Minister Wasi and Australia Discuss Strengthening Agricultural Collaboration

The Solomon Islands Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Hon. Franklyn Wasi, held productive bilateral discussions with senior officials from Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), during the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) in Tonga.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to address key challenges facing the Solomon Islands agriculture sector. Minister Wasi highlighted a number of priority areas requiring support and technical assistance, emphasizing the ministry’s urgent need for capacity building and improved infrastructure.

One of the key issues raised was the lack of a qualified veterinarian in the Ministry, which has significantly hindered the development of the country’s livestock sector. Minister Wasi requested support for training attachments for five Solomon Islands students currently completing veterinary science studies at the Fiji National University, who are expected to graduate in June 2026.

In addition, Minister Wasi sought Australia’s assistance in several critical areas, including:

• Combatting the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB)
• Strengthening soil health clinics
• Supporting the beekeeping industry
• Reviving the Cocoa Livelihood Improvement Project
• Constructing storage sheds in strategic provincial locations
• Establishing a shipping scheme to ensure regular transport from high-producing rural areas

The Minister also proposed exploring export opportunities for Solomon Islands’ pineapple and ginger to Australia, requesting assistance in establishing a fumigation chamber in Honiara to meet export requirements.

A potential volunteer assistance scheme was also discussed, under which experienced Australian retirees could be engaged to support the Solomon Islands in areas such as crop post-harvest handling and agribusiness management—fields in which the Ministry currently faces significant capacity gaps.

The bilateral meeting was attended by the Australian delegation led by Ms. Tina Hutchinson, Deputy Secretary for DAFF, along with Dr. Gabrielle Smith, Dr. Amber Beavis, Dr. Ben MacDonald, and Mr. Luke Simons. The Solomon Islands delegation included Minister Hon. Franklyn Wasi, Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu, and Mr. Semy Siakimotu.

These discussions mark a promising step forward in enhancing agricultural cooperation between Solomon Islands and Australia, with a shared commitment to building a more resilient and productive agriculture sector across the Pacific.

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– MAL PRESS RELEASE