The Bougainville Frozen Taro Project

The Edidiman Frozen Taro project is a component of the Regional Export Program of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. The project focused on sourcing taro from all existing Edidiman Registered Cooperatives in and Around Bougainville and Papua New Guinea and tapping into the international market with the support of key Agricultural Regulatory organizations and development partners through bilateral collaboration. The company is seeking an international partner who is willing and capable of providing international market access to its products; bring in innovative production practices in addition to equity as foreign direct investment opportunities. The project owner also looks to establish additional production facilities by purchasing new machinery equipment to ensure stable supply and constant production to cater to the growing demand in the market. Also, it sought other collaborations like having access to good markets abroad to ensure the return on investments equally rewards their hard work including the small farmers to boost their continuous production and supply. Sharing of technology and know-how skills is also important to make sure technical staff must be well versed in the handling or the production process to ensure quality products to compete with the other competitors. Edidman to date has over 1000 registered Taro Farmers to produce three tones every 2 weeks of Taro which equates to 78 tonnes yearly with extensive quality control procedures. Farmers are actively supplying local clients such as Stop and Shop and as Disaster Relief to the Atolls of Bougainville. Process: 1. Agriculture: Choice of perfect planting material for every product assured; periodic assessment, and review in farms to assure product quality; and the analysis process. 2. Quality assurance: Weighing & Receiving of Agro Raw Materials; Pre-Cooling; Cleaning, Blanching and Freezing processes. 3. Packaging: Storing; Packaging; Labeling 4. Shipment

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