Pacific: 60 villages, 1,200 farmers committed to sustainability and export with Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands

As part of the FFM+ programme, Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI) has just completed its sustainability assessment using COLEAD’s Sustainability Self-Assessment System (SAS).

KPSI: a company serving rural communities

KPSI is a social enterprise and a major player in agricultural exports. For more than 20 years, it has been working to improve the livelihoods of 1,200 smallholder farmers in 60 villages in the Solomon Islands. The company purchases virgin coconut oil (VCO) and cocoa beans at fair prices and processes these raw materials into high-quality food and cosmetic products for local and international markets.

Tangible economic and social impacts

Economic impacts: KPSI has returned an average of 3 million Solomon dollars (approximately USD 355,500) per year to village communities over the past 15 years.

Sustainable growth: By creating commercial opportunities, KPSI reduces economic dependency, supports small rural businesses and builds local resilience.

Social impact: Through training and certification, KPSI equips producers with the skills to produce organic coconut oil, promoting employment and economic self-sufficiency within villages.

Why is completing the SAS strategic?

While most companies in the Pacific export to the United States, Australia or New Zealand, KPSI aims to enter the European market. The SAS is a key tool to align with EU requirements and demonstrate best practice.

The SAS: a lever for sustainability and export readiness

COLEAD’s SAS is a management tool aimed primarily at producers and suppliers of fruit and vegetables in exporting countries. It enables them :

• prevent harmful practices and adopt sustainable farming and business practices
• strengthen financial viability by ensuring compliance with market requirements
• improve market access by demonstrating good practice

Congratulations to Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands for successfully reaching this milestone!

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.