New Institute To Assist Agricultural Development In Samoa
Taro Farmers
Photo: Supplied
A new institute which will provide technical advice pertaining to agriculture has been established by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS), the initiative is known as the Society of Agricultural Professionals or S.O.A.P.
The initiative will act as a platform for knowledge sharing and management as well as enhancing professional or career development in the field of agriculture. Providing technical advice to Agriculture in Samoa seems to rely on the Government ministries as well as institutions such as the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P) and the National University of Samoa (N.U.S).
Some of the agriculture field aspects essential for digging deeper into the specific knowledge which Samoan agriculturists possess. There is no doubt that these traits in the agriculture sector are abundant and available to share and contribute to agriculture development in the country.
There are more opportunities financially from donor partners today which targets the agriculture sector development in a sustainable manner.
With a pool of agricultural experts available to provide assistance and guidance is one of the paramount prompts for this initiative.
The outsourcing of these services to international and regional partners is not wrong because Samoa can always maintain the purpose of the society in knowledge sharing and management.
Nevertheless, if the services of such kind are made available, there is an opportunity to regulate finance and empower local understanding of agriculture in Samoa.
The society will start small by calling on all Agriculture Graduates to register with $100 tala ($50 tala annual subs and $50 tala registration). Its legal framework and guidance will be drafted in the coming weeks.
The society is headed by its newly selected President, Sili Valerie Tuia.