Integrating protected cropping systems into high value vegetable value chains in the Pacific and Australia

Abstract

This project aimed to promote adoption of protected cropping systems that are appropriate for use in Pacific Island Countries, and to support growers producing vegetable crops using protected cropping systems in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to access high value markets for their produce. Horticultural crop production in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga is largely conducted by smallholders who are in general unable to supply the large tourist industry market as field production of crops is constrained by high precipitation damage in the wet season and lack of water in the dry season. Vegetable production therefore does not match local demand and the shortfall is supplied by imports. If the demand of vegetables was met by local producers, income from high value vegetable production would improve the livelihoods of producers and their communities.