The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) recently led a successful mission to Brisbane, Australia, to explore partnership opportunities with Applied Nutrition Pty Ltd, a leading manufacturer of livestock feed premixes and nutritional supplements.
Led by CEMA Director Mr. Simon Chottu and Board Director Mr. Joseph Huta, the visit aimed to identify areas of collaboration that would support the revitalization of Solomon Islands’ agricultural and livestock sectors through CEMA’s Strategic Transformation Plan.
Discussions with Applied Nutrition focused on two key opportunities, including:
- Local Feeds Project: Developing customized nutritional supplements using local ingredients like copra meal, cassava, and rice bran to improve productivity in poultry, pigs, and cattle.
- Copra Meal Export: Exploring organic and non-organic copra meal exports from Solomon Islands to Australia, opening new value-adding opportunities for coconut growers and processors.
Mr. Chottu noted that the partnership aligns with the government’s policy on agricultural diversification and food security, potentially reducing dependence on imported feeds and creating new markets for local products.
Mr. Huta emphasized the financial benefits for farmers and cooperatives, highlighting the potential for value-added production chains.
Applied Nutrition’s Technical Director, Dr. Michael Evans, welcomed the discussions and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building long-term partnerships with Solomon Islands stakeholders.
The next steps include compiling ingredient data and conducting further assessments to pave the way for pilot projects and export readiness.
This initiative supports the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to revitalizing CEMA, empowering rural farmers, diversifying exports, and strengthening food security.
Source: Government Communication Unit