Cook Islands and FAO strengthen food security collaboration

The Cook Islands and the Food and Agriculture Organization discussed strengthening cooperation on sustainable agriculture and food security during a visit by its subregional coordinator.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) welcomed the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Pacific Islands Sub-regional Coordinator, Yao Xiangjun, on her first visit to the Cook Islands this week.

Yao Jian was appointed by the FAO Director-General in 2020 and currently serves as the FAO Representative to several Pacific island countries.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marked an important step in strengthening ties and promoting cooperation between the Cook Islands and FAO.

Yao Jian stressed the important role of the region’s agri-food system, emphasizing its significance in accessing larger markets, meeting domestic demand and exploring niche markets.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tinka Elikana stressed the importance of food security within the FAO framework.

Elikana noted that the Cook Islands’ remote location, high transportation costs and limited land space pose challenges to large-scale production and export.

“We need to link our efforts to Pa Enua, which is our ‘breadbasket’ source for the domestic market and beyond,” he said.

Minister Elikana also stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural development with a focus on long-term goals and returns.

“It is vital to increase agricultural production capacity to meet Rarotonga’s needs,” he noted.

He stressed that agriculture is a national security issue that depends on natural resources and climate, and called for investment in agriculture to increase productivity and ensure food security.

“Investments that deliver long-term benefits to our agricultural sector and economy are vital,” Elikaner concluded.

The visit also marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between FAO and the Cook Islands, which share a common vision of achieving sustainable agricultural development and strengthening national food security.

The Food and Agriculture Organization was one of the first United Nations specialized agencies that the Cook Islands joined, becoming a member in 1985.

FAO support to the Cook Islands is provided at the national level, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, and for some projects, in partnership with regional organizations such as the Pacific Community (SPC) and the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).