An innovative partnership between the Australian Government and PNG-based accreditation provider Paradais Review Services is set to send six Papua New Guineans on a vital training program in South Australia.
Over a two-week program, these individuals will train as National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) Organic Inspectors and Food Safety Management System Auditors in Adelaide.
Local farmers have long struggled to gain access to the lucrative global organic produce market despite much of their crops being naturally organic. A major barrier has been the absence of locally qualified organic certifiers.
Currently, international certifiers come in from countries like Australia, making the process both costly and logistically challenging for PNG agribusinesses. This initiative seeks to address this issue head-on by equipping local professionals with the necessary skills and qualifications.
Australian High Commission Economics Counsellor Nic Jonsson said this training initiative is a concrete step under the PNG-Australia Partnership to improve livelihoods in PNG’s agricultural sector.
"Once this training is complete, PNG farmers will have on-the-ground access to internationally qualified organic food inspectors. This means it will make it easier for PNG produce to compete in valuable overseas organic markets like Australia," Mr. Jonsson said.
He said the inspectors will conclude their initial 14-day training on August 23 before returning to PNG.
Over the following year, they will continue their learning through online modules and practical, on-the-ground instruction, ensuring they are fully certified and ready to assist PNG farmers by August 2025.
