Eight young men in Samoa have graduated from a training programme aimed at addressing youth unemployment and developing organic farming.
Youth participants at the organic farming programme Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The three-month course is an initiative of the group, Samoa Women in Business.
The assistant executive officer for the organisation, Auali'itia Alberta Vitale, said the men hope to work towards registration as certified organic farmers to supply overseas markets.
"What we're really trying to achieve here is getting them to understand the whole value of organic farming but also looking at the access to markets because we have local markets and also markets that are awaiting organic certified goods from our farms. This is another boost for our small growers, the youth members to try and see the benefits of this."
Auali'itia Alberta Vitale said it's hoped the programme will also be taken to the island of Savai'i.