Cook Islands Agritourism Policy Setting Workshop 2018 Policy Setting for Improved Linkages Between Agriculture, Trade and Tourism: Strengthening the Local Agrifood sector and Promoting Healthy Food in Agritourism. Workshop Programme Organised by the Government of Cook Islands In collaboration with and Pacific Community, CTA, PIPSO and SPTO Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 25-26th September 2018

1. SUPPORTING AGRIBUSINESS
IN THE COOK ISLANDS

2. Introduction
• Why Chamber of Commerce and what this
involved.
• Budget and Programme
• Parallel programmes – ORCHARD
DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH ENTERPRISE
SCHEME (YES), BUSINESSS MENTORS
• Lessons learnt - room for further
development

3. WHY CHAMBER
Chamber was
• Prepared and committed to developing the
programme from scratch.
• Worked with MoA Head of Ministry to support
the Programme
• Wanted to be innovative in the approach and
implementation
• Include areas that were considered outside
the agriculture sector.

4. BUDGET COMPONENTS
COMPONENTS USD % ALLOCATION
Consulting and Advisory Services including Project Management 44,497.00 25%
Business Mentors Travel & Accommodation 21,978.00 12%
YESand Technical Support Workshops Training & Mentoring 26,730.00 15%
Communication and Media Promotions 12,507.00 7%
Small Grants Facility 70,358.00 39%
Audit Fees and Miscellaneous 3,930.00 2%
TOTAL BUDGET 180,000.00 100%

5. ORCHARD DEVELOPMENT
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
1 2 3 4
sq meters 12000 8000 28461 107063
Year 2011 2014 2015 2016
sqmetres

6. YOUTH ENTERPRISE SCHEME
• Programme is delivered at Tereora College
• Year 13 Students
• Operated for past 4 years
• Supports the development of business and
entrepreneurial activities through students
establishing businesses during the school
year.

7. Business Mentors
• Delivered since 2010
• over 100 businesses mentored include,
tourism, retail, crafts, agriculture,
restaurants and food outlets.
• emphasis has been on developing
agricultural businesses and supporting the
growth of agribusinesses. Of the 80 plus
businesses 25 are agri. or agricultural
businesses.

8. Supporting Businesses
0
5
10
15
20
25
Female Male FAO Total
Bruce
Terry
Janet
DD

9. New Businesses Need Help
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Bruce Terry Janet DD
Start ups
1 - 2 yrs
Over 2yrs

10. FUTURE PROSPECTS
SUSTAINING AN AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY
• Vision and hard work
• Ongoing technical support
– Mentoring and maintaining the momentum
with farmers
– Holding hands in development
• Support
– Partnerships, Air Rarotonga, SRICC
– Banks and what is available?
– Governments Role
– Training