The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) has completed a successful mission to Brisbane, Australia, to explore potential collaboration with Applied Nutrition Pty Ltd, a leading producer of livestock feed premixes and nutritional supplements.

According to a statement from the Government Communication Unit, the Solomon Islands delegation was led by CEMA Director Simon Chottu and Board Director Joseph Huta, who engaged in talks aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors under CEMA’s Strategic Transformation Plan.

Discussions focused on two main areas of cooperation:

• Local Feeds Project – Developing livestock nutritional supplements using locally available ingredients such as copra meal, cassava, and rice bran to boost productivity in poultry, pig, and cattle farming.
  
• Copra Meal Export – Exploring opportunities to export both organic and non-organic copra meal to Australia, creating new value-adding prospects for coconut growers and processors.

“This initiative supports the government’s policy on agricultural diversification and food security, helping to reduce reliance on imported feeds while opening new markets for local products,” said Chottu.

Board Director Huta also highlighted the financial potential for farmers and cooperatives, noting that the initiative could drive value-added production chains and improve rural incomes.

Applied Nutrition’s Technical Director, Dr Michael Evans, welcomed the talks and reaffirmed the company’s interest in building long-term partnerships with Solomon Islands stakeholders.

The next steps will involve compiling ingredient data and conducting further assessments to prepare for pilot projects and eventual export readiness.

This initiative is part of the Solomon Islands Government’s broader efforts to revitalise CEMA, strengthen rural livelihoods, expand exports, and enhance national food security.