Pacific High Level Organics Groups (PHLOG)

From the outset of the Pacific Organic movement there were a small group of Pacific leaders, Prime Ministers and Presidents, who were vocally supportive of organic agriculture in their own countries.

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Pacific leaders enjoy organic breakfast at Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting in Niue

The organic movement saw the potential of galvanizing the support of leaders in terms of advocacy to support organics and in the development of supportive policy frameworks and awareness raising amongst Pacific people and so approached a group of leaders who formed the Pacific High Level Organic Group (PHLOG) chaired by the Prime Minister of Samoa the Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

The PHLOG meets in an adhoc manner on the sidelines of regional events such as the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meetings usually supporting a side event coordinated by POETCom and taking the opportunity to raise awareness of organic developments and benefits of organics with the other leaders.

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PHLOG Chair Hon. Prime Minister of Samoa speaks at organic morning tea Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting in Vanuatu

The PHLOG members also raise concerns of the Pacific organic that impact on the development of the organic industry, such as changes in international organic trade regulations, at diplomatic levels.

Since formation of the PHLOG, interest from leaders has grown and membership expanded with new leaders requesting to be involved with the group.