May 2026
Pacific civil society organisations have called for stronger investment in local food systems, greater recognition of women farmers, and more inclusive participation in regional decision-making during the 11th Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (PHOAFS) Meeting held virtually from 26–28 May 2026 under the chairmanship of the Solomon Islands Government.
The statement was delivered by Mr. Howard Politini on behalf of the regional civil society consortium comprising the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), Pacific Farmer Organisations (PFO), Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom), and the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO).
The consortium acknowledged the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the vital role women play as the backbone of Pacific food systems while emphasizing the ongoing barriers they continue to face in accessing land, finance, training, and decision-making opportunities.
Civil society representatives also raised concerns regarding the growing impact of the global fuel crisis on Pacific farming communities, particularly in remote and maritime island contexts where transportation and market access costs are already significant challenges. The statement noted that rising fuel prices are further increasing the costs of moving agricultural produce, farming inputs, and essential goods across the region.
At the same time, the statement highlighted opportunities to strengthen resilient and sustainable food systems through agroecological approaches and greater support for locally produced agricultural inputs and local markets. Civil society organisations called for increased investment in renewable energy, sustainable transport solutions, and locally led food systems that reduce dependence on imported goods and external supply chains.
The statement further recognized the important work already being carried out by farmer organisations, women’s groups, Indigenous communities, youth groups, faith-based organisations, and private sector actors across the Pacific. These efforts include conserving traditional crops and seed systems, strengthening biodiversity, promoting agroecology, supporting climate resilience, and empowering youth through practical agricultural initiatives.
However, the consortium stressed that despite these contributions, civil society actors often remain underrepresented in regional coordination mechanisms and decision-making spaces. The statement called for more formalised and adequately resourced participation of civil society organisations within regional technical working groups and partner coordination platforms.
Youth engagement was also highlighted as a key priority, with calls for stronger support systems that provide young people with access to land, finance, mentorship, innovation, and dignified economic opportunities within the agriculture and forestry sectors.
Building on opportunities provided during the 10th PHOAFS Meeting, civil society organisations also requested dedicated space at the next PHOAFS gathering in Honiara to present and showcase the work being undertaken on the ground across Pacific communities.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the commitment of civil society organisations, farmer organisations, and community networks to continue working alongside governments, regional agencies, development partners, and research institutions to advance resilient, inclusive, and locally led Pacific food systems.
“Resilience is not built in conference rooms alone. It is built in farms, forests, villages, coastlines, and communities across our Blue Pacific continent,” the statement noted.