Royal Agricultural Show Makes Land in Enchanting Vava’u, as King and Queen Embrace Local Farming Communities

15 Dec Royal Agricultural Show Makes Land in Enchanting Vava’u, as King and Queen Embrace Local Farming Communities

2023/07/27 – a captivating spectacle has unfolded with the arrival of the King and Queen of Tonga at the Royal Agricultural Show. Their majesties graced the event with their presence, making it a truly regal affair that the locals will cherish for years to come. The Royal Agricultural Show began in Tongatapu in June, sojourned to Ha’apai and has now made its way to the shores of great Vava’u.

During their stay in Vava’u, the King and Queen have connected with the heart of the island’s agricultural prowess – smallholder farmers. They set out to visit two Royal estates that have served many farming households with sources of sustenance.

‘Api ko Fatai, nestled in the picturesque Feletoa, and Molimolitu’u of Pangaimotu, both emerged as prominent demonstration model farms, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local farmers but most importantly leveraging partnerships between the Royal Palace, the communities and MORDI Tonga. The royal couple spent time exploring these bastions of agricultural excellence, interacting with the hardworking farmers.

Her Majesty, Queen Nanasipau’u, who has always displayed an exceptional interest in empowering women’s groups involved in the agrarian pursuits – will commence a two day visit to rural communities that will begin Monday July 24^th to Tuesday July 25th. Her visits are aimed to engage with members of the community women’s groups. Here, the Queen was graciously updated on the remarkable progress of their work, particularly focusing on their resplendent home gardens.

Under the nurturing guidance of MORDI Tonga and the auspices of the IFAD funded project TRIP II, these home gardens have flourished with renewed vitality. The assistance extended to the communities has borne fruit, both metaphorically and literally, empowering them to cultivate the bounty of the land with greater efficiency and sustainable practices.

The two day tour will cover communities of Hihifo, Hahake, Leimatu’a and Pangaimotu District in which the Queen will visit including two prominent vanilla farmers John Ross founder of Heilala Vanilla as well as Albert Guttenbeil Vanilla Farm.