PGR News from the Pacific

Posted 4:17 PM by Luigi

New copra factory in Samoa

APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, Feb. 8) – There is increased optimism in the coconut industry with the opening yesterday of a new production plant to be operated by Desico Samoa at Vaitele. Production is already underway at the government-funded 4.2 million tala (US$1.5 million) facility, was launched at a ceremony at the Vaitele plant. Minister of Finance Misa Telefoni said that the production plant, leased by Desico Samoa from the Provident Fund, is an investment for contributors and in the coconut industry. The Provident Fund is now the biggest shareholder in Desico Samoa, which was originally operated with Sri Lankan business interests but later ran into problems. "There will be critics who will say NPF is investing too much, and the projected return is inadequate," Misa said. But Government, Misa said, is fully supportive of the Provident Fund board's decision to both invest in Desico and in facilities for it.

* Comments:

SPC's Plant Protection Service are funding and supporting MAFF&M Samoa in their efforts to mobilize communities to assist in the removal of breeding sites for the Rhino Beetle and looking after traps. This is being done through the use of traditional structures with the help of the Department of Internal Affairs, which handles all matters concerning villages.

SPC entomologist Sada Lal is assisting through the testing of low cost pheromones and sending fungus and virus material for testing in NZ. A multi-phased public awareness effort began late last year with funding from the European Union.

The main point is that "this is a Samoan government priority" and PPS is supporting MAFF&M efforts. Because the money & marketing end is looking good - opening of the new Desico Samoa coconut production plant - hence the need for controlling a pest that has popped up after many years of neglect.

In the end: no nuts, no copra for the new Desico plant, no money in the hands of producers.

# posted by

Anonymous : 2:59 PM



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DIVA-GIS	Friday, February 11, 2005 Posted 4:17 PM by Luigi New copra factory in Samoa APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, Feb. 8) – There is increased optimism in the coconut industry with the opening yesterday of a new production plant to be operated by Desico Samoa at Vaitele. Production is already underway at the government-funded 4.2 million tala (US$1.5 million) facility, was launched at a ceremony at the Vaitele plant. Minister of Finance Misa Telefoni said that the production plant, leased by Desico Samoa from the Provident Fund, is an investment for contributors and in the coconut industry. The Provident Fund is now the biggest shareholder in Desico Samoa, which was originally operated with Sri Lankan business interests but later ran into problems. "There will be critics who will say NPF is investing too much, and the projected return is inadequate," Misa said. But Government, Misa said, is fully supportive of the Provident Fund board's decision to both invest in Desico and in facilities for it. * Comments: SPC's Plant Protection Service are funding and supporting MAFF&M Samoa in their efforts to mobilize communities to assist in the removal of breeding sites for the Rhino Beetle and looking after traps. This is being done through the use of traditional structures with the help of the Department of Internal Affairs, which handles all matters concerning villages. SPC entomologist Sada Lal is assisting through the testing of low cost pheromones and sending fungus and virus material for testing in NZ. A multi-phased public awareness effort began late last year with funding from the European Union. The main point is that "this is a Samoan government priority" and PPS is supporting MAFF&M efforts. Because the money & marketing end is looking good - opening of the new Desico Samoa coconut production plant - hence the need for controlling a pest that has popped up after many years of neglect. In the end: no nuts, no copra for the new Desico plant, no money in the hands of producers. # posted by Anonymous : 2:59 PM Post a Comment	Archive October 2002 November 2002 December 2002 January 2003 February 2003 March 2003 April 2003 May 2003 June 2003 July 2003 August 2003 September 2003 October 2003 November 2003 December 2003 January 2004 February 2004 March 2004 April 2004 May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 January 2010 RSS Feed Alternative feed Contact Tevita Something new: Agrobiodiversity Weblog: For discussions of conservation and sustainable use of the genetic resources of crops, livestock and their wild relatives. 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