Australia is supporting a new regional initiative led by Fiji in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA) to strengthen food security across Asia and the Pacific using nuclear science and technology.
The project, Enhancing Disease Tolerance in Vegetatively Propagated Crops through Mutation Breeding and Associated Biotechnologies, was officially launched at its first coordination meeting held from 9–13 March 2026, bringing together experts from across the region to align on objectives, implementation plans, and national contributions.
The launch comes at a significant moment for Fiji, which is currently serving as Chair of the RCA for the first time. Fiji is also leading the project as the Lead Country Coordinator, highlighting its growing leadership in regional technical cooperation and its active role in driving collaboration on shared agricultural challenges. Fiji played the lead role in developing the project and is now guiding its implementation, helping to facilitate cooperation and knowledge exchange among participating countries.
Running from 2026 to 2029, the project aims to strengthen the resilience of key crops by improving their resistance to diseases through mutation breeding and related biotechnologies. Vegetatively propagated crops—including banana, cassava, taro, ginger, and yams—are essential to livelihoods and food security across the region yet are highly vulnerable to the spread of diseases through infected planting material. Through the application os nuclear techniques, such as irradiation-induced mutation breeding, the project will support the development of improved crop varieties that are more resistant to disease and better adapted to environmental pressures.
A key focus of the initiative is supporting RCA countries to build technical capacity in mutation breeding and plant disease management. Through regional training courses, expert missions, scientific exchanges and coordinated research activities, participating countries will strengthen their ability to sustainably improve crop productivity and resilience.
Australia is supporting the project through its engagement in the RCA, contributing to regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
Natascha Spark, ANSTO’s Senior Manager International Affairs (left), who attended the coordination meeting virtually as Australia’s National Representative to the RCA, highlighted the importance of the initiative and Fiji’s leadership.
“Australia is pleased to support Fiji in leading this important RCA project, particularly as it marks Fiji’s first time serving as Chair of the RCA. This initiative demonstrates the strength of regional cooperation, with countries working together to apply nuclear science and technology to address shared challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture,” Ms Spark said.
With 16 countries participating, the project reflects strong regional commitment to tackling agricultural challenges through science, innovation and collaboration, contributing to the IAEA’s Atoms4Food initiative and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
