Kolonia, Pohnpei: February 27, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph welcomed Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director of the College of Micronesia Land Grant, and his staff during a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office. The purpose of the visit was to extend congratulations to Governor Joseph provide updates and discuss potential collaborative efforts.
During the courtesy call, Mr. Lorennij conveyed his congratulations to Governor Joseph. Governor Joseph expressed gratitude for the well-wishes and emphasized the significance of a close partnership with the College of Micronesia Land Grant to benefit the lives of the local population.
Governor Joseph shared insights into a new Food Security Policy aimed at addressing local food production. Furthermore, he revealed plans to merge the division of agriculture into the office of aquaculture, creating a unified Department focused on addressing Food Security comprehensively.
Both parties highlighted the importance of engaging non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly at the grassroots and community levels. Governor Joseph cited successful examples of NGOs cultivating sea cucumber and rabbitfish, contributing to sustainable practices and economic development.
In a closing remark, Mr. Lorennij informed Governor Joseph about the upcoming construction of a new building for the College of Micronesia Land Grant. Governor Joseph expressed his full support for the new office and its programs, emphasizing the pivotal role of collaboration in advancing the well-being of the people.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued cooperation, highlighting the mutual dedication of both parties to working together for the greater good of the community.
College of Micronesia (COM) Land-Grant Program is a US Government program under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), a department in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). As part of the Compact of Free Association agreement in the 1980s, an 1862 Land Grant status was accorded to three Micronesian nations of Federated States of Micronesia comprising four states (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae), the Republic of Palau and The Republic of the Marshall Islands. The College of Micronesia (COM) became the College of Micronesia Land Grant, with its Central Office in Pohnpei, Federated Micronesia. The COM started operating based on the COM Treaty agreement among the three Micronesian governments (FSM, Palau, RMI). You can find out more about COM Land grant at their website: https://comlandgrant.org/