Agriculture Minister Franklyn Wasi welcomes Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach, reaffirming support for agriculture growth
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, together with members of his management team, today received the newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr Jeff Roach, during a courtesy call to the Ministry.
In welcoming H.E. Roach, Hon. Wasi thanked him for the visit and briefed the High Commissioner on the two overarching agriculture policies that the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is currently working to implement through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD).
The policies involve making agriculture attractive across all levels of society and enabling people to earn a sustainable living from it.
“The agriculture sector remains the backbone of the Solomon Islands economy. The sector supports food security, rural employment, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth. Strengthening agriculture is critical to national stability and long-term development,” Hon. Wasi said.
The Minister also acknowledged Australia’s continued contribution and support to the sector, particularly in agricultural extension services and farmer training, biosecurity and plant and animal health, climate-smart and sustainable farming practices, as well as value-chain development and market access.
Meanwhile, H.E. Roach acknowledged the important work of the Ministry and its vital role in the country’s economic growth and livelihood development, noting that this is reflected through Australia’s ongoing support to the sector.
SOURCE; MALD PRESS RELEASE
