Savai’i cocoa farmers with excellent specialised fermenting skills were recognised at a recent ceremony by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.), as part of a project seeking to expand the market for Samoan beans. 

S.R.O.S. announced the awards early this month in a statement published on Facebook.

Farmers in Savai’i participated in the competition that included two categories: the Box Fermentation Category and the Tray Fermentation Category. It was held over the span of a month.

The first place winner in the Box Category Fermentation was Toaga Taua of Falealupo-Tai who received $300 cash and a box fermenting prize packet that included: a fermenting box, two harvesting hooks, two storage bins, two tarpaulins, one rake and bottle of Taro Whiskey.

From Asau, Tigaina Iakopo took second place, $200 cash and a fermenting prize packet.

Tauai Afereti of Papa, Sataua won $100 and a prize packet for finishing in third place.

In the Tray Fermenting Category, Matamea Faapio of Auala won first place that included $300 cash and a tray fermenting prize packet that included: a fermenting tray, two harvesting hooks, two storage bins, two tarpaulins, one rake and bottle of Taro Whiskey.

The second place finisher was Lava Noa of Papa, Sataua who claimed $200 cash and a tray fermenting prize packet.

For 100 per cent fermentation results, a special prize was awarded to Vilo Gese.

All participants received consolation prizes of fermenting trays, a harvesting hook, two storage bins, two tarpaulins and one rake.

“The S.R.O.S. as the local implementing partner of the above project, hosted its first local Cocoa Fermentation Competitions in Savai’i for a month, and held its prize giving for participating farmers [on] 30th September at Vaisala Hotel,” S.R.O.S. said in a statement.

Organisers thanked all farmers, men and women for participating, for their hard work and for their support of the ongoing project.

“The project hopes to expand and increase the markets for Pacific cocoa by building links along cocoa value chains for niche products and cocoa bean buyers by supporting assessment of bean quality and holding local competitions,” S.R.O.S. explained.

The awards were presented in Vaisala, Savai’i.