2010年-世界发展银行全球_Developing_the_Organic_Agriculture_Sub-Sector_in_Samoa_18页_1mb

Summary of the Technical Assistance Report on Developing the Organic Agriculture Sub-Sector in Samoa

Core Content

This Technical Assistance (TA) report, prepared by the World Bank, aims to support the Government of Samoa in strengthening its agriculture sector institutions, improving the performance of selected commodities, and identifying strategic infrastructure investments. The focus is on the development of organic agriculture, which is seen as a promising sector for both domestic and export markets. The report outlines a comprehensive action plan for the future development of organic products in Samoa, based on a SWOT analysis and stakeholder consultations.

Main Points

Organic Farming in Samoa

• Traditional farming in Samoa is essentially a traditional organic system, relying on local resources, natural soil regeneration, and low labor input.
• Certified organic farming began in 1994 with the establishment of the Malaefono organic plantation.
• WIBDI (Women in Business Development Inc.) has been a key player in promoting organic farming, working with around 1,000 farmers, of which 350 are certified.
• Approximately 19,000 hectares of farmland are certified organic.
• Organic products, such as Misiluki bananas and virgin coconut oil, have seen some export success, generating around WST 200,000 in 2009.
• The domestic market for organic products is small and underdeveloped, with limited demand from the hospitality sector and no demand from the food wholesale and retail sectors.

Specialty Certification Systems

• Organic certification is one of the most prominent and regulated specialty certification systems in Samoa, with public standards in place.
• Other certification systems such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and company-specific schemes are also relevant, though not as widely implemented.
• The Fair Trade system in Samoa is not yet fully certified, with Misiluki bananas and virgin coconut oil being associated with Fair Trade schemes but not officially certified.
• The market for certified organic products is estimated to be worth around US$40 billion globally, with price premiums ranging from 10% to 100%.

SWOT Analysis of the Organic Sector

Key Recommendations

A. Domestic-Oriented Organic Production

• Develop an organic mark and promotional materials, "owned" by the Government of Samoa.
• Organize promotional events targeting producers, consumers, teachers, and the hospitality industry.
• Create an organic cookbook, signposts for hotels and restaurants, and on-farm tours for tourists.
• Establish an Organic Samoa website.
• Simplify the certification process for the local market.
• Coordinate activities with the weekly organic market and the basket scheme.
• Provide support for labeling, packaging, and certification for local producers, traders, and retailers.

B. Export-Oriented Organic Production

• Focus on upgrading and expanding existing value chains for Misiluki bananas, coconut oil, and related products.
• Explore new organic products such as fresh coconut, dried fruit, and taro leaves.
• Conduct market research and surveys for identified crops.
• Support certification with subsidies and gradual phase-out of costs.
• Facilitate participation in trade fairs and missions.
• Develop an Organic Samoa branding package, including a website and promotional materials.
• Improve post-harvest treatment and trial shipments to new destinations.
• Support training for new organic exporters in business procedures and marketing.
• Encourage field trials of new methods, inputs, and varieties.

C. Policy and Capacity Building

• Mainstream organic farming into Samoan policies.
• Analyze how current government policies affect organic agriculture.
• Support capacity building for agencies and private sector implementers.
• Facilitate overseas training in organic farming and policy development.

D. Standards, Mark, and Certification

• Improve access to standards and certification services.
• Link with existing developments in the Pacific, such as the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and POETCom.
• Translate the Pacific Organic Standard into Samoan and develop a simplified version for field use.
• Establish a registration system for organic farmers to enable targeted technical assistance.
• Develop a strategy for organic certification and procure related services.
• Train key personnel in certification roles, including inspectors and administrators.

E. Production

• Build advisory capacity through training and study tours.
• Promote farmer-to-farmer exchange and participatory methods.
• Pilot field trials of new methods, inputs, and varieties (especially vegetables).

Implementation Strategy

• The National Organic Advisory Committee should continue as a national coordinating body.
• A more practical committee or stakeholder forum is needed for daily implementation.
• MAF should be assigned as the focal point for organic agriculture coordination.
• WIBDI is expected to remain the leading organization for organic development.
• Regular stakeholder meetings are recommended to ensure private sector engagement and empowerment.
• The private sector should be actively involved in value chains, with WIBDI acting as a service provider.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the importance of organic agriculture in Samoa, highlighting its environmental, economic, and social benefits. It outlines a clear action plan to enhance domestic and export-oriented organic production, improve policy and institutional frameworks, and strengthen the certification and branding systems. The focus is on sustainable value chains, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to support long-term growth and competitiveness in the organic sector.