Organic Farming is Gold

The soil as we know is very important to all living matter on earth. But it is slowly phasing off due to climate change. Its time for farmers to take a stand and make a change, but how can these changes be addressed? What can farmers do to withstand such climatic issues? Organic farming is the way to go as mentioned by one of  POETCom's very own Stephen. 

Niue has yet again been privileged with another exciting opportunity to learn about soil resilience to address the issues of climate change. Thanking the Niue Organic Farming Association (NIOFA) team for making this possible.

Its all fun and games when applying various amount of fertilizers to the soil as it sure does help with the nutrient deficiency for the time being. But in the long run the soil soon then slowly wears out and cannot withstand any longer. That's where organic farming plays an important role in rejuvenating these lost nutrients in the soil. 

Various organic methods can be used to help maintain these nutrients in the soil and these methods include; composting, mulching of plants, green waste managements and so forth. And the good thing about these methods is that they are readily available to everyone. The only down-side to such methods is the determination of the farmer to continue with the management practices.

At the moment there are only forty-eight certified organic farming areas here in Niue to date, but mainly occupied by Vanilla plantation, according to Alana Tukuniu (NIOFA's Certification Manager).

An initiative was presented by Mr. Hazleman saying that Niuean farmers should look at growing crops in these certified organic areas. A crop example was looking into growing wild ginger as it is considered a high demand spice usage for chefs around the world nowadays. 

Stephen and colleague Dr. Shane set out with the workshop participants to do some soil sampling around each of the farmers to analyse soil pH, soil organisms present and other excitements in regards to proper soil management practices for farmers to take note.
It was also fortunate for the Senior students from Niue High School undertaking chemistry to observe and perform with  Dr. Shane and Stephen with soil sampling trials. Each of these soil samples will be taken overseas to get analysed for the different nutrients present from each of the farms visited.
Everything is done at the moment, the samples taken from the farm areas are now being prepared to standard for scientific analysis overseas. Thanks again Stephen, Dr Shane and POETCom for this opportunity for Niue, not forgetting NIOFA for organizing.

Photo Credit: Natasha Toeono-Tohovaka

Blogpost by Tom-Vaitolo Vaha, Livestock Officer,

Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

Empowering Youth Understandings on Climate Change & Organic Farming

Every time the word "climate change" pops up in every individuals minds; people be like "oh its whats's happening now due to high level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which causes destruction to the ozone layer of the earth resulting in climate changes (sea level rising, earthquakes, hurricanes...etc)". The impacts of climate change has rapidly increased over the years and is an ongoing discussions on trying to minimize these impacts; but how can organic farming contribute to the impacts caused by climate change?

The Niue Island Organic Farming Association (NIOFA) with the assistance of SPC facilitated a recreational workshop for youths to broaden their understandings on issues regarding climate change. The program was initially set out for young youths from the age range of 10 - 20 years old, however it was also open for other youth members from the general public.

Specialists (Theresa & Ligi) from SPC - POETCom  (Pacific Organic & Ethical Trade Community) shared very important keynotes during the one week training. With encouraging methods for the kids to learn; from story telling, to singing songs, poetry writings, making up plays and so many other fun activities to put emphasis on the kids minds regarding climate change and organic farming.

It was indeed a long one week; and the best activity was always saved for last, "field trip" to a organic operated farm site.
 The name of the area visited was Ahupilipili, a family land owned by Lisa Hekau and Gina Tukiuha.
"We have been working on this land for a very long time now, all the way from our ancestors and now onto us..." was the remarks by Mrs. Tukiuha during our short visit.
In addition to the field trip was a member of NIOFA, Mr Taufakavalu Tukiuha; and having him sharing his expertise with the kids. They surely learnt quite a few important keynotes regarding organic farming; this includes importance of mulching plants, emphasis of muccuna (legume) plant for Nitrogen Fixation and so many other important notes.

The grand finale of the workshop was set out at the village of Hakupu with the traditional Niue tunu paku farewell dinner. After a long week of learning, singing, praying, playing and having fun, the kids surely had something to talk about of what they did during the school holidays.
Big Fakaaue lahi and thanks to NIOFA, SPC - POETCom for organising such awareness project for the youth and kids here in Niue.

Fruit Tree Project underway for local Farmers

"I like my fruit trees to be as natural as they are..." was an ironic comment by one local farmer when fruit tree specialist recommended "pruning is very important".
This is a newly established projected funded by FAO; titled Fruit and Nut Tree Project and is assisted by specialist Mr. Brian Paxton from Cook Island. Mr. Paxton owns an orchid plantation up in the Cooks, and is now a contracted consultant for FAO to carry out the Fruit and Nut Tree Project for Niue. Local farmers along with interested recipients were invited to the official launch of the project followed by an inception workshop on outlining the core and key issues regarding the project. The one day workshop was carried out by Mr. Paxton along with FAO consultant Mr. Viliame Fakava. The session mainly covers the overview of the project.

The boring and theory part was all made up for when the gang head out onto the field to witness some real action. Recipients and local farmers got to visit various sites around Niue as a brief insight to caring and managing fruit trees. First stop was up at Taufakavalu Tukiuha's Orchid plantation; and without being said he was one delightful farmer with full of sarcasm with "I take care of my trees as I take care of myself...". Everyone got a good chance to witness Brian carrying out his pruning techniques over one of Valu's lime tree.
Next stop was at a banana plantation area owned by Mr. Pokotoa Sipelli, a local farmer and also one of the Ministers for the legislative assembly for Niue. Had a few pointers for managing a banana plantation from Mr. Paxton.
Last but not least was visiting what was said by owners John and Dorris Ranfurly as the "garden of Eden". They absolutely had a marvelous fruit tree plantation to put up for show.

As FAO consultant Mr. Fakava mentioned earlier during the inception workshop "it would be a great project having to be done here in Niue, as it already has an abundance of tropical fruit trees surrounding the island". Its something to look forward to in the near future, export wise.