Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the department and DT Global was signed on 6 October 2021. This MoU formally recognises the department’s partnership with the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access program (PHAMA Plus) which is managed by DT Global.
PHAMA Plus is an Australian Government initiative, co-funded by the New Zealand Government.
PHAMA Plus provides practical assistance to help growers and exporters in Pacific Island countries maintain existing markets and gain access to new domestic and international markets.
The MoU set out commitments, responsibilities, and contributions for each party to help grow agricultural trade between Pacific islands countries and Australia, and to look for opportunities to collaborate on joint objectives and work priorities.
Our partnership supports the work in 6 countries in which PHAMA Plus operates;
- Fiji
- Papua New Guinea (PNG)
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
- Tonga
Our support will also extend to countries under Australia's Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus) commitment. These countries currently include;
- Cook Islands
- Kiribati
- Niue.
Biosecurity in the Pacific
As exotic pests and diseases such as Fall army worm and African Swine Fever continue to threaten our natural environment and impact our food production and agriculture industries, Australia and Pacific Island countries must continue to work together to maintain our biosecurity and trade access.
A key focus of the department is to manage biosecurity risks to Australian agriculture, the environment and Australia’s way of life.
Biosecurity is a critical part of the government's efforts to prevent, respond to and recover from pests and diseases that threaten the economy and environment.
The department and Pacific Islands countries have collaborated on capacity building activities to prepare and respond to biosecurity risks, improve food security and create better market access.