Press Release 25-01

--Koror, Palau, August 28, 2025 --

The Palau Organic Growers Association (POGA) held a highly successful learning clinic on August 28, 2025, at The Penthouse Hotel Conference Room in Ikelau. The event, funded by the SPC Pacific Women Lead Program, brought together organic farming enthusiasts, experts, and local growers to share knowledge, techniques, and innovations in organic agriculture.

The learning clinic included Dr. Rohit Lal, an SPC specialist with extensive expertise in the industry, who addressed key subjects such as sustainable farming practices and soil management essential for organic certification. POGA members and guests were also presented with preliminary findings from recent site visits, alongside results of soil and water samples collected for analysis. The selected testing locations are associated with both current and prospective POGA members, encompassing farms that have obtained Organic Pasifika certification through POGA Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) )or are in the process of transitioning to organic status this year.

Soil and water samples were collected from nine locations, coordinated by POGA President Carol Ngiraidis and PGS Coordinator Leonard Basilius. POGA representatives assisted Dr. Rohit during site visits with landowners. Dr. Rohit will present the Fiji testing results in November.

1. Aimeliik—mesei and upland taro farms in Medorm by Maltreng

2. Airai -- upland farms by Ngaraseseb and a privately owned farm

3. Ngaraard -- Ngaraungiang members’ taro patches in Choll, Ngaraard

4. Ngarchelong – mesei and upland farms by Dilisor DAAN

5. Ngatpang—Upland farms by Sally Techitong

6. Ngeremlengui—privately owned taro patches by Dilubech in Ngermetengel and another in Imeong owned by a member of Ngaramesikt

7. Ngiwal – Upland farms by Simaliwal

8. Ngermeduu Bay – water samples collected for testing

"We are thrilled with the turnout and the level of engagement at this year's learning clinic," said a POGA representative. " Our goal is to empower local growers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in organic farming, and this event was a significant step towards achieving that."

The Palau Organic Growers Association remains committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting the growth of the organic farming community in Palau. Plans are already underway for future events and initiatives to continue fostering education and collaboration among organic growers.

---

This event is funded by SPC Pacific Women Lead Program in partnership with Palau Organic Growers Association. POGA expresses its gratitude to The Pacific Community (SPC) for its continued partnership and support for Palau’s organic movement. For more information about POGA and upcoming events, please visit our website www.palauorganics.org or contact us via Carol Ngiraidis at 775-3521.

---