People in American Samoa are eagerly anticipating tomorrow's first taro shipment in two months from neighbouring Samoa.
Niuean Taro Photo: Facebook
The ban on Samoan taro exports to the territory was lifted this week after high level talks.
Initially, American Samoa suspended the importation of Samoan taro last year over concerns of a leaf virus.
Before resuming, the territory announced it wanted its inspectors to visit plantations in Samoa, prompting Apia to issue the ban.
A meeting between Samoa's deputy prime minister and the territory's Governor is understood to have ended the embargo.
Our correspondent in American Samoa, Monica Miller, said the shipment would be welcomed in Pago Pago where there had been a shortage of crops due to recent cyclones and the ban.
"Some of the local farmers have actually been uprooting their taro before they mature, so you have that soggy taro, so certainly not the quality that we would like," she said.
"We have also noticed that the prices have gone up but the demand was there and this is a chance for local farmers to make money. People were also resorting to potatoes and rice."
Taro was often exchanged during cultural activities, making the resumption of shipments even more important, Ms Miller said.
A Taro plant Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
American Samoa director of agriculture Flifaatali Mike Fuiava said so far permits had been issued to four commercial importers, planning to bring taro on weekly sailings of the cargo ship Lady Naomi.
His department was satisfied with the proposal by Samoa for all taro shipped there to go through the same process as taro exports to other overseas markets, he said.
This would eliminate the need to send inspectors to check plantations supplying taro for export to the territory.
Flifaatali echoed the sentiments of his counterparts in Samoa saying he was happy that they had come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
He also pointed out that his department would monitor taro shipments from Samoa as well as the ability of farmers in American Samoa to supply local demand.
The Department of Agriculture checked on production of local farmers when determining how many outside crops should be allowed into the territory at any given time, Flifaatali said.