PIG’S VIRUS AFRICAN SWINE FEVER(ASF)