27 Jul 2017

Samoa eyes new taro marker after American Samoa ban

10:11 pm on 27 July 2017

Samoa is reportedly seeking other export markets for taro farmers who had been supplying American Samoa until their taro was banned last month.

A Taro plant

A Taro plant Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The ban came after news of an unidentified disease affecting taro in some areas of the Samoan island of Upolu.

Tests have been ordered and samples sent to Germany.

The American Samoan Director of Agriculture Filifaatali Mike Fuiava said the ban wouldbe in place until the test results were received.

But last month, Samoa's Agriculture Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Polataivao Fosi pointed out that taro from Samoa was still accepted in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world, proving that Samoa taro was good.