The Samoa Farmers Association has called on government to let the private sector take the lead in any agritourism development.
Samoa Chicken Breeding Farm Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Samoa Tourism Authority plan to launch an agri-tourism park which would provide "green space for locals and
an educational experience for tourists."
But Afamasaga Tole'afoa, chairman of the Samoa Farmer's Association, said the private sector was better equipped to take on such projects.
He said the government should be involved offering technical advice, attending to agronomic issues, helping farmers look after their crops and defend against pests and diseases, but should not be investing money in new business ideas.
Afamasaga said the potential for a thriving agritourism sector in Samoa is there, but it must start small.