By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Community on Wednesday announced the expansion of the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils movement to the Pacific Islands region.
According to the Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson, the U.S. and Australia will provide a combined $2.6 million in initial funding to jumpstart the Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils, which will be implemented by New Zealand through a set of complementary agricultural investments in the region.
The announcement was made on the margins of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Tonga.
"As climate change threatens food systems, the Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils will improve food and nutrition security with investments in soil health and climate-adapted crops," the Office of the Spokesperson said.
The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils was launched in February 2023 to address food insecurity initially in Africa. The program has grown into a global movement.
"Through PACS, the Pacific Community, in partnership with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, will coordinate expertise and information-sharing on land management practices and underinvested, nutritious crop varieties," the State Department said.
The department said PACS will work with communities, farmers, non-government organizations and the private sector, and will draw upon the knowledge of research institutions, international institutions, and governments.
"PACS aligns with numerous Pacific–led programs and strategies that highlight the urgent need to improve the climate resiliency of the region’s agricultural and food systems," the agency said.
These programs include Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity, the Growing the Pacific -2050 Strategy for Pacific Agriculture and Forestry, and the priorities of the Pacific Soils Partnership and the Pacific Plant Genetic Resources Network.
VACS has generated global interest and public commitment from donor countries, private sector contributors, and within the G7 through Italy’s leadership.
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