Sen. Corina Magofna with Economic Recovery Corps fellow Carina Pinales, who works with the Department of Commerce, pose for a photo with officials of the Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers Association at Ete Café in Garapan last week.
Contributed photo
SENATOR Corina L. Magofna said she is collaborating with the Department of Commerce, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers Association Inc. or KAFPA to explore the viability of exporting CNMI coconut products.
In a statement to Variety on Friday, Magofna said she and other CNMI officials also discussed the matter with visiting U.S. company owners.
This is part of an effort “to revitalize the Commonwealth’s economy and diversify local industries,” she said.
During a recent meeting on Saipan, the senator said she and key stakeholders “discussed strategies to develop a sustainable coconut industry that could open new markets for the people of the CNMI. With growing global demand for coconut-based products such as oil, water, flour, handicrafts, and many other various products, this initiative presents a unique opportunity to boost local agriculture and create new revenue streams for the islands.”
Magofna said this will create new businesses, which will in turn create new jobs.
“This initiative is part of our broader economic recovery strategy. By investing in our natural resources and supporting our local farmers, we can establish a thriving coconut industry that benefits our local communities while contributing to CNMI’s long-term economic sustainability,” Magofna said.
She added that they will “assess production capacity, identify potential export markets, and develop the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale coconut processing.”
She said the Department of Commerce will play a vital role in market research and trade facilitation while DLNR will assist in ensuring sustainable harvesting practices.
KAFPA, representing local growers, will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of expanding coconut production, she added.
Magofna said this initiative aligns with her ongoing efforts “to strengthen the local economy by fostering agricultural development and reducing dependency on … imports. Future plans include potential partnerships with regional and international buyers.”