Director of Agriculture, Filifaatali Mike Fuiava says Samoa’s ban on taro exports to American Samoa is the prerogative of Samoa.
The Samoa Minister of Agriculture Lopaoo Natanielu Mu’a advised Filifaatali of the ban in a letter in which he said that the new conditions imposed by American Samoa for taro imports from Samoa do not appear to deal directly with the issue and concern that led to American Samoa’s ban on taro, namely the guarding against potential harm to taro cultivation and consumption in American Samoa.
Lopao’o seemed particularly concerned about the new requirement that American Samoa inspectors would first inspect plantations of taro exporters to the territory.
According to Lopaoo he would be issuing a public notice to temporarily ban taro exports to American Samoa.
When individuals sending taro here for faalavelave and personal consumption went to the Samoa Department of Agriculture to get quarantine permits for their taro they were informed of the temporary ban.
The Lady Naomi ‘s weekly trip yesterday did not bring any taro because of the ban.
Asked if he has responded to the Minister’s letter advising of the ban, Filifaatali said it was agreed after their discussions with the Minister and agriculture officials in Samoa before the local ban on taro was lifted that any correspondence would be through Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said the only contact he’s had with Samoa was through the Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Agriculture which he says is not the agreed to channel of communication.
Filifaatali said he can’t do anything about Samoa’s temporary ban on taro exports to the territory but it indicated its a matter that warrants discussion.
