The coconut export industry in Samoa is under threat, if a stringent replanting program is not implemented.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, about 80 percent of coconut trees in Samoa are old and will not meet the growing global demand.
The concern was raised recently by Ministry of Agriculture Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Crops Division), Moafanua Tolo Iosefo during the opening of the recent Coconut Industry Development for the Pacific (C.I.D.P.) train the trainers program.
“That is the major concern. So in Samoa right now, the coconut production is declining,” he said.
Moafanua said there are hopes that with the current community-based replanting program being carried out by the Ministry, Samoa will be able to sustain its industry and exports in the future.
“So for Samoa, it looks like there may be a bright future in the coconut industry in terms of exports – oil and other products, but that is the main concern; we don’t have enough production locally to meet the global demand.”
Moafanua said in the next five years, the Ministry hopes to replant about 80-90 percent of the whole coconut plantations, and the Government is committed to sustaining the industry through financial assistance.
“Hopefully in the next 10 years, production will improve and we would be able to meet the demands of the global market,” he said.
