As emerging pests, climate-driven diseases and limited diagnostic capacity threaten food security across Fiji and the Pacific, the naming of Dr Mereia Fong as Euphresco III Scientist of the Month for March has thrown a powerful international spotlight on the vital importance of plant protection and biosecurity in safeguarding livelihoods and regional resilience.
Dr Fong, Associate Dean Research at the Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, was recognised for her sustained contribution to strengthening agricultural systems through targeted plant health research. A plant pathologist and the first Fijian woman to earn a PhD in Agriculture, she leads efforts to diagnose, understand and manage crop diseases that can devastate smallholder farmers and national economies.
“Kava dieback disease is a current and sobering example in Fiji,” Dr Fong explained.
“It is affecting production nationwide, causing significant losses for farmers. Because kava is both a culturally important and economically vital crop, the disease carries far-reaching implications for livelihoods and exports.”
Her work focuses on practical, locally relevant solutions: identifying pathogens, developing management strategies, promoting clean planting material and improving field sanitation. Through FNU’s Plant Health Clinics she translates laboratory findings into hands-on advice that farmers can use immediately.
Far from resting on this latest accolade, Dr Fong is using the Euphresco recognition as a platform to accelerate capacity building among the next generation of Pacific scientists.
“This recognition reflects the impact of my work in plant health and biosecurity and highlights the importance of research in addressing agricultural challenges in Fiji and the Pacific while providing an opportunities to strengthen international collaboration and visibility for FNU,” Dr Fong stated.
She is particularly determined to leverage the honour to inspire and equip her students.
“I supervise research on real agricultural challenges in Fiji and the Pacific, helping students develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. Ultimately, I aim to prepare graduates who can contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture in the region,” Dr Fong noted.
The challenges facing plant protection and biosecurity in the Pacific are formidable: rising numbers of emerging pests and diseases, constrained diagnostic infrastructure and the accelerating effects of climate change on pathogen spread. Dr Fong’s research directly tackles these issues
by identifying key threats and designing sustainable management approaches that work in island contexts.
“My research focuses on identifying and understanding key plant health and biosecurity issues and developing practical, locally relevant management strategies,” she said. “I want to contribute to building a more diverse and empowered plant health scientific community in Fiji and the Pacific.”
By linking cutting-edge plant pathology with student empowerment, Dr Fong’s achievement underscores a simple but powerful truth: protecting crops today is the foundation for food-secure and scientifically confident Pacific islands tomorrow.
ENDS