2nd Pacific Agribusiness Forum

RNZ reports about 120 delegates are attending the three-day conference 2nd Pacific Agribusiness Forum in Samoa's capital.

Tuilaepa told growers, manufacturers, restaurant and hotel owners at the Apia conference that the influx of imported food had contributed to health problems for islanders.

"Consumption of fruits and vegetables is low and vitamin and mineral deficiencies widespread," he said.

"We often experience food-borne illnesses which compromise the ability of Pacific food products to meet export standards."

These sectors are namely tourism, local produce, food security and health.

Tuilaepa linked the different sectors and addressed a much broader issue that has been directly affecting the Pacific region, including the dependence on imported food products as opposed to the more government preferred local production.

“Our islands used to enjoy the availability of food, and such food security came from things like subsistence farming and local production. Now our food security is being eroded by the growth in reliance on imported goods,” he said.