Pacific ministers adopt Port Vila Declaration on agrifood systems

Pacific island governments have endorsed a regional plan to build more resilient agrifood systems while creating a new platform intended to attract and coordinate investment.

The Port Vila Declaration on Scaling Pacific Solutions for Resilient Agrifood Systems was adopted on 6 November at the conclusion of the 2026 Pacific Small Island Developing States Solutions Forum in Vanuatu.

Ministers and delegation leaders agreed that food production, fisheries, forestry and rural livelihoods must be better prepared for climate change and economic disruption. The declaration places particular emphasis on expanding solutions already being developed within Pacific communities.

Climate and food security pressures

Pacific Small Island Developing States face a combination of rising temperatures, extreme weather, geographic isolation and costly transport and energy. These pressures can disrupt local production, supply chains and access to markets.

Many island countries have also become increasingly dependent on imported food. This dependence can expose households to global price volatility while contributing to poor diets and higher rates of noncommunicable diseases.

The declaration argues that locally designed approaches can help address these risks. It supports combining traditional knowledge and community practices with scientific research, digital tools and climate-resilient technology.

During the four-day forum, officials and specialists considered ways to improve nutrition, protect natural resources and create stronger economic opportunities for rural and coastal communities. Discussions also examined resilient agriculture and fisheries, infrastructure, finance, technology and market access.

Regional commitments

Under the declaration, Pacific governments committed to deeper regional cooperation and greater knowledge-sharing among developing countries and international partners.

Priority actions include strengthening seed systems and emergency food reserves, expanding climate and digital advisory services, and preparing investment proposals capable of securing public or private financing. Ministers also called for easier access to international climate and development funds, including more concessional finance suited to the needs of small island states.

Pacific representatives stressed that the region already has workable ideas and proven local initiatives. The next challenge is to mobilise enough funding and institutional support to expand them across communities and national borders.

Investment platform launched

An Agrifood Investment Platform was launched alongside the declaration. Led by ministers responsible for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, it is designed to connect governments with regional organisations, development institutions and private investors.

The platform will identify shared priorities, exchange information and coordinate implementation. It will also serve as the central mechanism for a wider Pacific investment programme seeking to mobilise US$4.6 billion by 2040.

That target includes a regional investment pipeline valued at US$1.05 billion for the 2025–2030 period. Proposed investments are expected to support food security, climate adaptation, sustainable production and improved livelihoods.

The forum brought together governments, civil society, young people, financial institutions, regional bodies and businesses. Participants agreed that transforming agrifood systems will require cooperation across all these groups rather than relying on the agriculture sector alone.

Ministers now intend to advance the declaration through regional and international discussions concerning climate, biodiversity, oceans, food and the development needs of small island states.