Importers say we need taro from Samoa — Am Samoa does not produce enough

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “The demand for taro is high and local farmers are unable to provide enough for the needs of everyone including family and local businesses in American Samoa. There are not enough taro plantations here on island to cover the daily need.”

This was the response from local importers who are bringing taro and other agricultural products from Samoa into the territory. However, comments from some of the local farmers say that there is no need to import crops from Samoa, Tonga and other places.

Samoa News received phone calls from several people who are importing taro from Samoa, voicing their concerns regarding the issue.

According to one importer, it’s been 5 years since she and her family began importing taro and other crops from Samoa due to the high demand here in the territory. She disagreed that taro and other agricultural products from outside of the territory including Samoa must stop.

“Our people and many local businesses here in American Samoa need taro and other agricultural products everyday. There is a need for taro and our local farmers are unable to provide a solution to the need,” one female importer said.

She said that one of the reasons that proves the fact that there is a need for the taro and other crops supplies from outside into the territory is that taro and other supplies quickly sell out as soon as they get into stores.

Another man who imports taro from Samoa also voiced his concern regarding this issue. He told Samoa News that the reason why he imports taro from Samoa to sell in the territory is because there is a need and local farmers are unable to meet the need of the people.

“We have local farmers but the truth is, there is not enough taro supplies from our local farmers to feed the whole territory. If you go to all the stores on island, people are buying taro from Samoa because of the good quality,” he said.

This taro importer said that every time he brings taro into the territory from Samoa, not only is he paying tax to the American Samoa Government (ASG), but at the same time providing food for families.

“I’m not working for my own benefit, but for the benefit of everyone including people, businesses and the government,” he said.

“ASG is getting money when I import taro and other agricultural products from Samoa. Businesses are getting profits. Residents are getting food and I’m also getting money too. So, I’m working for my own benefit and the benefit of everyone living in American Samoa.”

A senior official at the Department of Agriculture (DOA) told Samoa News that every time the vessel from Samoa arrives, it brings 50 bags of taro to the territory, which is the amount that local importers are allowed to bring into the territory.