Ministry of Agriculture

La'aulialemalietoa told the Samoa Observer there is a huge amount of work to look into it and get their heads around it.

He said other countries are saying marijuana has good medicinal use, but the way it is used in Samoa is not good.

He said Samoa categorises it as a narcotic despite other countries classing it as a medical drug.

He added he understands Samoa might be able to do it any other time in the future, but carefully.

Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt has confirmed the resignation adding that Hunter intends to pursue other plans for his family in New Zealand. 

La’auli commended Tilafono's commitment and hard work over the years, not only as the CEO but also during his time working at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa. 

La'auli said, "This is a very important ministry because agriculture and fisheries are considered the backbone of the nation's economy.”

The tools include bush knives, drainage spades, planting stick, pruning saws, sharpening tool, secateurs, pig fencing and chainsaws.

Savali newspaper reports the tools were distributed based on the number of individual farmers registered under the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience – Enhancing the Climate Resilience Coastal Resources and Communities Project (PPCR ECR), funded by the World Bank.

The pilot programme include 680 beneficiaries of the Serendi Coco Samoa organization and 147 beneficiaries for the Women in Business Development Inc (WIBDI)

“Our biggest challenge in developing a cattle farm is that there is no car access” Avealalo said.

“We have to bring up everything manually but this land is very fertile and ideal for growing anything which is why we continue to persevere in developing this land.”

On this particular day however, the 57 year old and his workers have finished building a barb wire fence covering over 10 acres of land using materials and equipment acquired under the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project.