A joint delegation from the World Bank, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), the SIART Project, and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury recently visited Green AG-Community Company Limited in Tabaa, North Malaita, Solomon Islands.
This organization is among the Agribusiness Producers Organizations (ABPO) that has secured a grant under the SIART Project, aimed at fostering agribusiness development in the Solomon Islands.
Green AG-Community Company Limited, consisting of cocoa farmers, has long depended on cocoa sales as a primary source of income.
However, many farmers in the area had previously only sold wet beans, which fetched lower prices. Recognizing the need for greater profitability, the farmers decided to form an Agribusiness Producers Association (APA).
Through collective efforts, the association aims to take their operations to the next level by producing dried beans, which attract better prices in the market. The association also provides access to technical training and resources to improve the quality of their cocoa plantations, helping farmers achieve higher yields.
The visit highlights the ongoing collaboration between local farmers, government ministries, and international partners like the World Bank to enhance agricultural productivity and economic resilience in rural communities.
With the support of the SIART grant, the cocoa farmers in Tabaa are optimistic about the future of their business and the new opportunities their association can unlock.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock