Local farmers who attended a meeting with the Department of Agriculture on Friday said they cannot meet the demand for story in the territory.
One of the biggest taro farmers on the island Atualevao Asifoa said the local taro supply is not enough.
But he said if the suspension of taro exports is lifted there should be some changes to ensure that unwanted weeds and pests are prevented from entering the territory.
Atualevao told the meeting, conducted by Director of Agriculture, Filifaatali Mike Fuiava, that he’s seen taro from Samoa which come with dirt and he suspects that this is the cause of the spread of a pest weed called “vaofefe palagi in the territory.
Atualevao said the territory needs taro from Samoa as the local supply is not enough. 
But he suggested that the Department of Agriculture impose certain requirements if the suspension is lifted.
Atualevao recommended that taro suppliers in Samoa clean their taro just like they do for taro sent to Hawaii and the mainland.
Another recommendation from Atualevao was to cut off middlemen who just go around Upolu and Savaii buying taro from farmers, then putting them in sacks without cleaning, and come sell the taro to local stores.
Another farmer, Tuputala Sagapolutele, said rather than DOA asking them if they can meet the demand for taro, DOA should conduct a survey.
Agriculture Director Filifaatali told farmers if taro are being allowed in with dirt it means his department is not doing its job.
The director said that changes will be made when the suspension of taro from Samoa is lifted
DOA will require that only bonafide farmers from Samoa send their taro here, which will cut off the middlemen.
The name of the farmer and their business license must be provided.
And DOA will require that the taro be cleaned or they will not be allowed in.
Filifaatali said this will also help trace the source of any bad taro or disease.
The director moved to dispel suggestions that the reason for the prolonged suspension is to help local farmers sell their produce.
He said there is no truth to such suggestions. The reason why the temporary ban is still in place is because they haven’t received results of tests done on taro affected by the recent taro disease.
