The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFB) is currently hosting the 2025 Biosecurity Forum under the theme “Securing Futures Through Strengthening Biosecurity Systems.”

The three-day event, which began on Monday 28th October and ends on Wednesday 30th October, brings together participants from customs brokers, aircraft and postal agents, exporters, humanitarian organisations, diplomatic liaison officers, retailers of meat products, importers, and line government agencies.

Executive Officer of MALFB, Mr. Kalna Arthur, highlighted that biosecurity plays a key role in protecting Vanuatu’s borders from pests and diseases that threaten the nation’s agriculture and trade sectors.

“This forum is an important annual event to review departmental progress, strengthen coordination among operational units, and align our activities with the MALFB Corporate Plan 2026–2030 and the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016–2030,” Mr. Arthur said.

Key themes covered during the forum include:

• Institutional overview and policy alignment;
• Meat inspection and veterinary services;
• Plant biosecurity and border operations; and
• Simulation exercises on compliance and enforcement.

The forum aims to reinforce the Department’s role as Vanuatu’s frontline defence against pests, diseases, and trade risks; support sustainable agriculture and food security; and promote efficiency through technology such as the single window system and improved documentation processes.

Expected outcomes include a clear action plan and priorities for 2025–2026, improved coordination across divisions and partners, and strengthened capacity in meat inspection, plant health, and border operations.