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-
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has committed to further support the Tonga Government’s efforts in advancing agriculture sector and food systems. The strengthened areas of cooperation will include global environment facility to mitigate climate changes, enhancing domestic food production to ensure food security, food and nutrition security development to establish better health food system, rural development to enhance livelihoods leaving no one behind.
This was a first courtesy visit of the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific, HE Ms Xiangjun Yao presented her credential to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Fekitamoeloa Útoikamanu at Nuku’alofa.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, Hon. Huákavameiliku, Hon. ‘Utoikamanu congratulated HE Ms Yao and wished her well as she assumes her new role at FAO Sub-Regional Office, which supports Tonga and Pacific, through overseeing the implementation of programmes on the food security, agriculture and rural development.
She thanked FAO for its contribution towards Tonga’s Agriculture Sector Development Agenda, to establish a diversified, economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture economy, including the trade and marketing of domestic agriculture products and recovery assistances during the continuous great challenges climate changes, natural disasters and war in Europe.
The discussions touched on increasing partnership opportunities in these areas: (1) Sustainable management of Fisheries and Agro-Forests; (2) resilient crop and livestock production (3) Greener value chain development (4) Digital agriculture and innovation, (5) Support for an Agri-food system transformation that provides healthy, affordable diets for all in a sustainable manner in a context where global crises coexist (climate change impacts, post-pandemic and increasing food and energy prices due to the war in Ukraine).
In response, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Pacific, HE Ms. Xiangjun Yao reaffirmed FAO’s support to the Tonga Government through the mobilisation of technical and financial resources; assistance for development of innovation across the Agri-food system, amongst other areas of cooperation.
She highlighted FAO’s support in building resilience in agriculture through technical support to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests leading food security response to crises, training, promoting agro-forestry and crop diversification under various TCP and Emergency Projects. These assistances contribute significantly for the Food System Transformation Pathway and Small Islands Development States (SIDS) Plan.
FAO initiatives also includes collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries to strengthen resilience of Tonga’s fisheries sector and designing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disaster preparedness, response and recovery in line with National Emergency Management Office – NEMO Policies.
FAO also works with the line ministries in providing technical support to ensure the needs of vulnerable groups such as women and youth in agriculture and fisheries are met.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations with the goal of achieving food security for all and to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands was established in 1996 in Samoa to coordinate the work of FAO in the Pacific region.
Lau Mahina Faka-Tonga ke tokoni ki he kau ngoue.
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.
GOVERNMENT OF TONGA
MEDIA RELEASE
“Lord Tu’ilakepa delivers Tonga’s National Statement at the UN Food Systems Pre-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 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.
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.
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 8th March,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.
World Food Day (WFD) 2020 and FAO’s 75th Anniversary commemorated in Tonga on 16 October, 2020. This year, WFD events held at the Indoor Stadium at ‘Atele. Guest of Honour was the Hon. Prime Minister, Rev Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa.
The WFD theme this year calls to “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together”. The theme tagline “Our actions are our future” reinforce the call for action to overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through enhancing productivity and upgrading and diversifying production value chains.
The WFD2020 theme and activities recognize the increased agricultural activities at community level by every districts of Tongatapu. Similar agricultural activities occur in the outer islands, Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua and the Niuas. Program of the WFD include pre-judge competitions that focus on self-sufficient activities at the seven districts of Tongatapu. This include household vegetable gardening, fruit tree planting, home-base poultry and layers. Other pre-judge competition involves food businesses operations and Food Safety inspections. The rest of the competition was on the WFD exhibitions and displays. This engaged private sector food-related businesses and retailers, farmers, schools, exporters that involve in making sustainable food available and affordable.
The theme emphasizes on the need to make sure that our food systems grow a variety of food to nourish growing population and sustain the world we are living, together. The theme re-emphasizes the importance for Tonga to make food choices that improve both our health and that of our food systems. The current engagement of private sectors, community groups, households and schools in vegetable gardening, poultry raising, fruit tree planting support healthy eating in order to reduce alarming rate of non-communicable diseases in Tonga.
The WFD exhibition featuring stakeholder, community groups, exporters, food vendors and food-related partnerships clearly indicated the status of food systems in Tonga. Most exhibitions by community groups, food businesses, exporters and food vendors. Both agriculture and fisheries exhibitions confirm the two main source to providing variety of food for sustainable and healthy Tonga.
Special performance by the Government Primary School of ‘Atele was the climax of the WFD. Songs and poems composed for the WFD theme and costume parade on various food types assured that the WFD is reaching out to young generation.
The commemoration of WFD each year calls for action. Despite the unprecedented circumstances of the WFD2020, Tonga can still take advantage of this important opportunity to featuring food and agricultural sector.
PREVENTION OF THE PIG’S VIRUS AFRICAN SWINE FEVER(ASF)
