Local farmers remain hopeful that the School Lunch Program will soon resume accepting locally grown produce.
After several violations were found in local farms, such as the use of insecticides to fast track the ripening of produce, use of illegal pesticides, and unsanitary practices, the Department of Education (DOE) informed farmers in July that the School Lunch Program would no longer accept locally grown vegetables, fruits, and other crops.
Farms first had to undergo an inspection by the Department of Agriculture, the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Health. Farm workers were required to undergo proper training in the use of pesticides.
Two members of the American Samoa Farmers Cooperative said they were told at a meeting last Friday that the DOE is waiting reports from the various agencies conducting the inspections and training. They were told that a decision on when the School Lunch Program can resume accepting local produce should be made within two weeks.
The farmers said they planted vegetables and crops with the intention of selling to the School Lunch Program.
While they’ve been selling at the Fagatogo market place and to local restaurants, the revenue is pale in comparison to what they earned selling to the School Lunch Program. They are now eagerly awaiting a decision from the DOE Director on when School Lunch can resume accepting their produce.
