The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), through the Commercial Agriculture Development Project, on Thursday handed over a grant of SBD750,000 to Kokonut 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 said the assistance aligns with MALD’s policy priority of positioning agriculture as the economic backbone of the country, as well as preparations to host the FAO SIDS Solutions Forum from 22–26 June.
The regional forum aims to showcase successful public–private partnerships across the food system in Pacific Island countries.
“The forum will involve multiple ministries engaged in food systems and will highlight innovative approaches to strengthening agriculture and agribusiness across Pacific Island countries,” Minister Wasi said.
Meanwhile, KPSI Managing Director, Mr Bob Pollard, thanked the Ministry for the support and highlighted the direct benefits for cocoa farmers.
“Firstly, I’m pleased to be standing here on behalf of Kokonut 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 press machine, it will enable us to purchase beans at SBD40 per kilogram, providing a premium price to our farmers,” Mr Pollard said.
He said the contribution will allow KPSI to share improved margins with growers, resulting in 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 added.
The cocoa butter press machine is a critical component of the cocoa and chocolate industry as it maximises value, efficiency, and product quality.
It converts cocoa liquor into two high-value products—cocoa butter and cocoa cake, which is milled into cocoa powder—ensuring full utilisation of the cocoa bean.
Modern hydraulic presses allow precise control of fat content to meet different chocolate specifications while achieving high extraction yields that improve profitability. The solvent-free mechanical process preserves the natural flavour, aroma, and functional properties of cocoa butter, while controlled temperatures prevent product degradation.
The Commercial Agriculture Development Program Support Fund was established by MALD to support small- and medium-scale agribusinesses to acquire critical equipment that strengthens value-addition operations.
Enhancing value-addition capacity aligns with MALD’s objectives of improving 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.
– MAL
