SERACS AGRIBUSINESS PROFILE
1.Who we are
SERACS Agribusiness Ltd, a 100% nationally owned subsidiary of SERACS Ltd, specializes in cocoa, coffee, and fresh produce ventures. We provide comprehensive services including land scoping, market assessment, training, resource procurement, and strategic project planning. Since 2021, we have been actively involved in agribusiness training and pilot projects across Papua New Guinea. Our focus is on developing customizable, cost-effective business models that maximize revenue for both farmers and our company.
2.Vision
To be a leading agricultural enterprise driving transformative change that maximizes benefits and improves livelihoods for local farmers and the communities.
3.Mission
To establish a strong, ongoing partnership with local farmers by providing specialized training, community support programs, capacity building and access to reliable markets.
4.Our Core Values
The company core values are as follows:
a) Stewardship of Resources
Demonstrate responsible and efficient management of natural resources, including soil, water, and biodiversity. Commit to sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental impact, promote conservation, and ensure the long-term health of agricultural ecosystems.
b) Quality and Excellence
Strive for excellence in all aspects of agribusiness operations, from cultivation and production to distribution. Maintain high standards for product quality, safety, and traceability, ensuring that customers receive reliable and superior agricultural products.
c) Community Engagement
Actively engage with and contribute to local communities. Foster positive relationships by supporting community development initiatives, investing in local education and infrastructure, and providing employment opportunities. Aim to be a responsible and valued member of the communities in which the agribusiness operates.
d) Innovation and Adaptability
Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Stay abreast of advancements in agricultural technology, research, and best practices. Encourage creativity and adaptability to respond effectively to changing market dynamics, climate conditions, and industry trends.
e) Integrity and Transparency
Uphold the highest ethical standards in all business dealings. Practice transparency in communication, business transactions, and supply chain activities. Build trust with stakeholders including customers, suppliers, and employees, by conducting business with integrity and honesty.
f) Profitability and Economic Viability
Recognize the importance of financial sustainability to ensure the long-term success of the agribusiness venture. Strive for profitability through sound financial management, cost-efficiency, and strategic planning, allowing the business to reinvest in innovation, community development, and the well-being of employees.
5.Our Services
The company’s main expertise/services include:
a) Mobilization of farmers through ILG registration
Mobilization of farmers through ILG registration is one of our key services. ILG registration help formalize local farmers into legal entities. Mobilizing farmers through ILG registration is crucial for establishing a structured and organized framework for agricultural activities. This process helps create a collective identity for farmers, facilitates better access to resources and support, and strengthens their bargaining power in the market. It also promotes sustainable land use and ensures that agricultural practices align with legal and environmental standards.
b) Implementing Pilot Agriculture Projects
Our second key service is the implementation of pilot agriculture projects. This involves conducting small-scale/family based trials or test runs of specific agricultural initiatives before full-scale implementation. This approach allows us to assess the feasibility, risks, and potential success of new farming methods, technologies, or crops. Facilitating pilot projects helps fine-tune strategies, optimize resource allocation, and mitigate potential challenges. It serves as a valuable learning experience that informs decision-making for broader agricultural ventures, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the agribusiness.
c) Project MOA Process
Our third service focuses on the agribusiness MOA process. This process involves formalizing agreements between the agribusiness venture and relevant stakeholders. These stakeholders may include local farmers, government bodies, community representatives, investors, or other partners. The MOA process outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each party involved, ensuring a clear understanding of project objectives, resource commitments, and timelines. This formal agreement fosters transparency, accountability, and collaboration, creating a solid foundation for the successful implementation of agribusiness projects.
d) Training and Capacity Building
Our fourth service includes agribusiness training and capacity building. This involves providing education, training, and skill development programs to farmers and other key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. Training and capacity building initiatives aim to enhance the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of individuals involved in agribusiness. This could include training on modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, business management, and market-oriented strategies. By investing in the capacity building of farmers and the workforce, the agribusiness ensures a more skilled and adaptable community that can contribute to the success and sustainability of agricultural projects.
e) Research Support
Our fifth service covers research support in the agribusiness space. This involves contributing to or collaborating with research initiatives that focus on improving agricultural practices, crop varieties, and overall productivity. This support may include funding research projects, collaborating with research institutions, or conducting in-house research and development. By staying engaged in the latest scientific advancements in agriculture, the agribusiness can adopt innovative technologies, improve crop yields, and address challenges related to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions and markets situations. This proactive approach to research contributes to the long-term success and resilience of the agribusiness venture.
6.Our Current Projects
Our current projects include:
a) Kongara Coffee Project
Located in Kongara, Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG), the project involves collaboration with key coffee farmers and a selected group of lead farmers interested in livestock. The scoping phase has been successfully completed, including the recent testing of coffee samples at the CIC lab in Goroka. The next phase will focus on full implementation, which includes conducting comprehensive surveys of farmers, markets, and the various crops and livestock. This extensive initiative is scheduled to commence by the end of 2024.
b) Hokuma Cocoa Project
Located in Korona village, Kairuku District, Central Province, the project is one of our recent initiatives. Our involvement with local farmers and the community began with voluntary support to the Hokuma Land Group in registering their Incorporated Land Group (ILG). Building on this foundation, we further supported the project by purchasing cocoa seeds from Tavilo in Rabaul. Our proposed activities with the local farmers include food crop and vegetable farming. In our long-term vision, we aspire to establish a Joint Venture (JV) partnership with the Hokuma ILG Inc., which will include local farmers in the area.
c) Garden Relocation Project
This project is part of our ongoing engagement with the Central Cement and Limestone (CCL) Project under our main entity, SERACS Ltd. Initiated in 2024; the project is funded by Mayur Resource Ltd, the developer of the CCL Project, and will be implemented by SERACS Agribusiness Ltd. Having completed the garden relocation plan, we are now in the process of establishing demonstration pilot plots. This initiative aims to optimize land use for over 1,000 garden owners in Kido village.
