The Australian Commission for International Agricultural Research visited Papua New Guinea in May to gain insights into the country's agricultural research priorities, challenges and opportunities.
The Commission for International Agricultural Research was established under an act of the Australian parliament. It comprises 7 agricultural experts who provide collective decision-making and expert advice to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs on the agricultural challenges of partner countries and strategic aspects of national and regional development.
During the visit, the Commission met with relevant PNG government institutions, Australian Government representatives in PNG, key stakeholders and farmers to understand the impact of ACIAR's work in PNG, focusing on 42 years of partnership in international agricultural research for development.
Commission Chair Mrs Fiona Simson said meeting with key partners and stakeholders deepened the Commission's understanding and helped them gain valuable insights into the agricultural priorities and challenges in PNG.
'We've been able to witness the diversity of PNG's agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. We've seen and heard firsthand how developing capacity among smallholders delivers enormous benefits. The focus on gender equity, community forestry, and collaboration with private sector partners and farmers has yielded results and we look forward to seeing how this develops, and how ACIAR can continue to support our partners to overcome challenges,' said Mrs Simson.
In presentations and field visits, the Commission heard from beneficiaries of ACIAR projects like galip nut processor Devine Management Services Managing Director Ms Dorothy Luana. After benefitting from packing, marketing, processing methods and product development advice in an ACIAR project to enhance private sector-led development of the Canarium industry, Dorothy and her family are now selling galip nuts to supermarkets and smaller shops, including in Australia.
A highlight for Commissioners included a locally cooked lunch at Boera Village, where they met with women and community members empowered through an ACIAR Black Soldier Fly project, supporting a circular economy. They also heard from young farmers and community leaders about the positive impacts of the Family Farms project on youth in their community. Along with a focus on food production and nutrition, this program builds skills in farm finance and supports shared goals in the community. This allows women to participate more equitably in decision making at the local level.
The delegation also toured biosecurity labs run by the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority of Papua New Guinea (NAQIA) and the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI).
ACIAR Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Professor Wendy Umberger said ACIAR had a long history of research and capacity development investment with PNG.
'As PNG celebrates its 50 years of independence this year, ACIAR is proud to reflect on the role we've played in helping build resilience with local partners. We will continue to support PNG in moving towards more sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry livelihood systems,' said Prof Umberger.
'We look forward to continue working with our government partners to improve food security and nutrition through sustainable practices and further enhance the production of key export products while also strengthening resilience to biosecurity, climate and disaster risk.'
Learn more about ACIAR's work in Papua New Guinea.
