Standards Australia champions Pacific collaboration with first regional standard

Standards Australia is proud to celebrate a groundbreaking moment in Pacific regional cooperation – the development of the first-ever Pacific Regional Standard. This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration, and a major step forward in improving public health, strengthening communities, and unlocking economic opportunity across the Pacific.

The draft standard was developed by the Pacific Island Standards Committee (PISC), which was endorsed by Pacific Island Forum Trade Ministers as the Pacific regional standards body in July 2025. Led by Technical Committee TC-002: Food and Food Products, the draft builds on a successful pilot project to adopt a Vanuatu national standard as a regional benchmark.

Standards Australia has proudly supported this journey as part of the Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) Initiative, working alongside regional quality infrastructure organisations and the Pacific Islands Forum.

From 1 October to 15 December 2025, stakeholders across the region are invited to help shape a standard for Quick Frozen Cassava that will support safer food, stronger trade, and shared prosperity.

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Empowering the Pacific through food safety and economic growth

Cassava is a starchy root vegetable grown across the Pacific and used as a staple ingredient in local cuisines. It is rich in vitamin C, important for immune function and a good source of carbohydrates, providing a sustained source of energy. Pacific countries such as Fiji and Tonga are significant exporters of cassava to other markets. By establishing a regional standard for its frozen form, Pacific nations are committing to best practices that protect consumers, support producers, and enable trade.  

This initiative delivers real-world benefits:

Public health and safety: The standard ensures cassava products are handled and frozen safely, reducing foodborne risks and improving nutrition outcomes.

Community impact: Clear guidelines empower local producers and processors, helping them grow their businesses and contribute to food security.

Economic opportunity: Harmonised standards open the door to cross-border trade, creating new markets and boosting regional economies.

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Have your say

Stakeholders in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Palau, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Tuvalu are invited to review and comment on the draft standard.

Your feedback as a farmer, food processor, government official, business owner, or community advocate matters. Have your say by contributing to the standard that will guide food safety and trade across the Pacific.

Australian comments can be submitted through comment.standards.org.au and Pacific comments can be submitted directly to the relevant National Standards Bodies before 15 December 2025.

Together, we’re setting the standard for a healthier, more connected Pacific. This initiative is a celebration of what’s possible when nations unite around a shared goal: improving lives through safer food, stronger communities, and sustainable trade. By participating in the public comment process, you’re helping shape a future where Pacific-grown cassava can move confidently across borders and support local economies.