BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The government through Ministry of Forest and Research (MRF) is implementing downstream processing for wood/timber in the country.

This is through the establishment of the Value Added Timber Association by MFR that aims at encouraging and supporting local entrepreneurs in the forestry and timber industry.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele recently said in Auki that VATA has been supporting locals across the country and more than 45 percent of its financial members are from Malaita province.

He said according to VATA, most of its sawn timbers received in the recent years came from Malaita province.

Manele also said that apart from VATA’s timber yards in Honiara and Noro, the MFR is planning to establish one in Malaita province in the coming years.

“The program has over the years continued to assist timber producers from provinces through freight subsidies, provisions of mails and chainsaws.

“Also technical capacities, marketing and certification to ensure timber products meet international market standards,” he said.

The program is part of national government’s efforts to work with communities and resource owners toward reforestation and importantly to benefit from valued added forest/timber product.