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PRIME MINISTER OPENS FPDA HAUS

Prime Minister James Marape (right) cutting the ribbon to officially open FPDA Haus as Chinese Ambassador Xue Bing (left),
Agriculture Minister and Maprik MP John Simon (centre), and other guests look on.

“By 2025 PNG will cease to import rice, beef, and other food items which can be produced and processed locally.”

Prime Minister James Marape made this commitment in Goroka Town on Friday 23rd August, while officiating at the opening of Fresh Produce Development Agency’s new office complex, FPDA Haus.

While congratulating everyone involved in the project the Prime Minister urged those who use the building not to be subsumed in their offices, but to go out and spread the word about good agricultural practices.

Mr. Marape said that he had decide to postpone a meeting in Port Moresby in order to attend this event to show that he is serious about supporting the agriculture sector and organisations which prove that they have the prudent management skills required to achieve results.

Among the guests who attended the opening ceremony were Chinese Ambassador to PNG Xue Bing, government ministers, representatives from government departments and commodity boards, development partners and SME representatives.

The Board, management, and staff of FPDA were also present to witness the grand opening of the building, a dream which has taken 10 years to realise.

Mark Worinu, the General Manager of FPDA said the significance of the building was that it would help the organisation continue the good work it has been doing over the last 30 years.

“About 14,000 farmers, contacted by FPDA in 9 provinces and 32 districts supply 12,400 tons of fresh produce into major markets in PNG,” he said, adding that post-harvest losses have been reduced from 40 percent to 5 percent over the years which was a significant improvement.

Chinese Ambassador to PNG Xue Bing said in his speech that he had tried some very nice organic fruits while in Goroka, adding that China has a large population which needs food.

“We need more food and we need better food and I think PNG is in a better position to provide it,” he said.

Prime Minister James Marape noted that in addition to China, there are other markets which his government will focus on to export fresh produce from PNG.

“When our country celebrates 50 years of independence we will
no longer import foods which we can grow in the country,
and that includes rice.” Prime Minister James Marape

“We don’t want to import any food that can be grown here by 2025,” he said, adding that PNG will need to take certain steps to ensure that the country becomes a self-sustaining economy, no longer dependent on loans and foreign aid.

The Prime Minister unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening and took a tour of the building before returning to Port Moresby.

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FPDA to open new building in Goroka

FPDA’s new office complex in Goroka Town.

The opening of the new FPDA HQ building in Goroka commemorates 30 years of commitment and dedication to the development of the fresh produce industry of Papua New Guinea.

This commitment has seen the organization grow from a single desk in the late 1980’s, into a well-established government agency with over 80 staff, and branch offices in the four regions of PNG.

In spite of budget cuts, FPDA has now realised its dream of delivering one of the finest buildings in the heart of PNG. The FPDA HQ building is a celebration of hardworking farmers throughout the country and stands tall in the centre of the Eastern Highlands capital, bring with it sense of renewed energy and new possibilities.

FPDA strives to act as a catalyst for change in the fresh produce industry by encouraging farmers to regard farming as a business, and facilitating the improvement of value chain systems.

After three decades in the industry, FPDA continues to provide technical information, market advice, and farmer support services such as skills training, to farmers across PNG. In addition, FPDA has embarked on the value chain innovation program, creating and sourcing markets for rural farmers.

As the opening of the new HQ building approaches, FPDA acknowledges the continued support of the National Government, through the Departments of National Planning, Treasury, and Agriculture & Livestock.

FPDA also extends its gratitude to the governments of New Zealand and Australia, the World Bank, and all other partners and stakeholders, both national and international, for their assistance and partnership with FPDA over the years.

The new FPDA HQ building is a symbol of your commitment and trust in FPDA over the years, and provides a benchmark for the next 30 years as FPDA continues to deliver technical information, advisory, and farmer services to farmers across Papua New Guinea, now and into the future.

**The lower floors of the building will be leased to corporate clients while the top floor is to be occupied by FPDA board and management.