November 2016
The Pacific Island Farmers Organisation Network (PIFON) in partnership with Terra Circle Australia co-organized a Pacific Open Pollinated Seed Learning Exchange that was held in Brisbane on October 25 – 29, 2016. This event targeted PIFON Farmer Organization members who work in the area of open pollinated seed production. A total of 11 farmer organisation representatives participated in this event from 6 countries (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, PNG and Timor Leste).
A participant tries out the mechanical seed processor at Eden Seeds
The Learning Exchange included technical presentations, field visits and hands on training. Specific topics for the Learning Exchange included: variety selection, growing, processing, packaging and storage of Open Pollinated seed. Sites visited include: Green Harvest Seeds, Edens Seeds, UQ Gatton and QDAFF. The Learning Exchange also included visits to suppliers of seed processing and packaging materials. A report from the Learning Exchange is now available on the PIFON website via https://pacificfarmers.com/publications-2/
Participants of the learning exchange at Eden Seeds
The Learning Exchange is part of the PIFON’s Pacific Breadfruit and Seeds Program (PBSP) and was funded under the IFAD/SDC Medium Term Cooperation Program for Farmer Organisations in Asia and Pacific Regions – Phase II (MTCP II) project.