The Samoa Farmers Association has received over AU$50,000 worth of new farming equipment under the PACER Plus agreement, aimed at supporting agricultural production and food processing in Samoa.
The handover took place on Friday, 4 July 2025, with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Niuava Eti Malolo, leading the ceremony. In attendance were representatives from the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, including Head Roy Lagolago, as well as Dr Liu and staff of Sunfield Agriculture Limited.
The new tools include cocoa roasting and pounding machines, soil tillers, coffee and spice grinders, ground drills, weed eaters, taro chippers, brushcutters, and an electric coffee huller. These tools will support the processing of cocoa, coffee, root crops, and other local produce.
“This is more than a donation of tools. It’s an investment in increased incomes and greater independence for our farmers,” said the Minister. He thanked the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Samoa Farmers Association for working together to make the initiative possible.
PACER Plus is a trade and development agreement between Samoa, seven other Pacific Island countries, Australia, and New Zealand. The initiative aims to expand trade and investment opportunities, and to strengthen local systems and standards to support international market access.
The Samoa Farmers Association was acknowledged for its role in supporting grassroots farmers, many of whom previously lacked access to specialised machinery.
“This support will help improve production, reduce losses, and allow farmers to sell better-quality products at better prices,” said the Minister.
He encouraged the farmers to make full use of the equipment and continue building toward a stronger agricultural sector.
This article is based on the keynote address delivered by the Hon. Niuava Eti Malolo, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, during the official handover of farming equipment to the Samoa Farmers Association on Friday, 4 July 2025. The event was supported by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other partners.
