A milestone has been achieved as the first shipment of taro from Samoa was exported through airfreight on Thursday afternoon, bound for markets in New Zealand.

The Director of "Le Fa'atoaga" Samoa, Seuamuli Lauano said the milestone opens the door for more agricultural exports to be sent abroad using air freight.

He said the exports would reach their destination faster with the freshness of the crop adding more value to the product. This shipment was to New Zealand, this will be followed by flights to Australia and Hawaii.

"Everything is well monitored, even its arrival, everything will be well-organised because my market in Papakura, Auckland will be the first vend out the fresh taro sacks," he said.

Mr. Lauano said he oversaw the whole process to culminate with the airfreight export, saying the buying and the service needed are being paid for by "Le Fa'atoaga Samoa", and he wants Samoan farmers to be paid "on time and properly". 

He said in the past farmers were paid far less because of the freshness factor with the long travel to overseas markets reducing their shelf-life value.

"After I paid the airfreight, I also paid SAT$4,000 each to farmers who supplied me with taro. These people are from Neiafu and Vaisala on the big island of Savai'i," Mr. Lauano said. 

Due to the use of airfreight to export, the businessman said markets in Australia and Hawaii have now also shown interest.

"Most of the markets in New Zealand and Australia sell it for NZD$12.99 and AUD$12.13, which is too expensive for just one kilogram," he said. "I will make the goal of Le Fa'atoaga Samoa to ensure an affordable consumable price for taro and at the same time yielding enough for profits and for the farmers.

"We started by weighing only 100 sacks for now. Maybe in the next two months, we will be looking at weighing 120 or more to be exported to New Zealand."

Mr. Lauano said the taro sacks exported from Samoa will arrive in New Zealand on Friday with the help of Samoa Airways, and they should reach the market on Tuesday next week.

"I acknowledge the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Minister and Chief Executive Officer for their helping hands in making this initiative possible," he added.