MALD launches 2026 Strategic Workshop in Tulagi to drive agricultural growth, food security and reforms
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) today officially launched its 2026 Strategic Workshop at the Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Central Island Province, under the theme “Transforming Agriculture for Economic Growth.”
The week-long internal workshop brings together the MALD’s management team, senior ministry officials, Chief field officers from the provinces, MALD technical officers and MALD Project Managers to review progress, address challenges, and chart a strategic path for the future of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector.
Officially opening the workshop, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, described the annual strategic workshop as one of the Ministry’s most important events, providing an opportunity for staff across all levels to align work plans and activities with the policy priorities of the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT Coalition Government).
The Minister commended ministry staff for their dedication and highlighted several significant achievements recorded over the past year. These included the highest cocoa exports since Independence, the highest copra exports in the last decade, the rollout of major donor-funded agriculture projects, improvements to agricultural infrastructure, expansion of livestock development initiatives, strengthening of biosecurity services, and the successful mobilisation of new development partner support.
at the ministry’s 2026 Strategic Workshop opening
“These achievements would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our field officers, directors, technical teams, corporate staff, and development partners, together, we have continued to serve our farmers and rural communities despite the many challenges we face,” he said.
While acknowledging the progress made, the Minister also pointed to ongoing constraints such as limited resources, logistical challenges, shortages of technical expertise, staff welfare concerns, and bureaucratic processes.
He encouraged participants to use the workshop to identify practical solutions and develop recommendations that will guide MALD’s work programme over the coming years.
Hon. Wasi further outlined the Government’s seven key policy priorities for the agriculture and livestock sector, including institutional reform, food security, research and innovation, livestock development, biosecurity, commercial agriculture and agribusiness, and the active participation of youth and women in agricultural development.
“Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors capable of transforming our country. These policy priorities must guide our work and help us deliver meaningful outcomes for our people,” he said.
Meanwhile Central Islands Province Premier Hon. Kenneth Sagupari welcomed participants to Tulagi and thanked MALD for selecting Central Province as the venue for the workshop.
He emphasized the critical role agriculture plays in supporting rural livelihoods, food security, employment, and economic growth throughout Solomon Islands.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and the foundation of rural livelihoods. As leaders and senior officers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our policies and
programmes effectively support farmers, agribusinesses, and communities across the country.”
Strategic Workshop opening
Premier Sagupari also reiterated Central Province’s interest in partnering with MALD to revive the historic Hakama Agricultural Centre, a facility viewed as having significant potential to support agricultural development in the province.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu highlighted the significance of hosting the workshop in Tulagi, noting its historical importance as the former capital of Solomon Islands.
He described the strategic workshop as a vital platform for reflection, planning, and collaboration as MALD aligns its activities with the priorities of the new government.
“We have enormous agricultural resources and opportunities, yet we must do more to translate that potential into tangible benefits for our people. This workshop is an opportunity to reflect on our performance, encourage one another, and identify practical strategies that will deliver meaningful impacts for farmers and rural communities,” he said.
The 2026 MALD Strategic Workshop is expected to produce recommendations and action plans that will guide the Ministry’s programmes and interventions over the next two years, supporting the Government’s vision of a productive, resilient, and sustainable agriculture sector that contributes to economic growth and improved livelihoods for all Solomon Islanders.
PRESS RELEASE
