The Government will begin implementing the “Island Focus Program” in the productive sector starting this year.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFFB) says it is ready to change the way agricultural development is carried out in the country, with the aim of achieving stronger impacts between 2026 and 2030.

Since last year, the Government has been discussing the program, describing it as a major pathway expected to deliver significant benefits for Vanuatu.

Under the new approach, the Government will work closely with different provinces that have the potential to grow specific products.

Director General of the ministry, Timothy Tumukon, said that in past years the Government attempted a “Full Vanuatu Focus” approach across commodities, but the results did not meet expectations.

With the introduction of the Island Focus Program starting this year, the ministry will now target specific commodities on specific islands. The ministry believes this approach will deliver stronger impacts for farmers and contribute more effectively to the national economy.

Tumukon said the focus for 2026 to 2030 will be on strengthening the productive sector by targeting areas with proven strengths. For livestock, such as pigs, the program will focus only on selected islands rather than spreading funding across all islands.

Officials from the ministry said the Government will work only with serious farmers to ensure that programs and support provided deliver results and contribute directly to the ministry’s objectives.