A delegation from Samoa has embarked on a four-day study tour to Australia to tackle the escalating issue of feral pigs.

The tour is facilitated by Australian Pork Limited (APL) in collaboration with the Australian and New Zealand Government-funded Market Development Facility (MDF).

Farmers in Samoa face significant crop and pasture damage from feral pigs, particularly affecting taro, the country's staple food. This issue harms agriculture and discourages further investment contributing to high food prices.

The delegation includes representatives from the Samoan Government's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), District Councils, a farmers’ association and a taro exporter cooperative.

The delegation is led by the CEO of SROS, Dr Pousui Fiame Leo. SROS is currently leading a trial of feral pig management measures in Samoa with support from MDF and the Australian and New Zealand Governments.

The study tour kicked off in Brisbane, where the Samoan delegation met with the Australian National Feral Pig Management Coordinator for initial discussions on Australia’s approach to feral pigs, including Australia's National Feral Pig Action Plan.

The delegation then travelled to Cooktown, where they met with Australian experts and indigenous communities, including the Junjuwarra Traditional Owners at Starcke. These interactions highlight how traditional landowners have successfully implemented feral pig management and monitoring practices. A collaborative approach will be explored to create a two-way exchange of knowledge and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of how feral pigs impact both nations’ ecosystems.

The study tour will conclude with a visit to the Canegrowers Association in Innisfail, where the group will participate in demonstrations on feral pig management and monitoring techniques. The association will showcase innovative practices that have been effective in mitigating the impact of feral pigs on sugarcane farming.

The study tour represents an important step for Samoa in addressing its challenges with feral pigs and represents a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing between Samoa and Australia.

The study tour is scheduled to end on 27 September.