Source: Government of Samoa
Prime Minister of Samoa Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa KEYNOTE REMARKS at the “Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Atele Packhouse”
(Atele Horticulture Centre, Nu’u, Tuesday 18th February 2025@10 am)
Reverend Iamafana Fa’a’u’uga,
Honourable Ministers of Cabinet,
Representatives of our Development partners,
Representatives of the World Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),
Distinguished Guests, Community Leaders, our dedicated farmers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all this morning, and it is my honour to address this significant occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Atele Packhouse; a project that represents progress, resilience, and opportunity for Samoa’s Agriculture sector.
This project, valued at $4.5 million Samoan Tala, is a critical investment under the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project (SAFPROM). It is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the Agricultural sector, which is one of the lifelines of our economy and the very backbone of our rural communities.
Ladies and gentlemen, the journey to this day has not been without its challenges. Since the launch of SAFPROM in March 2020, we have faced both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic obstacles that tested our resilience. The disruptions brought about by COVID-19 affected global supply chains, market access, and the livelihoods of many of our farmers and fishers. Yet, despite these challenges, the project has persevered, reaching over 3,000 farming households and communities across Samoa. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication of our people, the strength of our partnerships, and our collective vision for a more productive and sustainable Agricultural sector.
The core objective of SAFPROM, is to enhance the productivity and market access of our farmers and fishers, by improving value chains, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening the institutions that support our food systems. This aligns perfectly with our national vision of ensuring food security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development for all Samoans.
Today, we mark the beginning of the construction of a packhouse facility that will revolutionize the way we handle and market our agricultural produce. The Atele Packhouse will be a game-changer in post-harvest processing, quality control, and distribution. It will provide our farmers with the infrastructure they need to meet stringent market standards, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately increase their incomes. With a construction timeline of approximately seven months, this facility will soon stand as a symbol of progress, one that will open doors to greater economic opportunities and expand Samoa’s potential as a competitive player in the regional and global agricultural markets.
Our Agriculture sector today faces increasing demands for quality and consistency in both local and export markets. Consumers, whether they are in Samoa or abroad, expect high standards in food safety, packaging, and traceability. The functions of this packhouse will directly address these demands. It will serve as a centralized hub for cleaning, sorting, processing, and packaging of our fresh produce, ensuring that our farmers can supply premium-quality products, that meet the expectations of buyers and consumers. More importantly, this facility will also support our efforts to increase agricultural exports, positioning Samoa to access high-value markets with confidence.
Beyond its economic impact, the Atele Packhouse represents a broader vision of sustainability. By enhancing efficiency in post-harvest management, we are reducing food waste and optimizing the use of resources. This aligns with our commitment to building a resilient Agriculture sector, that is adaptive to climate change and supportive of long-term environmental sustainability.
I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our development partners – the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – for their invaluable support and collaboration in making this project a reality. Your commitment to strengthening Samoa’s Agriculture sector has been instrumental in empowering our farmers, improving our food systems, and fostering economic growth. We deeply appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing this journey together in the future.
I also acknowledge the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance, the dedicated farmers, and all stakeholders who have contributed their expertise and efforts to this project. Your hard work and commitment ensure that we continue to make meaningful progress in transforming our agriculture and fisheries industries.
As we break ground today, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing our Agriculture related development initiatives and efforts, and let us work together to ensure that this packhouse fulfills its purpose of supporting sustainable economic opportunities for our farmers and exporters. With determination and unity, I have no doubt that this project will leave a lasting beneficial impact on our Agriculture sector and the livelihoods of our people.
May this groundbreaking event, be the foundation of a brighter future for Samoa’s farmers and exporters, and all those who depend on this vital industry.
Thank you and may God bless Samoa.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)