Ten Samoan farmers have received certificates following their completion of the Family Farm Training Programme which was run by the University of Canberra.

The presentation of their certificates also marked a milestone as the farmers are now the first accredited Family Farm Team trainers in the country. The presentation ceremony was held at the Lava Hotel on Friday.

The Chair of Samoa’s PHAMA [Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program] and MAWG [Market Access Working Group], Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, said he was impressed with the participants and is delighted to hear that their Australian and New Zealand partners want to continue with the program.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia  and New Zealand AID are throwing their support behind the program, so will be expecting more training programs," he said in his speech.

Benjamin Harding, a development consultant with Innovative Business Consultants, gave a summary of the training in the past year. 

He said their journey into the Family Farm Team program began at the venue of Thursday's presentation in June last year, with three days of virtual training with the teacher Barbara Pamphilon and special guest appearances by Mr. Pamphilon.

“Throughout this time we learned about Family Farm Team concepts through activities trialed in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Harding said. “The Family Farm Team farming training is comprised of four modules that had to be completed successfully in order for participants to receive the certificates.”

In November last year, they ended up in Sapunaoa as part of the training with Mr Harding revealing that it was a learning experience for them.

"In November we spent two days in Sapunaoa to test our new found knowledge. It was quite a learning experience,” he said. “I think we learned just as much about logistics and the cultural factors involved with village-based training as we learned about the content of our activities.

“But nonetheless we learned a great deal about how communities would perceive our Family Farm Team concept and how Family Farm Team didn’t have all of the answers, but could at least help make a stronger foundation that can carry a family forward.”

Mr Harding pointed out that many of the concepts were not new but the program helped to create a more comprehensive and well woven model for Samoa.

"Many of the concepts within Family Farm Team are not new, but it is possible they haven’t been woven together before in as comprehensive of a program as what we now have,” he said. 

“And we now have 10 certified Family Farm Team trainers capable of delivering this concept to any and all villages in Samoa, with another three of us just a step away from being full-fledged trainers.”

Mrs Pamphilon, the Family Farm Team Consultant based in Australia, was able to participate via zoom together with the GEDSI [Gender Equality Disability and Social Inclusion] Manager for PHAMA Plus based in Papua New Guinea, Josephine Yos.

The certificates ceremony was blessed by Faletua Leilani Va'a-Tamati. It is hoped that the three participants who did not graduate due to the non-completion of their practical lessons will join the next phase of the program in order to receive their certificates upon completion.

The project is under the DFAT-funded PHAMA Plus program in partnership with USO Agrifoods and delivered and accredited by the University of Canberra. 

The Family Farm Team concept is a Pacific-wide initiative and promotes a more holistic approach to family affairs including farming for income generation and subsistence, record keeping and financial management.