The Ministry of Agriculture invites young and interested individuals to join and expand their knowledge in agriculture.

Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Temarama Anguna-Kamana, is proud to acknowledge Sarah Napa for joining the ministry to further her experience and opportunities within different areas of agriculture.

According to Anguna-Kamana, the ministry is working on building more pathways for young individuals to replace those that are nearing retirement age and to also bring in new ideas to promote the industry.

Minister for Agriculture Rose Toki-Brown is also proud and excited to see young individuals pursue career pathways within the ministry.

Cook Islands News interviewed Sarah Napa, who shared a few comments on her career choice with the ministry.

Napa’s interest in agriculture sparked during her schooling years at Tereora College. She studied horticulture from Year 11 to Year 13, her final year, and now has the chance to work with what she learned and to also expand her knowledge with the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Starting here in the ministry, just working around with the plants and the seeds, it’s amazing,” she said.

Having gained experience and knowledge in horticulture at school and now working with the ministry, Napa also shared what led her to her current position and how she continues to thrive and learn.

“If you have a passion for a certain goal then of course it will drive you to keep going, and just move forward,” she said.

“Agriculture isn’t what a lot of people think, it’s not about planting and plantations, it’s more than that. You just break it down to different sectors in order for you to understand what it really is about.”

According to Anguna-Kamana, the future of the agriculture sector and the ministry’s workforce largely depends on young employees.

“MOA is fortunate to recruit Sarah who is interested in Agriculture and excelled in Horticulture at Tereora from Year 11 to 13 of her studies.”

Anguna-Kamana said that the ministry offers internship programmes for students and facilitates attachments for Pa Enua staff in Rarotonga.

The Ministry of Agriculture also participates at the Career Expo to showcase what they offer to students considering a career option.

“Agriculture is often seen as a labour-intensive, hands-on work, but it is more than that.” Anguna-Kamana said.

“It offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities, from crop production and livestock husbandry to roles in research, surveillance and technology.”

The Ministry of Agriculture is happy to welcome any young individuals who are interested in farming, science and research, horticulture and border protection.

“Agriculture has a place for you,” Anguna-Kamana said.