MALD awards SBD1.34 million in CADP grants to four indigenous agribusinesses to boost farming, jobs and exports
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has reaffirmed the GREAT Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous agribusinesses by handing over SBD 1,343,940 in Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) Support Fund grants to four local enterprises today at the ministry’s headquarter in Honiara.
The funding will support value-adding, downstream processing, farmer to market access, and post-harvest development under the Government’s agriculture policy, to increase local production through consistent access to markets, create employment, and improve rural livelihoods.
The recipients are Cathliro Commodities Development Ltd (SBD724,000) to complete its chocolate processing factory in Honiara, SOLKAVA Exporter (SBD313,940) to secure international marketing standards, procure kava from provincial farmers and complete its processing facility infrastructure, Goshen Enterprise (SBD200,000) to procure taro, support transportation, and provide post-harvest training for farmers in Malaita Province and MNEM Investment (SBD106,000) to procure and transport kava for processing, packaging and trade.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Hon Franklyn Derek Wasi said the grants represent the Government’s confidence in local entrepreneurs and its strong will to grow the agricultural sector through partnerships with indigenous businesses.
“We value your partnership and commitment to supporting the development of our country. Supporting local agribusinesses is an investment in the future of our economy, and I am confident you will use this assistance for its intended purpose to grow your businesses and create opportunities for your communities,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that the funding forms part of the first round of support delivered under the GREAT Government and demonstrates its commitment to empowering indigenous entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands.
He also reminded recipients that the grants are public funds entrusted to them on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands.
“These are public funds. The money does not belong to the Minister or the Ministry it belongs to the people of Solomon Islands. We ask all recipients to use these funds responsibly and strictly for their intended purpose.”
On behalf of the recipients, Shirly Teioli of SOLKAVA Exporter thanked the Government for investing in local agribusinesses and rural farming communities.
“This financial assistance marks a significant milestone for our enterprise. It enables us to improve our processing capacity, meet international quality standards, and create a more reliable and sustainable source of income for our rural farmers, particularly women and young people. We pledge to use these funds transparently and for their intended purpose,” she said.
Representing Cathliro Commodities Development Ltd, Thomas Chan said the funding would enable the company to complete its chocolate processing factory and expand opportunities for farmers.
“These funds are greatly needed to complete our downstream processing facility. Once operational, it will allow us to add value to our products, create employment, improve market access, and provide greater support to our farmers and local communities.”
Max Lazarus, Managing Director of MNEM Investment, described the funding as an investment in building a stronger agricultural value chain for Solomon Islands.
“Our vision is to see Solomon Islands products recognised not simply as commodities but as quality products that proudly carry the name of our country. By connecting farmers with processors and export markets, we can create lasting opportunities for farming communities across all provinces.”
Levite Maesimae, Director of Goshen Enterprise, said the support would strengthen local production and benefit farmers in Malaita Province.
“This funding is a significant investment in the future of our business. It will strengthen our operations, expand production capacity, and help us better serve our farmers, customers, and communities. We are committed to using these funds responsibly.”
The ceremony was also witnessed by MNEM Investment business partner Benjamin Masoe, Director of Serenco Labs Auckland and Kava Pure Extraction, who commended the Solomon Islands Government for supporting the private sector and promoting value addition.
“I congratulate the Government for this important initiative. Solomon Islands kava has exceptional potential, and with the right investment, strong partnerships, and continued Government support, it can become a premium product recognised in international markets.”
Under the CADP Fund Agreements, recipients are required to use the grants only for approved activities, submit monthly financial and progress reports, and comply with Government monitoring and auditing requirements. The agreements ensure accountability while supporting sustainable commercial agriculture and encouraging greater private sector participation.
The grant handover marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the GREAT Government’s agriculture policy, reinforcing MALD’s commitment to building resilient agribusinesses, increasing value-added exports, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods for farming communities throughout the Solomon Islands.
MALD Press Release
