Duration: 2011 – 2016

The development of high-value crops for domestic consumption and export is considered a priority for economic development and improved livelihoods in many Pacific island countries. However, attempts to intensify production of such crops, in response to economic incentives but without adequate attention to research-and-development (R&D) to underpin this intensification (especially to identify well-adapted varieties and develop locally relevant sustainable production technologies), has led to any gains being limited and short-lived.

This project aims to sustain the development of high-value crops by focusing on building regional and national R&D capacity, working with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and its national partners. It will establish an advisory group and information support mechanism, and concentrate on problem-solving research focused on vegetable production. Objectives:

1. To develop coordination and information-support systems for intensified horticulture
2. To diagnose emerging pest and disease problems and develop management tactics
3. To develop integrated approaches for intensifying vegetable production