Vanuatu has signed on with the European Union for a programme to bolster agricultural production in the country.
Photo: 123RF
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has been in Brussels where he signed the Vanuatu Value Chain Programme agreement with the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica
The programme aims to promote a strong, climate-resilient rural economy to help Vanuatu's recovery from the devastation of tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015.
It offers US$30 million in finance to strengthen value chains deemed the most strategic for Vanuatu's economy: coconut, beef, fruits and vegetables.
These areas were selected in conjunction with Vanuatu's government based on their potential for farm income and employment, development impact, linkages with manufacturing and tourism.
A statement from the EU said the programme would be carried out in all six provinces of Vanuatu.
Commissioner Mimica said the initiative would support smallholder farmers by improving the safety and quality of key export crops while promoting climate-resilient production and trade.
