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ABG on support for local farmers

Under the ABG’s Anchoring Bougainville Economy program, the administration, led by Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei, will provide significant support to local farmers through various initiatives and interventions.

This was announced by ABG Secretary for Community Government, Belinda Lanbong, during her opening remarks at the official launch of the Bougainville Chocolate Festival. She delivered the speech on behalf of the ABG Chief Secretary.

“These interventions will enhance support across various commodity value chains through government policy and legislative initiatives,” Secretary Lanbong said. “This will ensure better support for farmers and promote private-sector-led growth through collaboration with sectoral agencies.”

The Bougainville Agriculture Commodities Regulatory Authority (BACRA) will be the key agency spearheading these efforts.

"The Bougainville Cocoa Regulation Act of 2022 has provided a legal framework for the cocoa industry," she noted. "The process of operationalizing this framework has begun, but it requires strengthening. The government is eager to see industry partners collaborate more effectively and help smallholder farmers organize into cooperatives, enabling them to become traders and exporters themselves."

Regarding the Bougainville Chocolate Festival, Lanbong highlighted its importance as an opportunity to showcase Bougainville’s rich culture, biodiversity, and the hardworking nature of its people. She also acknowledged the global recognition of Bougainville cocoa, particularly through its participation in the annual Cocoa of Excellence show in Europe, which has positioned Bougainville as a quality-producing region.

"I congratulate the team at BACRA for this achievement," she said. "We seek the support of development partners to strengthen the cocoa industry by building institutions focused on research and data collection. This will provide Bougainville with the necessary evidence and bargaining power to effectively market its cocoa."

Lanbong also emphasized the importance of downstream processing and access to value-added markets, which she described as critical for Bougainville’s growth. The last two days of the Festival saw many local farmers and entrepreneurs display their cocoa and other commodity by-products, showcasing the potential for developing tangible products from cocoa and other commodities.

The Bougainville Chocolate Festival plus other festival such as the Tama Festival, the Siwai Cultural Show and the Mona Festival, are key agri-tourism products that have grown from strength to strength over the years and have the potential to attract tourists and grow the industry in Bougainville.

She further emphasized the potential of agri-tourism, urging collaboration between the Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority and BACRA to develop high-end products that integrate agriculture and tourism.

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