PHAMA Plus supports Samoan exporters with new facilities and equipment
Samoan exporters are receiving upgraded facilities and equipment through a partnership with the Australia and New Zealand-funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) program.
PHAMA Plus has supported four key partners in Samoa: Foundations for Farming, Samoa Tradition Farmers & Growers, Saint Agriculture Produce & Export, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) Savaii Station, providing new equipment and packhouse upgrades to strengthen the country’s root crops sectors.
Exporters in Samoa often face challenges with limited packing facilities, insufficient cold storage, and the need to meet strict food safety and biosecurity standards.
Through this support, PHAMA Plus is helping improve processing capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure compliance with export requirements. These improvements benefit farmers, exporters, and consumers both locally and abroad.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Hon. Fuimaono Maiava Asafo said the handover of the reefer containers and processing equipment marks another step forward in strengthening Samoa’s Agriculture sector.
“The equipment is more than just new machinery, it is a vision for a prosperous future for Samoa, it is an investment in our farmers, exporters, and to our communities. This equipment will improve postharvest processing, ensure higher product quality, reduce economic losses, and help our exporters meet the standards of regional and international markets.”
“We thank the Government of New Zealand and Australia, working through the PHAMA Plus program, for their continued partnership. Your support ensures our exporters have the tools to compete and succeed globally,” he said.
The new facilities and equipment will support exports of taro, breadfruit, banana, cocoa, and other crops to markets in New Zealand, Australia, and American Samoa. Farmers supplying these exporters will gain more reliable market access, while exporters will be better positioned to expand their operations.
PHAMA Plus Samoa Country Manager, Kuinimeri Finau, says this support reflects their commitment to strengthening Samoa’s agriculture sector by working in partnership with local exporters and farmers.
“Together, we are building a more resilient and competitive industry that benefits communities and connects Samoa to regional markets.”
The upgraded equipment is expected to enhance efficiency, increase export volumes, and contribute to long-term growth for the four partners.
For more information please contact: Kuinimeri Finau, Country Manager – Samoa, PHAMA Plus k.finau@phamaplus.com.au or Zafiya Shamim, Senior Communications Officer on z.shamim@phamaplus.com.au