NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AGRITOURISM SECTOR IN THE PACIFIC In the context of the 1st Pacific Week of Agriculture (#PWA2017) Port-Vila, Vanuatu, 18th October, 14h00-17h30 Melanesian Hotel, Room The Melanesian, Port Vila, Vanuatu Organised by the Government of Vanuatu , PIPSO, SPTO, IFAD and CTA Since 2014, CTA, PIPSO and key partners in the Pacific region have been highlighting the potential of tourism markets for local farmers and other value chain actors. A special focus is put into strengthening agritourism at the 1st Pacific Week of Agriculture organised by Vanuatu on 16-20th October 2017. In this context, PIPSO, SPTO, CTA, IFAD and other partners will organise: A focused agritourism workshop to share lessons learned and take stock on progress made in serving tourism markets in selected countries to be held on 18th October (14:00-17:30). A chefs training session. As part of joint SPTO/PIPSO/CTA efforts to promote food tourism in the Pacific region, support Pacific cuisine branding and enhance local chef’s skills in sourcing locally, we will also organise a two day chefs training on 19-20th October 2017.

1. Presented by:
Andrew Nihopara
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Culture & Tourism
Solomon Islands
18th October 2017

2. AGENDA
• Quick Review
• Current Status
• Case for Agritourism in SI

3. QUICK REVIEW
• Government Policies:
• Agriculture – Policy ?? / Agriculture Act 1972
• Tourism – New Policy supports ‘Policy Coherence’ with other
sectors including tourism
• Pockets of establishments already exist
• Heritage Park Hotel with West Guadalcanal Famers
• Small scale growers – out-sketch of Honiara
• Link is basically non-existent in Provinces except with eggs, and
seafood products
• Scoping Study conducted by USP on ‘Farm to Table’
Concept – 2014

4. CURRENT STATUS
• Agriculture contribution to SI Economy – 30+% of GDP
• Tourism contribution to SI Economy – 6% of GDP

5. The Farm to Table
• USP Scoping - 2014
• Key Findings
• Agritourism – happening in pockets / Small scale
• Major hotels still purchasing most meat products off shore
• Inconsistency in supply and quality of products
• Season-dependent products – inconsistency in supplies
• Lack of availability of land for large scale
• Huge potential exist – Needs policy framework
• Existing pockets of linkages
• Small scale growers links with restaurants / hotels
• Need for a coordinated approach between all stakeholders

6. General and Organic Farming
• Kastom Garden Network
• Current practitioner – Zaina Ti Na Organic Farm
• General Agricultural product – Fruits, vegetables
supply to Heritage Park Hotel
• Egg suppliers – Shops and restaurants / Cruise
ships

7. Challenges
• Lack of Policy cohesion / Coherence – (linking Tourism,
Environment, Agriculture – women and youth
development
• Support framework required – Coordination and
implementation mechanisms
• Lacks Incentives to drive the concept

8. Opportunities
• Development of a Policy framework to support and drive
the concept – CTA support
• Test the concept with current initiatives
• Pilot the concept with a tourism establishment and a
community – draw on current success stories
• Draw up project to seek DP partnership under existing
programmes
THANK YOU