Newly formed Samoa Apiculture Organization to take honey industry tonew level

A new group, known as the Samoa Apiculture Organization (SAO), was formed this week at the request of the Government of Samoa, under the facilitation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Progamme (SGP) office in Samoa.

This came at a follow-up workshop held on Tuesday this week at the One UN House, Tuanaimato for interested beekeepers to organize themselves into an effective and efficient body that will be recognized by the Government of Samoa and the UNDP GEF SGP.

The first workshop, held on Tuesday last week, produced several positive outcomes, one of which was the identification of the need for an additional session for honey farmers to form a robust beekeeping organization in accordance with the Government of Samoa’s special request to benefit all interested beekeepers.

“UNDP is committed to creating opportunities for the people we serve to improve their livelihoods. The global honey market was valued at about eight billion U.S. dollars in 2020. This is an indication of how apiculture is fast becoming an industry to be reckoned with all over the world, and Samoa needs to align itself with this trend and maximize the socio-economic benefits it offers,” said Jorn Sorensen, UNDP Resident Representative.

SGP’s National Steering Committee (NSC) Chairperson, Nynette Sass, spearheaded the brainstorming sessions, which concluded with the establishment of the new Samoa Apiculture Organization, and the selection of an interim executive committee to start the process of registration.

“The follow-up workshop shows how much enthusiatic support is out there amongst keen beekeepers to revitalize our honey production industry. The main objective of the workshop was to orientate the beekeepers about the need to set up a formal body that will drive honey production and create tangible benefits for the community. With grant funding from the UNDP GEF SGP, this is an opportunity to create a stepping stone to bigger and better production, from community-based to large-scale industry,” said Nynette Sass, SGP NSC Chairperson.

“To give the new organization a chance to grow successfully, it is critical that a strong foundation is set. This means the values, expectations and objectives should be mutually agreeable to all. This will also ensure stronger buy-in from an inclusive membership.”

The new interim Executive Committee comprises of a diverse mix of beekeeping professionals: Richard Wetzell, Shelley Burich, Sione Alailima, Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio, Tofilau Raymond Voigt, and Papalii Mele Maualaivao.

“Reviving the beekeeping industry is an important part of the process especially for a recognized body to apply for grant funding opportunities that will benefit the local honey production industry.  The successful outcome of today’s workshop is a step in the right direction for the local beekeeping association,” said Lilomaiava Filifilia Iosefa, UNDP GEF SGP National Coordinator.