A Cabinet Minister has appealed to the people to work the land in order to cushion the effects of Samoa's economic woes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing a crowd of people who gathered at the Seventh Day Adventist (S.D.A.) compound in Lalovaea for their Talomua festival on Tuesday morning, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt said returning to the land and sea is critical for families.

He said growing their own produce and catching fish is a way out of their struggles associated with the high cost of living brought on by the pandemic. 

"Our future is in our hands and in our lands, but we need to be well-prepared to prevent those changes from affecting our way of life," the Minister said.

"Because we relied heavily on the imported goods when the borders were shut down, there were shortages in supplies and people suffered. 

"That is why it is very important that we push for this project and encourage people to work the land and sea. This will ensure that no matter what happens in the future, we will not starve. Our children will not suffer from not having food for them to eat.

"And with climate and weather patterns always changing and affecting our resources, we need to do our part and continue to sustain this development."

The event brought together farmers, fishermen, and handicraft makers to display the fruits of their hard work and labor with La'auli reminding those who gathered that agriculture and fisheries are the backbone of Samoa's economy.

"This is why this government has pushed for this initiative. To encourage our farmers, fishermen, and all our local producers to continue this good work. 

"Everyone will benefit from this project and this program. If we take care of our lands, they will take care of us. The future of our families, villages, and country is in our hands."

He then used the opportunity to congratulate the farmers and fishermen and everyone whose work was on display on Tuesday morning on behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

La'auli also said that one of the main responsibilities God asked his people to take on was to act as caretakers of his creations.