The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) has officially opened a $2.5 million multipurpose warehouse at Nafanua which the caretaker Government hopes will eventually assist farmers.

Caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who delivered the keynote address of the opening on Tuesday, said plans to build a new warehouse had been on the cards for a while prior to its construction.

“This has been in the planning for ages by the Government, in making sure our very own scientific office in Samoa can produce products made from our very own locally items, and preparing them for more scientific research, as the world is faced with diseases,” he said.

“This also gives out the opportunity for our local people (farmers) to apply for work within the scientific sector. We all know about the closure of borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a good reminder for our people as well, all of our everyday needs and wants are found on our land. By developing them to produce our products, it’s a blessing for our own people as well.”

The project has been more than 10 years in the making and is one of many Government-funded projects which was planned with the goal of connecting farmers, supporting local business and ensuring the growth of the community to see a better future through product development and innovation.

The Prime Minister added that the completion of the new facility will give Samoa the capacity to make more products from produce that are locally grown, which will guarantee the production of high-quality goods and services as well as secure a stream for Samoa’s local partners and farmers.

The new building will have all the equipment necessary to manufacture current and future products while ensuring continued support and partnership with Samoa’s local farmers and planters for a continuous supply of raw materials.

Due to Samoa’s small market, a lot of produce from local farmers goes unused leading to wastage, while securing international markets for fresh agricultural produce is hampered by strict biosecurity import regulations. 

But with the commissioning of the new warehouse, it is hoped Samoa will be able to add value to its agricultural produce through their conversion into consumables and other products, which would enable them to bypass biosecurity regulations and ultimately provide local farmers with profits and alternative usage of their produce.