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“PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN TONGA”

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Kupesi-MAFF

Latest News

Official updates, announcements, and activities from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests.

Our Vision & Mission

Our Vision

To be a leading partner in advancing sustainable agricultural practices that enhance rural livelihoods, strengthen food security, build resilience to climate change, and contribute significantly to economic growth.

Our Mission

To provide the agriculture sector with effective, efficient, and timely stakeholder-focused services that are market-driven and aligned with sustainable practices.

Our focus is on optimizing resource management, fostering collaborative partnerships, and ensuring compliance with international standards for both domestic and global markets.

Our Values

Commitment (Ngaue Mamahi’i-fatongia) – Dedicated service to our people and nation

Integrity (Ngaue Fakaapapa) – Upholding the highest ethical standards

Accountability (Ngaue Maau & Taliui) – Responsible stewardship of resources

Transparency (Ngaue Ma’a & Tauhi-va) – Open and clear communication

Addressing Current Challenges

Tonga’s agriculture sector faces multiple challenges that require strategic interventions and resilient approaches.

Natural Disasters

Recovery from the 2022 Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami

Climate Change

Increasing frequencies of tropical cyclones, El Niño droughts, rising temperatures and sea levels

Labor Force

Reduction due to Seasonal Labour Mobility Scheme to New Zealand and Australia

Food Security

Ensuring healthy nutritious food security amidst global and local challenges

Key Strategic Initiatives

Import Substitution Program

Reducing reliance on imported food by increasing local production of:

  • Chicken – Target: Reduce imports by $4.5m by 2028
  • Potato – Target: Reduce imports by $2.25m by 2028
  • Pigs, Sheep, Fruits & Vegetables

This program promotes local consumption, improves nutrition, and stimulates the local economy.

Export Promotion Program

Increasing exports of Tongan agricultural products with focus on:

  • Kava – Target: Increase export by $144m by 2028
  • Root crops (Cassava, Yam, Taro)
  • Squash and Watermelon
  • Vanilla and Coconuts

Targeting over $15 million in export value in the next three years.

One Million Tree Planting

Ambitious reforestation and biodiversity program:

  • Target: 1 million trees planted by 2026
  • Includes fruit trees, timber, kava, coconut, breadfruit
  • Coastal protection and ornamental species

This initiative enhances climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable forest management.

“Growing together with our farmers — protecting the land, nourishing our people, and shaping a greener, stronger Tonga.”

VESITAPOLO

Leadership: “Through visionary leadership and commitment to service, MAFF cultivates innovation, strengthens communities, and steers Tonga toward a sustainable and food-secure future.”

Action & Result: “Act with purpose, deliver results — MAFF grows Tonga’s future.”

Intelligence & Core Service: “Harnessing knowledge, data, and expertise, MAFF delivers core services that empower farmers, guide policy, and strengthen Tonga’s agricultural and food systems.”

National Programs & Initiatives.

1. Agricultural Development Programs.

Programs design to support agricultural growth.

2. Construction of a new fully equiped abattoir.

Aimed at strengthening livestock value chains, improving meat quality andd food safety compliance and supporting market access for local producers.

3. Import Substitutiion Initiatives (annex 2).

Import substitution initiatives focused on increasing domestic agricultural production, improving food security and reducing dependence on imported goods.

4. Export Promotion Initiatives (annex 3).

Initiatives aimed at supporting farmers and agribusinesses to access export market through improved standards, value addition and market linkages.

5. Tonga Circular Economy System Project (Consultant).

Is a consultancy-led initiative supporting MAFF to integrate circular economy approaches into agriculture and food systems, enhancing sustainability, value addtion and responsible resource management.

6. Construction of new MAFF office

with 2 resdential buildings and relocate from the current location to “Sikula Land” in Pangai Ha’apai.

7. One Million Tree Planting

This is an ongoing initiative aimed at ensuring the successful achievement of the one-million-tree planning target, direct by Forestry Division.

8. Public Private Partnership Project for farmers

A collaborative initiative between the public and private sectors aimed at supporting farmers through improved services, investment, and market opportunities.

Key Focus Areas

MAFF’s Corporate Plan 2025/2026 – 2027/2028 focuses on four key areas to transform Tonga’s agriculture sector.

1

Increase Local Production

Boost production of local livestock, vegetables, and fruit trees for healthy nutritious food security.

2

Enhance Rural Livelihoods

Improve livelihoods of subsistence, semi-subsistence and commercial farmers with new technologies and diversified products.

3

Promote Regenerative Farming

Advance regenerative and circular farming systems to sustain soil resources and increase biodiversity.

4

Build Climate Resilience

Strengthen the agriculture sector’s resilience against climate change impacts and natural disasters.

Messages from Leadership

Hon. Viliami Sisifa

Hon. Viliami Sisifa

Minister for Agriculture, Food & Forests

“This corporate plan serves as a beacon of guidance, illuminating the way to a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector. In an era defined by challenges, the role of the ministry becomes even more critical.”

'Elisaia Ika

‘Elisaia Sylvester Ika

Chief Executive Officer

“The 2025-2028 Corporate Plan is designed to address critical areas of partnerships to create a more holistic and integrated approach to our rural and outer islands’ agriculture sector development.”