American Samoa has lifted a ban on importing taro from neighbouring Samoa.
A Taro plant Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said he received a letter from American Samoa authorities informing him the ban, which started over concerns about a taro virus, was being lifted.
However, Tuilaepa said concerns were also raised over the dirty condition of taro arriving in the territory.
He has called on the Ministry of Agriculture and shipping corporations to check shipments before export to make sure the crops are fully cleaned and safe as well as meeting the quarantine requirements.
The taro im port export ban from Talo exports from Samoa was banned in American Samoa since July last year.