The training which supports the government’s goals of enhancing root crop production not just for the domestic market but for export in the long run, will be conducted to lead root crop farmers in all six provinces of Vanuatu.

One of the participants, Anderson Wells, said quality is very important for consumption and export. Quality should not be considered just at the end of production process but, right from the field till consumption,” he said.

“The training helps to change substantial farmers’ mindsets towards commercial farming. If we want to export, we have to shift to commercial farming.

“Most of our farmers are into substantial farming. They sell some of their produces from their gardens to the markets and use the rest to feed his/her family. This training proposes that farmers take a different approach.

“And also, there are regulations to follow when engaging in international export. One of those rules is quality.”

Wells added that there are processing techniques that farmers should consider to maintain quality and reduces food loss as a solution to food security.

He commended the government for decentralizing services to rural farmers.

Participants of the first root crop quality training in SANMA Province were chosen by the Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority (VPPA).

Senior Food Technologist from the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS), Tina Lau, said participants have registered additional trainings tailored specifically on certain parts of the value chain, starting from production right to marketing.

The VBS can assist farmers with their products in terms of facility to value-add products, to ensure food safety requirements and CODEX standards are met before export, she said.

She said the next training is scheduled for farmers in TAFEA Province.

VBS and the Department of Industry are organising these trainings with assistance from the Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services and VPPA, through funds from the Economic Stimulus Package.

Source: Daily Post