Speaker
Dr Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni
Wednesday 12 November, 2025
Dr Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni is the new Head of International Development for the Plant & Food Research Group, of the Bioeconomy Science Institute of New Zealand. Seei started at this new role in July this year, after spending more than 16 years at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, engaging in and leading research projects in Samoa and across the Pacific.
Although technically trained in molecular bioscience and chemical genetics, Seei has spent most of her time in the recent decade in agricultural research for development, with strong focus on postharvest food losses, food security, market access and agricultural value chains. Seei is passionate about incorporating local leadership and traditional knowledge in international development and capacity building to enhance sustainability.
Plenary presentation
Postharvest Challenges and Opportunities: A Pacific Perspective on Food Security
Wednesday 12 November, 2025
Postharvest Challenges and Opportunities: A Pacific Perspective on Food Security
Postharvest food loss is a critical challenge to food security, nutrition and livelihoods in the Pacific, reducing produce availability, lowering farmer incomes and heightening vulnerability to climate, weather and market shocks. There is active research in the Pacific investigating postharvest losses, with a recent project adopting a gender-inclusive participatory approach to identify drivers of food loss. Poor postharvest handling, inadequate infrastructure, transport constraints, supply-demand mismatches, and gender inequities were identified as key drivers of postharvest losses, with research now trialling practical, low-cost interventions. Complementing this, the Plant & Food Research Group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute of New Zealand’s Climate Smart Pacific Food Systems program works across six Pacific countries to strengthen climate resilience on farm, off farm and through land and water stewardship. Together, these initiatives combine local knowledge with targeted technical solutions, embedding cultural relevance, stakeholder ownership, inclusivity and regional peer learning. This integrated approach supports more resilient value chains, reduces waste and improves nutrition and food security outcomes for the Pacific.
