The MOU was signed by Secretary of Agriculture Mrs. Temarama Anguna-Kamana on behalf of the Ministry and by KNT Chief Executive Officer Kris Goodenough yesterday.

Minister for Agriculture Rose Brown said she was pleased to see the partnership formalised. “This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the strong commitment of both the Ministry of Agriculture and KNT to work together to strengthen our agricultural sector.

“By working closely with our farmers, we can continue to improve food security, support livelihoods, and build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector for the Cook Islands.”

The partnership aligns with the National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+, particularly Goal 10, which focuses on food security, improved nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced biosecurity in the Cook Islands.

KNT is a farmer-owned cooperative company representing 120 shareholders across Rarotonga and seven Pa Enua, with membership continuing to grow. The cooperative brings together growers from diverse islands and production systems to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the Cook Islands’ agricultural sector.

KNT enables its members to collectively supply, market, and add value to agricultural products. By coordinating production, the cooperative enhances market access, reduces individual risk, and helps ensure fairer and more stable returns for producers.

Through the MOU, the Ministry and KNT will collaborate on initiatives that support farmers and advance shared goals for a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

The MOU provides a framework for collaboration, recognising the vital role farmers and producer organisations play in strengthening agriculture and local food systems. Both parties look forward to advancing initiatives that benefit farmers, communities, and the broader Cook Islands economy.