21 Sep 2009

Food security discussed at Fiji conference

3:16 pm on 21 September 2009

Agriculture experts from around the Pacific are meeting in Fiji this week to look at ways of improving crop diversity.

Conference organisers fear too much reliance on a limited number of traditional crops could leave food supplies vulnerable to the impact of climate change and economic decline.

Secretariat of the Pacific Community plant adviser, Dr Mary Taylor says different plant species including leafy greens, fruits and nuts could improve self reliant food production.

"Maybe one of the things is to boost local agriculture and boost local production of crops and varieties that are nutritionally rich and encourage people to eat them. So I think the time is very right to promote these crops and species."

It is hoped a regional strategy on crops for the future in the Pacific will be developed to improve nutrition, plant diversity and economic security in the region.