The Workshop reviewed in depth issues relating to both the domestic and export marketing of agricultural products. The following recommendations are addressed both to policy-makers, donors and technical assistance agencies and to those involved in agricultural marketing. Participants particularly requested that these Recommendations be brought to the attention of the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture, to be held in Nuku alofa on 26th and 27th April, 1999. Farmers are becoming more market oriented in supplying domestic markets for roots and tubers, horticultural produce and other foods. However, it was widely recognised that production remains a major constraint.
Supplies are inadequate, prices are high and production tends to be seasonal.
It is important, however, that governments and others remain fully aware of the social, cultural and nutritional constraints to a greater market orientation, and bear these in mind when planning production and marketing development activities. It is also important that governments ensure a realistic allocation of resources between domestic and export production support, giving prime emphasis to food crop production and the food security needs of the Pacific Island Countries. Good quality market infrastructure can play an important role in promoting efficient marketing of domestically produced crops, and markets can often act as focal points for local communities. Governments and, more importantly, municipalities, need to be aware of this and ensure that urban and rural markets are adequate and planned in association with the market users and that revenue raised from market fees is reinvested into market development and improvement. The upgrading of transport infrastructure is also vital.