A local farmer is hoping to promote the growth of dragon fruit farming in Samoa and believes that apart from its health benefits, the produce will prove to be huge success on the export market.

Beverly Arp, 68, manages a successful catering business and operates a commercial dragon fruit farm from her home in Alafua.

In addition to that, she is a strong advocate of local and organic farming anda member of the Samoa Women’s Association of Growers (SWAG).

She is always willing to share her success through training programs and workshops that allow sharing of knowledge and skills in farming.

It makes her happy to be able to share her knowledge especially on dragon fruit and how to propagate the crop in Samoa.

Over 30 participants visited her farm as she facilitated a training which was made possible through a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), the International Fund for Agriculture Development (I.F.A.D.) and the Pacific Island Rural and Agricultural Stimulus (P.I.R.A.S.) Facility.

The P.I.R.A.S. Facility aims to support COVID-19 food systems and economic recovery across villages by targeting women and youth actively working in the sector to improve sustainable food production and nutrition while also strengthening inclusive local chains.

She has actively been in involved in previous SWAG workshops which focused on creating preservatives and chutney, using local foods.

“I have been part of SWAG for about four years now. I like that it is organic based, and promote growing to support families,” she said.

“Even though I am not a teacher, I agreed to do this training because I have a dragon fruit farm. I am hoping that the workshop has ignited an interest in Dragon Fruit, and that more people consider growing it commercially.

“I use the dragon fruit in my catering. It also fills the land up, is low maintenance and is profitable. It is a very beneficial fruit, especially for people with diabetes as it’s not overly sweet, and contains a lot of vitamins.”

Other crops grown at Mrs. Arp's farm include avocados, limes and lemons. She relays that her specialty is in growing herbs and vegetables, and explains where her passion for local produce stems from.

“My father was a full time planter. He grew a lot of vegetables, bananas, and that’s how we lived, from the land. That’s my relaxation, to go out in the garden, early in the morning and do a little bit. Gardening keeps you fit. It’s good for your soul,” she said.

“I hope that after this session, people are inspired to start farming. Like anything, perseverance and a deep commitment are needed before anything can be successful.”