The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED) Hon. Kapelieli Lanumata welcomed New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rt Hon. Winston Peters to the Lapaha Packhouse, where major milestones in Tonga’s agricultural development were highlighted.

Tonga has been awarded NZ$2.8 million under the new Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Pacific Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Land-use Partnership. This funding will support initiatives to improve soil health, map land use, and protect culturally significant plants such as the heilala flower. It also strengthens Tonga’s role in a regional initiative alongside five other Pacific countries—Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, and Vanuatu—each collaborating with Manaaki Whenua scientists on climate-resilient agriculture priorities.

In parallel, the MTED’s HACCP-certified Lapaha Packhouse has played a central role in elevating Tonga’s agricultural exports. Certified in last year August, the facility has since exported over 60 tonnes of watermelons to New Zealand and Samoa. This has improved buyer confidence and raised Tonga’s export profile in the region.

With support from PHAMA Plus, Tonga continues to advance food safety standards and access premium markets. Facility upgrades and expert advisory services are opening new opportunities for local farmers, contributing to long-term sector growth and economic resilience.