Concerns Raised About Asian Takeover of Agriculture

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A story we aired yesterday concerning the progress of farm inspections for suppliers of fruits and vegetables for the School Lunch Program has struck a chord with a business owner who’s concerned about the implications of local agriculture being taken over by Asians.

The businessman who asked for anonymity,  commented on the Acting Director of Agriculture’s Tapaau Dr. Dan Aga’s statement that they are thinking of compiling a manual on the dos and don’ts of farming in English and Samoan with Chinese translation seeing that many farms are being run by Chinese.

The businessman said the statement indicates acceptance of farming being dominated by foreigners.

He questions how Asians are able to get immigration approval to work here when farming is not a specialized skill,

He said the government should look at the situation carefully and address it before it gets out of control.

He also advises land owners to consider the long term impact of their decisions to lease their lands to foreigners instead of working their land themselves.

He said fishing and farming are innate skills of Samoans and it would be advisable for the government to look at farming or fishing ventures for employees of Samoa Tuna Processors who will unemployed after tomorrow.

But if available lands are being leased to Chinese where can the employees get land to grow food for their families or to sell.

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