A global agri-business company called Olam International Ltd is showing interest to assist our local farmers.

Yesterday Pacific Horticultural and Agriculture Market Access Programme in collaboration with Olam International Ltd organised a first-ever training for local cocoa farmers and exporters as part of the ongoing assistance toward the country’s cocoa industry.

In an interview with this paper, Manager of Olam branch, OUTSPAN Papua New Guinea Limited Mr Tarun Suvarna said there are positive programmes outlined to assist our local farmers and exporters.

He said Olam will first provide a market access for our local cocoa farmers and at the same time provide technical support through trainings.

Mr Suvarna adds that Olam will also help Solomon Islands Cocoa farmers and exporters secure buyers in the international market.

“Right now we are buying cocoa products here in Solomon Islands as part of providing alternative market access for local farmers and exporters.

“We will also looking at establishing training programme for farmers and exporters. This will help farmers and exporters to know the risk and opportunities in the cocoa industry regionally and internationally,” he said.

Mr Suvarna explained that cocoa is more than just a cash crop and it requires care with critical management practices.

Olam International is a leading agri-business operating from seed to shelf in 70 countries, supplying food and industrial raw materials to over 16,200 customers worldwide.

Olam is made up of over 62,500 employees and has built a leadership position in many businesses including cocoa, coffee, cashew, rice and cotton.

The company is operating all over the world including the Pacific region.

Papua New Guinea is one of the countries that have benefited well from Olam.

Olam endeavours to generate economic prosperity, contribute positively to social wellbeing and manage stewardship of the environment by providing sustainable agricultural products and food ingredients.

Its ambitious goal is to have end-to-end sustainable supply chains by 2020.