[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]
BY NED GAGAHE
Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister for Commerce, Manasseh Sogavare, has raised serious concerns over a newly introduced management fee on copra, warning that it could undermine farmer incomes and put pressure on government finances.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Sogavare said his initial review of the fee regulations suggested the process may not have followed proper government procedures.
“I had a first look at the document. Something does not seem right, but I will raise the reasoning behind it with the permanent secretary,” he said.
The fee, introduced by the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) under the Coconut and Coconut Product Management Fees Regulations 2026, reduces the amount paid to farmers from $6.00 per kilogram to just $2.95 per kilogram after a $3.05 per kilogram deduction.
“This kind of decision may threaten the government budget because, in the end, the government may have to cover it,” Sogavare said.
He said that ministers must follow cabinet processes, and that decisions like this cannot be implemented independently.
“Some of these processes may not have been followed. That is why I will treat this as a priority,” he said.
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has called on CEMA to immediately withdraw the fee, describing it as a “heavy blow” to farmers who rely on copra as a key source of income.
“At $6.00 per kilogram, the fee takes $3.05, leaving farmers with just $2.95. That is more than half the market value gone,” Wale said.
He warned the fee could discourage production, strain rural households, and urged consultation with farmers and industry stakeholders.
Copra remains a vital livelihood for communities across Solomon Islands, particularly in rural areas, and government clarification is expected following today’s planned discussions.
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