The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), through the Commercial Agriculture Development Project, today handed over a grant worthSBD750, 000toKokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI)to support the purchase of a Cocoa Butter Press Machine.
While handing over the cheque, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi said the support demonstrates the Ministry’s strong commitment to promoting agribusiness growth and strengthening the agriculture sector in Solomon Islands.
Minister Wasi added that the assistance to KPSI aligns with MALD’s policy priority to make agriculture the economic backbone of Solomon Islands and also in preparations to host the FAO SIDS Solutions Forumfrom 22nd to 26th June, a regional event aimed at showcasing successful public private partnerships across the food system.
“The forum will involve multiple ministries involved in the food systems and highlight innovative approaches to strengthening agriculture and agribusiness across the Pacific Island Countries (PIC),” he said.
Meanwhile, KPSI Managing Director Mr. Bob Pollard thanked the Ministry for the support, highlighting the direct benefits for cocoa farmers.
“Firstly, I’m pleased to be standing here on behalf of Coconut Pacific and all the farmers we represent. To put this into context, the current cocoa farm-gate price is around SBD30 per kilogram, and with the Butter Making Machine, it will enable us to purchase beans at SBD40 per kilogram, providing a premium price to our farmers,” Mr. Pollard said.
He added that the contribution would directly enable KPSI to share improved margins with growers, leading to substantial income gains.
“The impact is very real for our farmers. We genuinely appreciate the confidence and trust the Ministry has placed in the mid-farm sector,” he said.
The cocoa butter press machine is essential to the cocoa and chocolate industry because it maximizes value, efficiency, and product quality. It converts cocoa liquor into two high value products like cocoa butter and cocoa cake, which is milled into cocoa powder ensuring full utilization of the cocoa bean.
Modern hydraulic presses enable precise control of fat content, allowing manufacturers to meet different chocolate specifications while achieving high extraction yields that improve profitability. The solvent-free mechanical process preserves the natural flavor, aroma, and functional properties of cocoa butter, while controlled temperatures prevent degradation.
The Commercial Agriculture Development Program Support Fund has been established by MALD to support small and medium-scale agribusinesses to acquire critical equipment for strengthening value-addition operations.
Strengthening value-addition capacity aligns with MALD’s objectives of enhancing food security, promoting commercial agriculture, and increasing farmer incomes.
By supporting local agribusinesses to move into processing and value addition, MALD contributes to import substitution, reduces reliance on imported food products, and strengthens national economic resilience.
Source: MALD Press Release
