Government

Speech: Minister Launches Society of Agricultural Professionals

February 28, 2023

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Distinguished Guests. Ladies and Gentlemen.

It gives me great pleasure to be present today for the Official Launching of the new Society of Agricultural Professionals (SOAP) or in Samoan Language: “SOSAIETE O TOMAI FA’APITOA TAU-FAIFAATOAGA” (STFF).

The 3 main pillars of the name and its acronym above were purposed for:

1. Providing technical advice to Agriculture in Samoa;

2. To have a platform for knowledge management and sharing; and

3. To enhance professional career development in agriculture;

 This initiative was prompted to assist with the governments role to ensure there is enough technical knowledge shared and instilled to farmers of Samoa in all aspects of farming.

 The changes in technology nowadays also comes with changes in farming practices for many of our farmers.

 The old methods have to be integrated with new and innovative farming practices in order to achieve the national objective of sustainable farming.

 Samoan Agriculture has come a long way and has been the back-bone of Samoa’s economy.

The recent decline in its contribution to the GDP can be reasonably attributed to many factors. However, the influx of financial assistance to the sector needs to be well consulted so the funds can remain circulated within Samoa.

For these reasons and for the many other benefits a professional society will bring – I am pleased to officially declare the launch of the Society of Agricultural Professionals (SOAP) – to not only assist with Agriculture development in Samoa, and help move forward Government plans of our sector.

Manuia tele le faamoemoe o le sosaiete

Soifua ma ia manuia.