BY JOHN HOUANIAHU

An additional $8.6 million is available this year under the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund (CCRF).

Franklyn Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock revealed this when he officially opened the ministry’s 2025 Annual Planning Conference in Honiara on Monday this week.

He said that the CCRF is one of eight key policy priorities assigned to the ministry under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

“These priorities, introduced since GNUT took office, form the bedrock of our sector-wide transformation-anchored in inclusive growth, improved market access and food sovereignty,” said Wasi.

Minister Wasi said that the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund is designed to tackle a major constraint-access to finance targeted at cocoa and copra producers.

“An additional $8.6 million is available this year and a new Call for Expressions of Interest will be launched shortly. I urge all stakeholders to support farmers in meeting the basic requirements a valid business license and recent sales receipt.

“We received 636 applications. 57 recipients have so far accessed $2.26 million in soft loans,” said Minister Wasi.

He said these investments are expected to generate $15 million in revenue within six months.

He said that this initiative prioritizes value chain development and the ministry aims to expand both production and markets in tandem.

The revolving fund was meant to immediately boost cocoa and copra exports by encouraging more local buyers and exporters to actively engage in trading of both commodities.

MAL strives to promote transparency by publishing all its recipients who receives public funding support through the ministry.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]