Breadfruit
Agricultural authorities in Fiji have reacted positively to the high demand from overseas markets for one of its popular fruits - the breadfruit. And it's done so by asking farmers to grow them and produce top quality fruit. Reports from Fiji say that last year 10.5 tons of breadfruit were exported - an increase of 35 per cent from the 6.8 tons sold in 2003. The popular seasonal fruit is eaten by Pacific islanders overseas, especially in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Andrew McGregor, development project co-ordinator, Fiji Breadfruit Industry says that Fiji has increased the volume of exported breadfruit three fold from last year's export of ten tonnes. One of the problems encountered is the relatively short shelf life of the fruit, he say. Another problem is the question of fruit flies which could wreak havoc on fruit growing countries such as New Zealand.
"If the fruit fly problem can be addressed, it may be possible to ship breadfruit by sea to such countries as New Zealand and Australia, where there are significant numbers of Islanders. We could then look at shipping to the United States. California has a larger Polynesian population now than does Auckland," Mr McGregor said.
Pacific Beat
Guam
Legal and community leaders on Guam are meeting today to examine ways of resolving conflicts to avoid lengthy and expensive court appearances. The issues to be discussed will include using traditional Micronesian systems of dispute resolution, as well as modern methods of addressing conflict. The conference is being organised by the Inafa'maolek Mediation Center, a not-for-profit association established to foster dialogue between people and communities.
Pacific Beat
Sugar
In a decision which could have major implications for Fiji, the World Trade Organisation has upheld a challenge made to the European Union's sugar export subsidies. The WTO appeals body has ordered the European Union to reduce its sugar export subsidies from 2.2 billion Australian dollars a year to 840 million - a move which could remove four million tonnes of subsidised sugar from the world market. The challenge was brought by Australia, Brazil and Thailand.
Pacific Beat
Taiwan
Taiwan's president Chen Shui-bian is this week visiting a number of Pacific Island nations. Today, President Chen is in the Marshalls as a special guest of the young Pacific nation for its 26th Constitutional Day celebration. The visit is part of a three-nation visit which also includes Kiribati and Tuvalu. There are now six Pacific island nations which have chosen, sometimes in controversial circumstances, to show allegiance to Taiwan. In 2003, Kiribati angered China by joining the Pacific states of Solomon Islands, Naruru, Marshall Islands, Palau and Tuvalu in recognising the hegemony of the government of Taiwan.
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