The Samoa Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ABI) was officially opened today at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) headquarters in Nafanua. The ABI Centre is a key part of the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Business Assistance Fiji (BAF), and SROS.
The centre will focus on fostering innovation and business development within Samoa’s agricultural sector. It will provide support through training, technical assistance, and research aimed at introducing new technologies and practices to improve productivity and sustainability.
The Minister of Agriculture highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “The success of Samoa’s agriculture depends on partnerships like this. The collaboration between SROS, FAO, BAF, and the EU demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together. I encourage our farmers and businesses to take full advantage of the resources offered by the ABI Centre.”
The event also featured the launch of the Pacific Agri-Innovative Business Plan Competition, which aims to encourage young entrepreneurs and farmers to develop solutions to challenges in the sector. FAO’s representative spoke on the initiative, remarking, “This business incubation centre is a platform for Samoa’s agricultural sector to innovate and grow. By empowering young entrepreneurs and farmers, we can ensure that agriculture remains a strong foundation for food security and economic growth.”
One of the young entrepreneurs attending the event said, “The competition is an exciting opportunity for us to think outside the box and find new ways to tackle the challenges in agriculture. I’m looking forward to learning from the experts and applying what I learn to my own business.”
The ABI Centre will now begin its work in helping aspiring agribusinesses develop and apply innovative approaches to meet the growing demands of the sector.
Hon Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Speech for SROS – English
Lauga a le Minisita i le Tatalaina Aloaia o le Ofisa Autu mo Pisinisi Tau Fa’atoaga a Samoa
