BY INDY MAEALASIA
Goshen Enterprise has assured Malaitan taro farmers that the Adeliua taro packhouse is not sitting idle but is making steady progress towards becoming fully operational.
Responding to concerns raised by some taro farmers regarding the delay, Goshen spokesperson Levite Maesimae acknowledged their frustrations.
The SBD $1.5 million packhouse at Adeliua Farm, Malaita was handed over in 2023 under the World Trade Organization’s Enhanced Integrated Framework Programme (EIF). At the time, the handover consisted of only the completed building structure.
“The process of making the facility operational requires further investments into utilities, machineries, equipment, and technical setup in which is now actively underway,” Maesimae said.
Key progress includes;
Tiling Installed: With support of the Ministry of Commerce, all interior tiling required for food hygiene compliance is completed.
Power Supply (Single Phase Completed): A single-phase power connection was installed earlier this year. However, an upgrade to 3-phase power is required to operate the industrial machinery recently received.
Machinery Delivered: Supported by Strongim Bisnis, Goshen Enterprise has received all major processing machinery, including taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches, and sealers. These are now in Honiara awaiting freighting to Auki, installation and staff training.
Water Supply Installation Scheduled: A borehole funded by Strongim Bisnis is awaiting construction and further full installation of plumbing and pressure pumps is scheduled for October 2025.
Cold Storage Still Needed: While Goshen currently utilizes three large chest freezers, investment is still required for the development of a commercial cool room to meet proper cold chain storage and export conditions.
Maesimae highlighted ongoing work between Goshen and key partners, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Strongim Bisnis, and the Public Health Lab, to ensure the pack house meets operational standards.
“This includes preparing for HACCP compliance, developing frozen taro and other value-added products, and mobilizing over 100 local farmers identified under our supply network,” he said.
Though progress has been slower than expected, Maesimae said setting up a functioning agri-processing value chain especially in the province, requires strong partnerships and coordination.
“These include coordination across multiple government ministries and partners, import and transportation of technical machinery takes time, utility upgrades and infrastructure sequencing and staff training in a field where there is no prior pack house operational experience in-country,” he said.
He urged farmers not to compare the project with other agri-businesses, noting that Goshen is “breaking new ground”.
“We are not just building a facility; we are pioneering a value chain from the ground up for taro,” he added.
He reaffirmed Goshen’s support towards farmers.
“The Adaliua Pack House is not just a facility. It is a cornerstone in a broader taro value chain strategy, and progress. Although gradual, it is being made with purpose and sustainability in mind,” Maesimae said.
Branded the country’s first ever pack house, it is expected to provide market access and ensure taro products meet export standards.
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