Goshen Enterprise project progressing, facility not idle

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Goshen Enterprise acknowledges the concerns raised by local taro farmers regarding the delay in the full operationalization of the Adaliua Taro Pack House.

In response, Goshen provides the following update on the progress and steps underway to complete this important facility.

The SBD $1.5 million pack house, located at Adaliua Farm in Malaita Province, was handed over in 2023 under the World Trade Organization’s Enhanced Integrated Framework Programme (EIF). While this marked a significant milestone, the handover consisted of the completed building structure only. The process of making the facility operational requires further investments into utilities, machineries & equipment, and technical setup in which now actively underway.

Key Updates on Progress

• Tiling Installed: With support from the Ministry of Commerce, all interior tiling—required for food hygiene compliance—has been successfully completed.

• Power Supply (Single Phase Completed): A single-phase power connection was installed earlier this year. However, an upgrade to 3-phase power is required to operate the industrial machinery recently received.

• Machinery Delivered: With backing from Strongim Bisnis, Goshen Enterprise has received all major processing machinery, including taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches, and sealers. These are now in Honiara awaiting freighting to Auki, installation and staff training.

• Water Supply Installation Scheduled: A bore-hole funded by Strongim Bisnis awaiting construction and further full installation of plumbing and pressure pumps is scheduled for October 2025.

• Cold Storage Still Needed: While Goshen currently utilizes three large chest freezers, investment is still required for the development of a commercial cool room to meet proper cold chain storage and export conditions.

A Collaborative Effort

Goshen Enterprise is actively working with the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Strongim Bisnis, Public Health Lab and other stakeholders to ensure the pack house meets full operational standards. This includes preparing for HACCP compliance, developing frozen taro and value-added products, and mobilizing the identified over 100 local farmers under its supply network.

“We understand the frustrations of our farmers and thank them for their patience and continued trust,” said a spokesperson for Goshen Enterprise. “The facility is not idle; it is under phased development. We are working diligently with our partners to bring this pack house to full life.”

Progress Takes Time – But the Foundation is Firm

“We understand that progress may appear slow from the outside. However, building a functioning agri-processing value chain—especially in a provincial context like Malaita—requires:

• Coordination across multiple government ministries and partners,

• Import and transportation of technical machinery takes time,

• Utility upgrades and infrastructure sequencing,

• Staff training in a field where there is no prior pack house operational experience in-country.

“We cannot compare ourselves with other companies that are progressing, what I would say is Goshen is breaking new ground. We are not just building a facility—we are pioneering a value chain from the ground up for Taro,” the company, said.

Commitment to Farmers and Rural Growth

Goshen Enterprise reiterates its commitment to supporting farmers and rural economic development in Malaita. The Adaliua Pack House is not just a facility—it is a cornerstone in a broader taro value chain strategy, and progress, although gradual, is being made with purpose and sustainability in mind.