Vanuatu’s agriculture sector has big potential to feed both local and export markets, according to Mick O’Brien, Agribusiness Development Manager at Vanuatu Agriculture Supplies.

He made the comment during a tractor training program held at Teouma Valley on Efate, targeting Extension Officers and lead farmers from Shefa and Tafea provinces. The training is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Vanuatu Skills Partnership.

“This is the way to go for commercial farming. Vanuatu has enough land and food to feed our people and export — there’s a big opportunity here,” said Mick O’Brien.

The training focuses on using modern farming tools like tractors to improve productivity. Over 20 participants joined the course, including Roy Kapalu, a lead farmer from Tanna who plans to plant between 50,000 and 80,000 pineapple plants for his island.

“I never had training like this before. I used to ask tractor operators what was wrong, but they didn’t know. Now I understand — it’s just simple things,” Roy said.

The training includes both classroom theory and practical sessions. Joseph, an Agriculture Development Officer from southeast Tanna, said the new skills will make farm work safer and easier.

“Before, we argued about tractor use without really understanding. Now, we’ve learned techniques like how to plough and slash properly,” he said.

The sessions were led by experts like Joel Sepeta, an agriculture officer with over 40 years of experience.

“The skills I have, I need to share — so that this knowledge continues into the future,” Joel said.

The training clearly shows how partnerships between government, the private sector, and development partners can give farmers the tools and knowledge they need to grow Vanuatu’s agriculture sector.