Australia Awards is supporting Papua New Guinea agriculture professionals to strengthen agricultural trade and help more local products reach domestic and international markets.
Through an Australia Awards Short Course, around 30 agriculture professionals are exploring practical ways to create new opportunities for farmers, businesses and exporters.
More than 85 per cent of Papua New Guineans rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, making the sector vital to food security, rural incomes and economic growth.
Delivered by the University of Queensland in collaboration with the Pacific Adventist University, the course brought together people from across government and industry to build stronger partnerships and improve logistics, supply chains and export systems.
Australia and PNG share an interest in growing agricultural trade and building stronger supply chains.
Australia is committed to supporting Papua New Guinean leaders to strengthen institutions and develop practical solutions that create lasting benefits for PNG’s agriculture sector.
Papua New Guinea Biosecurity Authority representative Mr Douglas Siuta said the course highlighted the importance of collaboration across the agriculture sector.
“This course is helping us understand how the whole system fits together and where we can work more closely. I will take these lessons and connections back to my organisation so we can contribute to real improvements,” said Mr Siuta.
The course builds on two earlier short courses focused on agriculture, as well as a study tour to Australia.
Together, these activities are strengthening a network of Papua New Guinean professionals who can work across organisations to improve the systems linking producers with markets.
Through Australia Awards, Australia will continue working with PNG to invest in people, strengthen institutions and support Papua New Guinean leaders to turn knowledge, partnerships and shared priorities into long-term progress.
ENDS
Group photo of participants, facilitators and representatives from the Australian High Commission and Pacific Adventist University.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100