OVER 140 REGISTER FOR 2014 TERRITORIAL FARM FAIR

As of last Thursday, over 148 local farmers had already registered to participate in the 2014 Territorial Farm Fair, set to take place Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon.

Registration is ongoing at the Dept. of Agriculture’s main office in Tafuna.

This year’s event will feature live entertainment, produce showcases, display of livestock, and of course, live cooking sessions.

Items that will be up for viewing include traditional crops, fruits, vegetables, livestock, floral arrangements, and international, local and traditional food items.

DoA Director Lealao Melila Purcell has announced that so far, 30 of the registered participants include piggery owners, three will be showcasing live chickens, while two others will feature livestock.

“This is a great opportunity for the local farmers and livestock owners to provide the public with a sample of their products and reveal how they are able to withstand harsh weather conditions as far as sustainability,” Lealao said.

Winners of this year’s Farm Fair will be awarded cash prizes, instead of the usual tools and equipment.

No items will be sold during the Farm Fair but instead, everything that is brought for display is usually presented as gifts for the VIP guests.

MAPPING PROJECT TO BE HELD DEC 7-14 2014

NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS) has announced that a team led by Christophe Bailahce of Underwater Earth, Catlin Seaview Survey and Kalewa Correa of Google Street View will be mapping Muliava (Rose Atoll), Ta'u (Manu’a), Fagatele, Fagalua/ Fogama'a and Aunu'u units from Dec.7-14. 

NMSAS Superintendent Gene Brighouse is inviting everyone to attend a presentation showcase of preliminary visual images of both Google Street View and Catlin Seaview Survey products set for Dec.15 at 11 a.m. at the Tauese P. F. Sunia Ocean Center in Utulei.

Those wanting to view a short clip that was recently completed by Catlin of the Great Barrier Reef using still imagery can do so by logging on to <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-DvBjKonJU>

“Their work encompasses both still and 360-degree panoramic recordings of coral reefs and land,” Brighouse said. “These products will be made available online to place the territory on the map of the only set of comprehensive Google products from land to sea.”