IT is very frustrating when it comes to purchasing taro or fresh coconuts here in Australia.
The shops sell taro that are watery and tasteless, and not as good as PNG taro. Even the fresh coconuts here in the shops are also tasteless.
It is infuriating to think of all the mothers sitting along their roadside markets in PNG with abundant taro and coconuts which often go to waste because of high supply while here in Australia, there is definitely a demand by the Pacific Island communities, Asians and expatriate communities.
I would have thought that after the National Agriculture Summit at Unitech in 2004, all government departments, institutes and authorities in the agriculture sector would have worked out a way of breaking down the red tape surrounding our food crop exports to Australia.
If the Samoans only have to peel, freeze and send their taro to Australia, why is it a huge burden for PNG to facilitate its farmers sending food crops to Australia?
I go to the shops every week and there is definitely inconsistent supply of taro or fresh coconuts on the shelves wherever they get them from.
Consistent supply should not be an issue if we can consolidate supply from all respective provinces in PNG.
I hope DAL and NAQIA can resolve this issue by supplying PNG food to markets in Australia.
This will perhaps lead to the people to cultivate their land as it will put money into their pockets.
Please do something about this now.

Gawac Ngatu
Brisbane