Breadfruit Festival 2024 Begins at MORDI Tonga

15 Dec Breadfruit Festival 2024 Begins at MORDI Tonga

September 16th, 2024 – At a time when climate change is reshaping food systems across the Pacific, one crop continues to stand firm—quite literally. At the opening of the Breadfruit Festival 2024 in Tonga, breadfruit (mei) was celebrated not just as a traditional staple, but as a powerful solution to the region’s growing food security and climate challenges.

Speaking at the festival, Kyle Stice, Executive Director of the Pacific Island Farmers Organization (PIFO), described breadfruit as “the Pacific’s most resilient crop.” He highlighted its remarkable ability to withstand cyclones, droughts, and other natural disasters—events that are becoming increasingly frequent across island nations. Unlike many annual crops, breadfruit trees can survive extreme conditions and continue producing food for generations, making them a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture in the region.

A Gathering of Farmers, Knowledge, and Culture

Held at the MORDI Centre in Haveluloto, Tongatapu, the festival brought together more than 100 farmers from across the Pacific and Caribbean. Participants came from 15 countries, creating a vibrant space for farmer-to-farmer learning, cultural exchange, and practical discussion on how breadfruit can strengthen local food systems.

For many farmers, the festival reinforced the value of breadfruit as a locally available alternative to imported staples such as rice and wheat—foods that are increasingly expensive and vulnerable to global supply disruptions. By investing in breadfruit, communities can reduce reliance on imports while improving nutrition and strengthening household food security.

Honouring Tradition While Building Resilience

Dr. Seuʻula Fu, Chairperson of MORDI Tonga Trust, reflected on the broader significance of the festival, describing it as a powerful example of regional collaboration. She noted that the event underscored shared efforts to uphold traditional knowledge, improve farming practices, and build resilience in the face of climate uncertainty.

Breadfruit, long embedded in Pacific cultures, represents more than food. It reflects a way of life rooted in sustainability, care for the land, and intergenerational knowledge. Revitalizing its role in modern food systems bridges tradition and innovation—an approach increasingly recognized as essential for long-term resilience.

From Tree to Table: Exploring Breadfruit’s Potential

Throughout the festival, participants explored the many uses of breadfruit, from fresh consumption to processed products such as flour and value-added foods. These innovations open new opportunities for farmers, particularly women and youth, to engage in agribusiness, local processing, and market development.

The festival also highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in scaling these efforts. The event was organized by:

• Pacific Farmer Organisations
• MORDI Tonga Trust
• Nishi Trading
• Growers Federation of Tonga

With support from:

• European Union in the Pacific
• Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (FO4ACP)
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
• AgriCord
• Mai E 5
• FORI Pacific Breadfruit Project (PBP Tonga)
• Hawaii Farm to School Hui

A Resilient Crop for a Changing Climate

As the Pacific faces rising food costs, climate shocks, and increasing reliance on imports, breadfruit offers a clear and locally grounded solution. The Breadfruit Festival 2024 served as a reminder that resilience does not always require new inventions—sometimes it means returning to what has sustained communities for centuries and reimagining its role for the future.

In the quiet strength of the breadfruit tree lies a powerful message: the future of Pacific food security may already be growing in our backyards. 🌱

**All photos were from PIFON Facebook**