A groundbreaking ceremony took place in Nuu on Tuesday morning, marking the start of construction for the new Atele Packhouse, a significant development for Samoa’s agriculture sector.
The $4.5 million Samoan Tala project is a key investment under the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing Project (SAFPROM). It represents progress, resilience, and new opportunities for Samoa’s farmers.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, speaking at the event, highlighted the facility’s potential to transform the way agricultural products are handled and marketed in Samoa. She emphasized that the government remains committed to strengthening agriculture, a crucial part of the nation’s economy and a lifeline for rural communities.
“The Atele Packhouse will be a game-changer,” she stated. “It will improve post-harvest processing, quality control, and distribution, helping farmers meet strict market standards, reduce losses, and increase their earnings.”
Construction is expected to take around seven months. Once completed, the packhouse will serve as a symbol of progress, opening doors to greater economic opportunities and enhancing Samoa’s position in both regional and global markets.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for their support in making the project possible. She also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance, and the hardworking farmers and stakeholders involved.
“As we break ground today, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing agricultural development and ensuring that this facility provides lasting economic benefits for our farmers and exporters,” she said.
With determination and teamwork, she believes this project will have a lasting positive impact on Samoa’s agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its people.
