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By Alfred Pagepitu
A week ago, the honey revival project was officially launched in Lengana village, from which beekeepers from Simbo Island have benefited greatly.
The project is an initiative of the Pacific Horticulture and Agriculture Market Access Program (PHAMA Plus) and Gizo Business Women to help create economic opportunities for local communities, especially women.
It involved 100 rural women in honey production and addressed the challenges posed by Varroa mite infestation in the Simbo region.
Simbo women beekeepers
Blondie Akwasia of PHAMA Plus said at the launch that PHAMA Plus was proud to support the project, which marked the company’s first foray into the honey and beekeeping industry.
“This move is in line with our BQS strategy to revitalize the local honey industry, create inclusive economic opportunities for local communities and achieve sustainable development of the industry.”
“Despite challenges such as lack of necessary infrastructure, limited training and resources, and environmental factors such as climate change, honey still offers tremendous opportunities for economic growth.”
“The reasons include the high price of honey (average S$500 per kg) due to limited honey supply, and the Solomon Islands’ biosecurity laws restricting honey imports,” Ms Akvasia said.
Blondie Akwasia of PHAMA Plus
By leveraging local resources, providing appropriate training, and building strong market and industry linkages, honey can continue to significantly improve rural livelihoods and boost economic development.
The launch event provided an opportunity to visit the ‘Hunter Valley Gardens’ which is the designated site for the beekeeping project, with bees collected from the Ulawa Islands.
Guests who witnessed the launch included Mr. William Rowell, First Secretary for Economic Cooperation at the Australian High Commission, Mr. Nelson Cray, Policy and Economic Advisor at the New Zealand High Commission, Ms. Samantha Maker, Country Manager of the PHAMA Plus Program, and Ms. Esther Suti, Director of Gizo Business Women’s Organisation.
Representatives of the Western Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock also attended the ceremony.
Meanwhile, the beekeepers thanked the Australian and New Zealand governments, PHAMA Plus and Gizo Women in Business for their support in the revitalization of the project.
In its current phase, which ends in June 2026, PHAMA Plus will assist private and public sector operators in meeting market access requirements, including border control, sustainable product sourcing, food safety and traceability.
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