Samoa raised concerns about the exclusion of Pacific nations from key surveillance and diagnostic capacity-building initiatives at the 19th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-19), held in Rome, Italy last week.

A call was made by Seumaloisalafai Afelē Faiilagi, Assistant Chief Executive Officer and Head of Biosecurity Samoa under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to ensure the inclusion of Pacific countries at important talks.

Samoa reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening biosecurity and plant health. 

The annual gathering brought together global phytosanitary experts to address the growing threats posed by plant pests and diseases to agricultural economies and global food security.

Representing Samoa at this pivotal international forum was Seumaloisalafai Afelē Faiilagi, Assistant Chief Executive Officer and Head of Biosecurity Samoa under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. His participation provided Samoa with a critical platform to advocate for the country and regional biosecurity priorities and strengthen international cooperation.

During the session, Samoa raised concerns about the exclusion of Pacific nations from key surveillance and diagnostic capacity-building initiatives. As a small island developing state, Samoa faces unique challenges in strengthening its phytosanitary systems and developing the expertise needed to address emerging plant pests, such as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4)—which poses a severe threat to banana production and other related crops.

“We strongly urge the IPPC and contracting parties to extend surveillance, diagnostic training, and ePhyto Solution programs to the Pacific region. Our region mustn't be left behind in these efforts,” Seumaloisalafai said. 

“Ensuring Samoa and other Pacific Island countries have access to these initiatives will strengthen our ability to protect agricultural resources and comply with international phytosanitary standards.”

Samoa called for greater inclusion in global training programs, stressing that tailored capacity-building support is critical to safeguarding Pacific agriculture and enhancing regional resilience against plant health threats.

Recognising the unique challenges of small island developing states, Samoa also urged the development of tailored biosecurity programs aligned with the specific needs of the Pacific region. 

“We advocate for tailored support for the Pacific, ensuring that training programs address our specific needs and challenges. Including the Pacific in these initiatives will help safeguard our agricultural industries, protect our ecosystems, and enhance resilience against invasive pests and diseases,” Seumaloisalafai said.

Samoa further expressed strong support for New Zealand’s proposal to revise the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) by incorporating plain language principles. This approach aligns with Samoa’s efforts to enhance the clarity and accessibility of phytosanitary standards, ensuring they are practical and implementable across the Pacific.

Samoa’s participation in IPPC CPM-19 was endorsed by the cabinet, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to biosecurity and plant health. The Government of Samoa extends its sincere appreciation to the FAO and the IPPC Secretariat for their financial support, which facilitated Samoa’s engagement in these critical discussions.

By raising key biosecurity issues on the global stage, Samoa continues to champion the interests of Pacific nations, seeking increased resources and technical assistance to strengthen biosecurity capacity across the region. Samoa remains optimistic that the outcomes of CPM-19 will drive concrete actions to enhance agricultural resilience, technical expertise, and international collaboration, ensuring a stronger biosecurity future for Samoa and the Pacific.