Green Thinkers

One of the Pacific's smallest countries is on a mission to become the world's first entirely organic nation. The Niue Island Organic Farmers Association wants Niue to be toxin-free by 2010. The pioneers of the movement began organic farming at their bush plantations, rejecting pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. In 1999 they formally constituted NIOFA.

"Organic farming techniques were practised by Niueans long ago," says Aukuso Pavihi, NIOFA spokesman and former finance minister. "The change came about in the late 1960s when government introduced chemicals to increase production. Farmers now are used to relying on fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides without being aware that these chemicals will damage the environment."

NIOFA has met no resistance from farmers. "In fact they are happy to change their farming practices and adopt organic principles," says Pavihi. "NIOFA has introduced a new organic herbicide called Organic Interceptor, which is certified in New Zealand for farmers to use in place of toxic weedkillers."

NIOFA would like to see Niue organic produce break into New Zealand and Australian export markets over the next few years, and then further afield, in the United States and the European Union. Production will concentrate on vanilla, nonu (or noni), bananas and limes.

"The New Zealand organic certifier, BIO-GRO NZ, audits our farms once a year. After a period of three years farmers will be certified and receive labels which they will use on all produce they sell to New Zealand markets," Pavihi says.

Agriculture is Niue's lifeblood, not only for income, but also for food security. The Department of Foreign Affairs manages a number of agricultural ventures on the island, and has supported moves to see Niue's organic producers certified as organic.

New Zealand's Agency for International Development also funds an organic farming program to the tune of NZ$40,000 in the 2003/04 fiscal year.

The Niuean government has also identified tourism as having great potential for Niue's future economic development. NIOFA sees some shared opportunities in marketing Niue as a clean and green destination, and providing organic produce to tourists.

There is a robust market for organic produce in New Zealand where the debate over genetically engineered production versus organics has been raging for years. More than 20,000 people marched through Auckland on Oct. 11 this year in a call for the extension of a moratorium on locally grown genetically engineered crops. Many local producers have also moved to organic production, and successfully market their products under this label.

Meanwhile NIOFA should get the opportunity to showcase its ideas and work when Niue hosts the Pacific Islands Forum next year. It is working with other non-government organizations to highlight the issue of Persistent Organic Pollutants stockpiles and use in the region at the Forum meeting. One of the most common sources of these dangerous chemicals is in pesticides-precisely the type of chemical NIOFA is discouraging.

"In 10 years from now we hope to see Niue becoming economically and financially self sufficient, " Pavihi says. "Organic farming aims for a lot healthier lifestyle, more vibrant environment and a water lens safe from possible contamination."