Hands and hearts of the agroecological demonstration farm network come together

A delegation from Wallis and Futuna carried out a mission in New Caledonia dedicated to agriculture and forestry, from 26 November to 4 December 2020.
The delegation consisted of two technicians in charge of plant health at the Wallis and Futuna Agriculture Department, an agent from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trades and Agriculture (CCIMA) and three farmers from the PROTEGE network of agro-ecological demonstration farms.
Organised by SPC's PROTEGE team, in collaboration with the New Caledonian Chamber of Agriculture, the mission began at the Plant Health Day held in La Foa. Over the following days, the programme offered exchanges with the NC plant health defence group around pest control and biological control methods, visits to farms and agro-ecology demonstration farms.
- In Tamoa, Myriam showed her certified organic breeding of laying hens and her techniques for regulating rats with her "cat-keepers" in hen houses,
- At La Foa, the "underwear test" enabled Franck to assess the fertility of the soil on his farm,
- In Dumbéa, Mickaël showed a realistic application of agroforestry principles,
- In Ouvéa, nearly 50 farmers, local elected officials and customary farmers attended a 2-day practical training course at Randy's to learn about agroforestry and soil fertility regeneration.
Testimonials :
Sosefo Tao, agent of the agriculture department in Wallis and Futuna
"As part of the PROTEGE programme, I took part in a mission to New Caledonia which was very rewarding for technicians like me as well as for the farmers in the delegation. We visited farms, including agroforestry plots, discovered how to control the rhinoceros beetle and other insect pests, followed a training course in Ouvéa .I gained knowledge that will help me in my duty. The farmers who accompanied us became familiar with new techniques. There are things in Wallis and Futuna that we could use better. For example, we learned that a certain tree is used to enrich the soil. I would like to thank SPC and PROTEGE for allowing us to come here to exchange and build relationships. These contacts are important and we would like to continue this work with our New Caledonian colleagues. The organisation of a training course in Wallis and Futuna in agroforestry was mentioned. »
Head of Malae, Wallis and Futuna
"During these days, it's as if two families had come together, from Uvea (WF) to Uvea Lalo (NC). We were moved by the welcome we received, by this sharing of knowledge, both technical and cultural, which brought our Oceanian people together. We are now keen to put into practice the techniques we learned here and, one day soon, to welcome back the New Caledonians to show them what has been done thanks to this sharing".
 
Photo caption: In Tamoa, at Myriam's, NC demonstration farm.

At La Foa, at Franck's, agroecology demonstration farm NC

At Dumbéa, at Mickaël's, agroecology demonstration farm NC

In Ouvéa, at Randy's, agroecology demonstration farm NC

In Ouvéa, where 45 people were trained to agroecology farming