The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MAL) wishes to clarify recent media reports and public speculation claiming that the Government has provided SBD 20 million dollars in support to SAPE Farm. This figure is incorrect and misleading.
The accurate total value of support provided by the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), through MALD and associated interventions, is approximately SBD 7.4 million since the partnership commenced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This partnership was established as part of the Government’s emergency response to strengthen food security, particularly for residents of Honiara, amid fears of disruptions to imported food supplies. SAPE Farm was selected due to its existing capacity, available land, and demonstrated commitment to scaling up production and value-adding in root crops such as cassava and sweet potato.
The SBD 7.4 million in government support comprises:
•Direct financial assistance to SAPE Farm totaling approximately SBD 5.11 million, and
•Indirect support valued at approximately SBD 2.28 million, including procurement of machinery, infrastructure development (such as road access), and payments to suppliers.
It is important to emphasize that this support was not a lump sum payment, but rather a multi-year investment spread across several activities, including working capital, farm equipment, construction of processing facilities, and support for supply chain development.
In addition to government support, SAPE Farm has made a substantial private investment of approximately SBD 16.5 million dollars, representing the majority share of total project funding.
Development partners have also contributed around SBD 1.2 million. This brings the total investment in SAPE Farm to approximately SBD 25.1 million, with the Government contributing about 29 percent of that total.
The Ministry stresses that the narrative suggesting an SBD 20 million government contribution is inaccurate and does not reflect the verified financial records.
SAPE Farm stands today as a key example of public-private partnership in agriculture, contributing to food security, local production, and value-added processing. The initiative has supported communities, particularly during the pandemic, by supplying food to households, quarantine centres, and health facilities.
MALD remains committed to transparency and accountability in all its programs and encourages responsible reporting based on verified information.
For further clarification, the Ministry welcomes inquiries through its official channels.
