American Samoa's Agriculture Director is urging businesses to buy taro and other staples locally rather than relying on imports.
Lealao Mel Purcell says crops showcased at the recent Territorial Farm Fair indicate there is an abundance of staples in Tutuila and Manu'a and the interest in farming is growing.
He says the department wants to encourage more people to farm the land so the territory can become more self-reliant.
Lealao Mel Purcell says a focus on local goods will boost the economy too.
"The circulation of monies will stay right here instead of going elsewhere, in terms of vegetable goods, and I think we can, at this point in time, safely say that we have enough of the vegetables, taro and bananas to take care of our own market."
Lealao Mel Purcell says he wants legislation to control the imports of taro.
