The Department of Agriculture will be split with one branch here on Tutuila and the second one to be set up in Manu’a.
Governor lemanu Peleti Mauga revealed the plans at a cabinet meeting today where food security was one of the main topics discussed.
He said while the Covid-19 pandemic has brought blessings for the territory, we need to plan and take action now to ensure that food supplies for the territory don’t run out.
He pointed to the current situation where shipping delays have caused shortages or the complete sell out of building materials which has halted many building projects.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Siauini Taala gave a brief summary of a strategic plan by the Department of Agriculture to promote self sufficiency in local Farming and livestock so that the territory will have an ample food supply. The Department of Agriculture will be split with one branch here on Tutuila and the second branch to be set up Manu’a.
Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga revealed the plans at a cabinet meeting todaywhere Food security was one of the main topics discussed.
Governor Lemanu said while the Covid 19 pandemic has brought blessing s for the territory, we need to plan and take action now to ensure that food supplies for. The territory don’t run out.
He pointed to the current situation where shipping delays have caused shortages or the complete sell out of building materials which have stopped many building projects .
The deputy director of Agriculture Taala gave a brief summary of a strategic plan by the Department of Agriculture to promote self sufficiency in local Farming and livestock so that the territory will have an ample food supply.
Their plan also encourages families to grow some of their own food in back yard plots.
Homeland Security Director Samana Semo Veavea said the territory is vulnerable because nearly all of its food supply is imported.
He said they have tried to assess the available food supplies in stores and at the most freezer goods, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products are enough for up to 60 days. He recommended test a Task Force or working group be established to come up with recommendations to ensure the territory has ample food supplies.
The Director of Marine and Wildlife Resources Archie Taotasi Soliai informed the meeting that American Samoa’s ocean provides a source of food however only a few people are fishing, He said there are only 60 registered commercial fishermen. DMWR is working on programs to drive residents into fishing.
There were recommendations to use Manu’a to boost agricultural and fisheries production.
Governor Lemanu informed the meeting of plans to divide the Department of Agriculture and have one branch here on Tutuila and the other in Manu’a to push agriculture and fisheries.
He said the Department of Education would also have a key role to play in these efforts to convince students about the future in farming and fishing.
The Governor also said the days of having people working for nothing to grow and maintain plantations are long gone. He said ASG needs to provide money to pay for people to work on plantations .
Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega pledged the full support of his office on plans to achieve food security especially with regards to having families growing some of their food.
