The Pacific Regional Workshop on Circular Food Systems: Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems organized by the AgriDENZ project, a joint collaborative project of the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and the Thuenen Institute from Germany started today in Apia, bringing together 48 onsite and 10 online participants from nine countries across the Pacific and beyond.
Participants were welcomed by Sala Sagato Tuiafiso Chairman of the Board of the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), who highlighted that food is a precious resource for Pacific Islands and should not be wasted. He emphasised the importance of combining traditional knowledge, modern science and technology to build resilient food systems in the face of climate change.
Welcome remarks were also delivered by representatives of the Peter Ettema Special Representative of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, Her Excellency Si’alei Van Toor New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Afoa Stefan Szegedi Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany to Samoa, and Susana Telakau of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). All speakers highlighted the importance of reducing food loss and waste, strengthening circular approaches, and building partnerships to develop and scale practical solutions across the Pacific.
Day 1 featured presentations and discussions on circular food systems, climate resilience, postharvest food loss and circular rural development, with examples and experiences shared from Samoa, Fiji Islands and Sri Lanka. The discussions provided a strong foundation for continued knowledge exchange and collaboration towards more resilient, sustainable and circular food systems in the Pacific.
An exhibition also formed part of the workshop, showcasing local products and initiatives from Samoa Women’s Association of Growers (SWAG), circular food system initiatives from Chile, and posters presenting a range of case studies on food loss and waste (FLW) and circular food systems. The exhibition provided participants with an opportunity to explore practical examples and innovations from the region and beyond.
The workshop continues into Day 2 tomorrow, with discussions focusing on innovations in circular systems, opportunities to scale up circular food systems across the Pacific, and examples of FLW reduction initiatives from other regions. Participants will also take part in an excursion to a local farm to explore practical applications of circular food systems.
Pacific Regional Workshop on Circular Food Systems – Day 1 Summary, Apia, Samoa, 2 September 2026. The workshop is organised through the AgriDENZ project, a collaboration between New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries and Germany’s Thuenen Institute.
