Seuseu Dr Joseph Tauati Takes Over as New Agriculture and Fisheries CEO

March 22, 2023

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Cabinet has approved the appointment of Seuseu Dr. Joseph Tauati, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).

Seuseu was recommended by an interview panel from amongst high calibre applicants vying for the position previously held by Tilafono David Hunter.

Tilafono served two terms (six years) as CEO and indicated in January that he would not reapply for the role.

Seuseu has served two terms as Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) over the past six years. His appointment to head MAF will be a three year term.

Dr. Tauati began his career as a Quarantine Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture in 2002 and consistently worked his way up on promotion. He moved to SROS in 2011 as a Principal Research Scientist and appointed CEO in 2017.

Dr Tauati’s successful tenure at the helm of the S.R.O.S attests to his passion for agriculture, and scientific research to achieve excellence for the sector.

He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of the South Pacific, Master’s Degree in Bio – Resources Science from the University of Kochi Japan, and a PhD in Molecular Biology and Phytopathology from the University of Bristol – United Kingdom.

Seuseu’s acquired academic and professional qualifications complements his senior managerial experience.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is the principal organisation charged by the Government of Samoa to provide policies, regulation and technical support to agriculture and fisheries production.

MAF works in close partnership with stakeholders such as subsistence farmers, commercial farmers, importers, exporters and Argo-processors and in collaboration with their associated public agencies, NGOs and service providers.