The nation’s orchid industry could be taking the next step in expansion with a little help from Japan.

A new innovative technique could have local orchid growers looking at exporting the flora to Japan and other countries.

Japanese ornamental horticultural company Akabira Orchid successfully progressed an SDGs Business Needs Confirmation Survey in Samoa, assessing the feasibility of establishing a new industry using plant tissue culture and orchid cultivation techniques.

The team conducted the survey from 15 July to 19 July, focused on leveraging Samoa's natural potential for the production and sale of Phalaenopsis orchids.

Akabira Orchid's involvement in Samoa dates back to 2015, with significant activities through the JICA Partnership Program (JPP) from 2019 to 2024. The JPP leverages Japanese local expertise for international cooperation, developing projects that contribute to social and economic development at the grassroots level.

In its initial phase, Akabira's efforts focused on transferring advanced tissue culture technology to local Samoan institutions, including the Samoa Trust Estates Corporation (STEC) and the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS).

The recently conducted survey evaluated the potential for expanding Samoa's orchid industry, building upon the successful collaboration with STEC and SROS. The survey focused on key areas such as enhancing capacity for tissue culture activities, nurturing seedlings, promoting blooming, and facilitating sales in both domestic and international markets.

This initiative is foreseen to benefit various stakeholders, including local farmers, government authorities, and the overall Samoan economy by creating new export products for Japan and neighboring countries. It will also provide domestic and overseas clients with the opportunity to access improved and exotic orchids of exceptional quality at reasonable prices.

Local association in the orchid sector, such as Fama Omonea, was included in the Japanese survey team’s visitation list.

Fama Omonea welcomed the innovative business proposed by the Japanese team and excitedly anticipate future collaborations with Akabira Orchid.

Valerie Tuia, Leader and Project Manager of Fama Omonea, emphasised the exotic nature of orchids and their positive impact on mental well-being.

She highlighted that orchids offer a promising income opportunity compared to other exotic plants in Samoa, which further amplifies the excitement surrounding the business opportunity presented by Akabira.

Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Manager for Plant Propagation from Akabira Orchid, highlighted the potential of Samoa’s climate for orchid cultivation and the dedication of the local community.

“We are excited to explore this business opportunity and work with our Samoan partners to establish a flourishing orchid industry,” he remarked. Their next visit to Samoa is scheduled for September 2024.