The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt officially opened the new $10 million Samoa Agribusiness Incubation Centre on Friday at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa headquarters.

"It is with great pleasure, that we are here today, to officially open, the Samoa Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ABI), which is a key part of the, Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems project, or STODAS project, in Samoa," said La'auli.

"Today, we also have the honour of launching, the Pacific Agri-Innovative Business Plan  Competition."

The STODAS project, funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture  Organization (FAO), Business Assistance Fiji (BAF), and the Scientific  Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), represents a major investment, in the future of Samoa's agriculture. 

"We rely on agriculture for our food security and nutrition, but our food security is also highly reliant on imported food. This means that there is room for improvement for us to be food-secured. The STODAS  project is set to transform our domestic agrifood systems, by promoting innovation, business, and sustainable practices across our agriculture sector," said La'auli.

"The Pacific Agri-Innovate Business Plan Competition is a key initiative of the STODAS project. It is designed to empower young business people and farmers, to develop innovative solutions, to the challenges facing our agricultural sector. 

"Through this competition, FAO and SROS aim to identify, guide, and support agricultural enterprises, with high potential to expand market opportunities and strengthen Samoa's agrifood ecosystems. 

"I am confident that this competition, with its robust mentoring and  training programs, will inspire new ideas, and develop a vibrant and  dynamic agricultural ecosystem in Samoa."

The ABI Centre will serve as a dedicated space for innovation,  training, and collaboration, offering a wide range of services that our aspiring business people need to succeed. These include technical assistance and training in various areas of research and agriculture. 

The Centre introduces new technologies, and practices that boost productivity, and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Laauli acknowledged assistance from their partners and the collaboration between SROS, FAO, BAF, and EU.

"To all the business people, innovators, and farmers present today,  I offer my heartfelt encouragement and support. The future of  Samoa's agriculture lies in your hands. Embrace this opportunity,  leverage the resources available at the ABI Centre, and let your  creativity and innovation lead the way."

"Let us work towards creating a successful agriculture sector that not only sustains Samoa through improved food  security and nutrition, but also empowers our communities, encourages our people, and builds a brighter future for generations to come."

Nyemah Joseph, a Food and Nutrition Officer was grateful for La'auli's assistance throughout the project. He clarified that the project was worth $10 million from the European Union which covers three countries including Samoa.