Western Pacific Tropical Research Center director Greg Wiecko said the $445,000 in tropical and subtropical agricultural research grant money awarded last week will enhance the development of agricultural practices on Guam.
Wiecko said food scientist Jian Yang will use a portion of the grant money to research the noni plant, a unique plant known for its health benefits.
The noni plant, which is found on island, is in high demand in the Asian region because of the plant’s health benefits.
However, Wiecko said island entrepreneurs wanting to market and distribute the noni juice and powder are limited because of the lack of research on the plant’s shelf life and packaging quality.
“No one knows how long the product can stay on the shelf or what conditions it needs to survive shipping,” said Wiecko.
“We could distribute it already, but if it’s not good after so many months it won’t do the consumer any good.”
Wiecko said Yang will work on obtaining a reliable shelf life for noni products so that consumers will receive the health benefits they are expecting.
Wiecko said local farmers will also benefit from the grant money because two other Western Pacific Tropical Research Center scientists will use the funding to pay for research involving the sustainability of the island’s soil.
With Guam set to experience a major population growth, government officials have previously noted the need to build a sustainable agricultural market on Guam.
However, crop viruses are damaging farmer’s goods which results in less revenue for the farmers and less products available for island consumption.
With the research money, Wiecko said a remedy could be found.
