PACIFIC ORGANICS AND ETHICAL TRADE HOAFS: September 2010, Fiji

Background  Formal work in organics in the Pacific began with IRETA who brought together the regions pioneers of organics and began building a movement.  HOAFS in 2006, directed SPC’s Land Resources Division(LRD) through the Extension Information and Communication to peruse development of Organic Agriculture in the region building on the work of IRETA.  An IFOAM study identified lack of a coordinated approach and the cost of certification as major obstacles to developing organic agriculture in the region.  IFAD then provided a small grant to develop a Pacific Certification Standard and a strategy for further sustainable development of the industry.

Achievements: Pacific Organic Ethical Trade Community Formation  Bio Fenua, French Polynesia  Equilibres – New Caledonia  Fiji Organic Association, Fiji  Kastom Garden Association, Solomon Islands  MAQFF – Department of Livestock and Quarantine - Vanuatu  Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development/ Kiribati Organic Farmers Association  PNG Coffee Growers Association, Papua New Guinea  Titikaveka Growers Association, Cook Islands  MAFFF Tonga/ Tonga National Youth Congress  Women in Business Development, Inc. Samoa  SPC Northern Pacific FAO – USP - AgriBusiness Group (NZ)-Certification bodies – NARI(PNG) OXFAM NZ-IFOAM-SPC

Achievements The Pacific Organic Standard (POS) endorsed by the HOAFS September 2008 and launched at the MOAFS. Logos and Seals for products certified to the (POS) have been developed and are being internationally trademarked.

Achievements The POS has been recognised as Equivalent to the EU organic regulation. Certifying bodies active in the region have agreed in principle to certify to the POS and also to train Pacific based auditors. FAO is funding development of the Organic Guarantee System – the structure and regulations required so that the POS can be used for certification. The Strategic Plan for Organic Development has been finalized and published. Focus of the Strategic Plan is to develop strong national organic movements and to operationalize the Pacific Standard so it can be used for certification.

Achievements  The Pacific’s first Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) has been established in New Caledonia “ BioCaledonia”.  A PGS assessment and registration system has been developed that allows PGS that meet all requirements to use a specific “PGS Organic Pasifika” seal on their produce assisting marketing. Institutional developments have been undertaken regionally and nationally in support of organics and ethical trade.

High Level Support  The Pacific High Level Organics Group (PHLOG), chaired by the Prime Minister of Samoa, continues to advocate and raise awareness for organic development at regional and national levels.

Why Organics…. POETCom’s Vision: Pacific organics — the key contributor to sustaining our cultures and improving farmer livelihoods, communities, people’s health and our environment.

Livelihoods…  Organic Monitor estimates, global organic sales reached $50.9 billion in 2008, double the $25 billion recorded in  Organic non-food sales grew 9.1 percent in 2009 In the Pacific 5000 small holder farmers exported (FOB approximate value) 6,629,926 USD worth of organically certified product in 2009.

 In line with traditional practices mixed cropping, maintaining biodiversity, soil care and conservation techniques.  Provides opportunities for small holders to link into niche export markets without disturbing social structures, land tenure systems.  Income generation opportunities at village level providing incentive for youth to work the land. Culture and Community

 Health dangers of agrochemicals are widely known and the tendency for Organo-chlorines to bio- accumulate through the food chain is of particular concern.  Connections to various types of cancer, respiratory diseases and skin conditions are also well documented.  State of Science Review, 2008 gave new evidence confirming the nutritional superiority of plant based organic foods. Health

 Mitigation: It reduces greenhouse gases as no chemical nitrogen fertilizers are used and nutrient losses are minimized.  It stores carbon in soil and plant biomass by building organic matter, encourages agro-forestry and forbidding the clearance of primary ecosystems.  Adaptation: It prevents nutrient and water loss through high organic matter content and soil covers, thus making soils more resilient to floods, droughts and land degradation processes.  It preserves seed and crop diversity which increases crop resistance to pests and disease. Environment – Climate Change

HOAFs endorsements: POETCom and the organic farmers of the Pacific seek the support of HOAFS:  To Institutionalize and implement the Pacific Organic Standard (POS) and POETCom through establishing a small POETCom secretariat within SPC to provide the necessary administrative structure and support.  And in endorsing and supporting SPCs actions in this area and also in providing continued support to organic initiatives at National level.

Acknowledgements:  IFAD  FAO  USP/IRETA  NARI  Other donors: EU, AUSaid New Zealand Aid programme, ACIAR, OXFAM NZ, Canada Fund  Governments of the region.  SPC  EU Fact  Thematic teams.