BY JOY OFASIA
A new chapter has begun for agriculture in the Solomon Islands with the official launch of the Sape Farm Pack House, a modern facility that promises to transform how local farmers prepare and sell their produce.
The launch of the Sape Farm Pack House is more than a facility—it’s a symbol of progress and unity in the Solomon Islands’ growing agricultural journey.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable Franklyn Wasi, spoke at the opening ceremony held yesterday at Sape Farm in Northwest Guadalcanal. He described the moment as a major step forward for the country’s farming sector.
“This occasion represents far more than the unveiling of a building,” Minister Wasi said. “It marks a defining moment in our journey towards agricultural transformation. It is a testament to what we can accomplish when the government, private enterprise, and rural communities unite under a common vision.”
The pack house—developed through a partnership between Sape Farm, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Strongim Bisnis (funded by DFAT), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade—is already being seen as a powerful example of shared purpose and collective investment.
“The scale and ambition of this initiative are very impressive,” Minister Wasi said. “It reflects the strength of our partnerships and a shared commitment to value addition, food processing, and market-oriented agriculture.”
The facility is designed to improve post-harvest handling of cassava and other crops, helping farmers access both local and international markets. It will also boost food safety and improve income opportunities for rural communities.
“As your Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, I affirm the Ministry’s full support for Sape Farm and all agribusiness ventures across the country,” Minister Wasi pledged. “We will continue offering technical expertise and help link producers to markets, both here and abroad.”
He encouraged all stakeholders to keep working together:
“Let us work with development partners to unlock further investment opportunities. Let us scale this success, grow participation among our growers, and convert every harvest into real income and lasting opportunity.”
