Produce from Samoa will feature in a popular international television show that promotes healthy food consumption through Pacific cuisine. 

The Apia-based Samoa Women's Association of Growers (S.W.A.G.) said in a media release issued last Friday that they recently hosted the Pacific Island Food Revolution at the recent Saturday market.

"We are also excited to report that the visit will entail a dedicated episode on the innovative hit television show, on the local produce available and the women led and empowering initiatives carried out by our members," the S.W.A.G. media release reads.

"As a fellow advocate for healthy eating through locally sourced produce, SWAG welcomes the opportunity to work with like minded partners."

The Pacific Island Food Revolution, which is funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (D.F.A.T.) and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (M.F.A.T.) seeks to leverage the power of media to create a positive impact on eating behavior in the Pacific. 

The proponents of the television show hope the benefits will address the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, equitable economic participation and climate change in the region.

The Saturday S.W.A.G. market, which began in 2020 as a response to the restrictions under first Covid-19 imposed national lockdowns, allowed growers such as Asolua Alatimu from Papaloloa to sell her produce.

Ms. Alatimu talked about the benefits of selling at the Saturday S.W.A.G. market.

“I am usually an ornamental plant farmer, but the lettuce, cabbage you see here and tomatoes that have already been sold I started planting this year," she said. 

"After the Covid-19 lockdown I decided I will grow food to help sustain my family and sell to customers."

In addition to the promotion of local organic produce for better health and economic empowerment of farmers and growers, S.W.A.G. also strives to host "zero waste" markets which ban all single-use plastics or styrofoam. S.W.A.G. is also dedicated to promoting gender equality through its work to support women growers and farmers.

S.W.A.G. Treasurer Ofusina Toamua talked about the significance of the market held weekly at the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) Fale Samoa.

“Women can do anything! As is in many other industries and sectors, women are often overlooked in the agricultural sector, due to notions around what is men and women’s work. 

"This market allows for our women growers to have a safe space where we can promote their entrepreneurial efforts and grow their businesses."