The mandarin season is upon us once again and the citrus fruits have brought bounty to many families especially to Mati Maiava from the village of Sataua in Savaii.

She has made the trip from Savaii to sell the fruits in Lotopa, just outside of the Frankie supermarket. It is a trip they make daily from the big island.

The 34-year-old woman said she is lucky to be enjoying the bounty of the fruits that were planted by her ancestors.

For Ms. Maiava, the mandarin orchard in her home has been the source of income for her family for many generations.

According to her, income from the fruit has enabled her and her brothers to finish school. The farm life is what she wants.

She said she was proud to be responsible for the accounting matters of the family farm as well. The family also has livestock, coconuts and various fruits and vegetables.

Ms. Maiava mentioned that before and after the mandarin Season, her family’s main source of income is through their coconut shipments overseas and their cattle farm. Mandarin is where the family’s main income comes from.

“I was born and I grew up on a mandarin farm. I am single with no children but my brothers and sister have children and all their expenses are catered for by the farm,” she said.

The family looks after the farm very well because like many farmers, it is their legacy which will continue to provide for future generations. The family works hard and this has resulted in them enjoying a happy and healthy lifestyle.

“Our mandarins are spread over an acre of the farm while use the rest for other farming needs which include the vegetables and livestock,” she said.

“We have also utilised our land to build our homes where we live happily with each other. I can say that God has been good to us.”

Since the mandarin season began, Ms. Maiava and her brother come in separate vehicles filled with mandarins from Savaii to Upolu. At the end of the day, they go back to Savaii.

Ms. Maiava estimates that they earn over close to $7000 each week, which is more than enough to provide for their needs, schools, refurbishment of their house and for the church.

She said the farm life had been rewarding for her family. She said this year the demand for the fruit was high and the family hoped to make the most of it.