Organic strategy

PACIFIC – Organic farming is being touted as a key strategy in the fight against climate change in the Pacific.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community are behind the initiative.

A group, including the Fund’s Sakiusa Tubuna, has just returned from the Cook Islands where they met with local farmers. He says organic farming is being encouraged to reduce the vulnerability of people to both natural hazards and climate change.

“There is a lot of evidence that is coming out now that organic agriculture is more resilient to climate change. They do not use a lot of chemicals, they do not use a lot of imports. They use local materials and they enhance the traditional farming methods, the traditional farming practices which are resilient.”

The programme aims to involve 600 farmers across the region and also connect more youth with the agricultural sector.