Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Tomasi Tunabuna, called for action, alignment, and shared responsibility to safeguard Pacific plant genetic resources when officially opening the 2025 Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN) Biennial Meeting at the Novotel hotel in Nadi.

The meeting is part of a regional program organized by the Pacific Community (SPC), bringing together country representatives and technical experts to strengthen seed systems and plant genetic resource management across the Pacific.

In his address, Hon. Tunabuna positioned seed sovereignty and regional collaboration as central pillars of agricultural resilience and cultural heritage.

He called on the Pacific to unite around seed systems that reflect local knowledge, biodiversity, and shared purpose.

“We are not here to preserve seeds for nostalgia but to secure our food systems, protect our biodiversity, and ensure that Pacific voices drive Pacific solutions," stressed Hon. Tunabuna.

The meeting drew participation from technical focal points across 15 countries from the region to discuss key strategies, including the Pacific Seeds for Life Roadmap and the Growing the Pacific Strategy.

While praising these frameworks, Hon. Tunabuna emphasised the urgency of implementation.

“Let us make sure that our strategies do not stay on paper but live in the fields, in the nurseries, and the hands of our farmers and growers.”

Hon. Tunabuna acknowledged the support of SPC, Australia, and New Zealand, while reinforcing the importance of sustained and coordinated contributions.

“We cannot be passive recipients of support nor scattered contributors, we must be strategic, united, and future-focused.”

He called on the Pacific to adopt systemic thinking that goes beyond seeds and genetic material, highlighting the importance of soil health, biosecurity, extension services, policy clarity, and strong community participation.

“Seeds need systems and systems need solidarity,” he said.

“If we do not build clarity, consistency, and capability across countries, we risk scattering our efforts instead of strengthening them.”

Hon. Tunabuna also reminded participants that this work connects deeply to Pacific identity and survival.

“This work is about more than crops or varieties or seeds, it’s about livelihoods, it’s about the food we eat, it is about adapting to the changing climate.”

He closed by urging attendees to move with purpose.

“What we do this week matters for our region, our farmers, and our children. Let this week be a space of collaboration, clarity, and commitment.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways reaffirms its dedication to supporting inclusive, locally driven seed systems that reflect Pacific heritage and build resilience against climate challenges.

ENDS

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