Comments for Good Intentions Are Not Always Workable at http://www.samoalivenews.com , comment 0 to 1 out of 1 comments http://www.samoalivenews.com Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:52:02 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.samoalivenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1182&Itemid=59#pc_1471 Looking back 20-30 years ago, government at the time chose bulk production over premium quality export commodities. Example 'Koko Solomona' over 'lafi 7', new hybrid coconut (which bear fruit low to ground = less cost) and many more. Decisions at the time were made with good intentions but looking back now, were they correct? The government at the time hoped it would improved export and in return strengthened the economy. It does not appear the case considering export figures now. The late Hon Vaai Kolone insisted that lafi7 and the original Koko Samoa were the best with high quality that Samoa should have continued to plant not the Koko Solomona. He was undoubtedly correct because he championed cocoa export. In my time, Samoan cocoa was sold at premium price worldwide at 20-30% over the maximum price paid per ton of cocoa. It is no longer the case today. Samoa is now looking at reviving the coconut export and maybe the cocoa export but can we get back the premium quality we had 30 years ago? The Agriculture department is now facing tough challenges. If there were no genes saved then someone must look at a way of reproducing something close to the original products. Good to hear Samoa is promoting organic farming. That has lots of potential. There are also many other opportunities exists and government should provide every support on those who promote exports. Some people in particular I was associated with before I left the country were Eddie Wilson and Andrew Ah Liki. Good luck Samoa - Strategist... Mon, 26 May 2008 11:03:41 +0100