Farmers in parts of Western Province, particularly copra and cocoa producers from Rannoggah, Vella La Vella, and Simbo have been severely affected by shipping delays in July 2025, coupled with a sudden drop in copra prices this month.
Local buyers in rural areas reported paying between $5 to $7 per kilo in July in order to keep up with Honiara’s market rate of $10 to $11 per kilo.
However, the sharp decline in copra prices from August 2025 has left many buyers and farmers disappointed, with most fearing they will make huge loss.
“This situation puts a huge burden on us because we will not be able to cover our costs. It is discouraging for farmers who work hard every day,” a local buyer told the Solomon Star in an interview this week.
Farmers and buyers alike are calling on the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to consider providing subsidies to help them recover losses sustained in July, or to negotiate special prices with Honiara agents to cushion the blow.
They stressed that copra farmers have long contributed significantly to the country’s economy and continue to support rural livelihoods, including school fees, church programs, youth activities, and daily household needs.
Community leaders also urged the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and the Western Provincial Government (WPG) to urgently look into improving reliable shipping services for rural communities, saying that delays often cause major financial setbacks for farmers in remote areas.
“Farmers are the backbone of our rural economy. They deserve better support to ensure their hard work is not wasted,” Hon. Freedom Tozaka Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 10 in North Vella said.
At the moment MV Florence is the only cargo doing back-loading for copra and cocoa from Western Province.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
