About the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF)
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF) leads Tonga efforts in achieving sustainable agricultural growth, food security, and environment stewardship – ensuring a prosperous and resilient future for all Tongans.
🌿Our History
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests has been a cornerstone of Tonga’s economic and social development since its establishment. From the early days of small-scale subsistence farming, MAFF has guided the nation through agricultural modernization, food industry growth, and sustainable forestry initiatives. Today, MAFF continues to serve as a trusted institution dedicated to safeguarding Tonga’s agricultural and natural heritage.
Who We Are
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF) is the leading agency responsible for advancing Tonga’s agricultural productivity, promoting food safety, and managing the nation’s forestry resources. We collaborate with farmers, communities, stakeholders, and development partners to support a sustainable and resilient agriculture and forestry sector.
Our Mission & Vision
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 the management of technical, administrative, financial, and human resources to ensure smooth operations and service delivery.
- Developing sound human resource management and development strategies to enhance capacity and expertise within the sector.
- Maximizing investment through research and development, in collaboration with all stakeholders, to drive innovation and sustainability..
Vision
Our vision is 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.
Value
The MAFF activities will be executed within the framework of the following core values which will furnish as a driving motto towards achieving the national and organizational outcomes and the Ministry’s outputs.
- Commitment (Mamahi’i-me’a)
- Honesty (Fai-Totonu)
- Integrity (Faka’apa’apa)
- Accountability (Maau&Taliui)
- Transparency (Ma’a&Tauhi-Va)
Our Key Priorities
- Promoting food security & climate-resilient farming
- Sustainable forestry conservation & management
- Agricultural research & development
- Farmer training & community outreach
- Pest and disease management
- Strengthening agricultural value chains
🌾KEY FOCUS AREAS
Food Security
Enhancing local food production and resilience against climate change and global market challenges.
Research & Innovation
Supporting scientific studies and new technologies to improve farming, forestry, and biosecurity systems.
Sustainability
Encouraging environmentally friendly farming, responsible forest use, and long-term soil conservation.
Community Empowerment
Providing training, extension services, and support to local farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
👨💼OUR LEADERSHIP
The Ministry operates under the guidance of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests, supported by the Chief Executive Officer and senior division directors. Together, they oversee the formulation and implementation of national strategies and policies that drive Tonga’s agricultural and forestry development.