By SEPKOLIN WALNE
THE New Ireland Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Byron Chan, signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Coffee Industry Corporation after 23 years.
The first MoU was signed in 1996 under the leadership of Late Sir Julias Chan.
Coffee Industry Corporation Senior Planning and Policy Officer Steven Tevo highlighted the government’s support for Coffee Industry expansion, focusing on rehabilitation and freighting.
He said that with the help of the Coffee Extension Team in New Ireland, we have identified two issues that affect the farmers’ interest.
“One is the number of coffee buyers that can trade coffee on the ground in New Ireland, and the other one is the freighting, who will take care of the coffee freight that has been produced in New Ireland Province to the market.
“If we can get this correct, then the farmers can massively have all those areas they can produce and process itself and can take care of itself in terms of buying and selling and also trading coffee to marketable areas,” Mr Tevo said.
New Ireland Coffee Growers Chairman Paul Makis acknowledged Governor Chan for the signing of the MoU.
He said that on behalf of the 3200 farmers, I want to thank you and your government for hearing out our cries.
“Marketing of our coffee was the problem we faced, and I am one of them. I lead them to plan coffee, and now I become the chairman of coffee growers in New Ireland,” Chairman Makis said.
Governor Chan acknowledged the Coffee Industry Corporation for giving the opportunity to New Ireland people.
He said you have given us the opportunity to do something about assisting our growers.
“We have 3200 growers who have been denied, neglected, and stranded to develop many of the potential in the last 23 years.
“Thank you for giving the opportunity to assist us in rate subsidy trading and all the buying initiatives and shipping.
“The people of New Ireland really appreciate your concern and departments concern and vision to increase the potential for more coffee growers,” Governor Chan said.