The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) could become privately owned.

A proposal to commercialize S.R.O.S. will be tabled in Cabinet for its consideration, the Minister in charge of the Organisation, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt told Parliament.

He noted that after 11 years since S.R.O.S. was established, the research organization, has fulfilled its mandate to develop added value to primary produce for export to overcome the trade challenges faced by Samoa with the ultimate target to increase economic benefits. 

“The time for trials is over,” added the Minister.  “It is time to move forward and adopt with the changes.” Laaulialemalietoa recalled that S.R.O.S. was also intended to be the research arm to develop new products and for the business sector to step in as investors by commercializing the S.R.O.S. formulas in attempts to improve foreign export earnings.

He noted that S.R.O.S. has successful developed formulas to produce gluten flour from breadfruit, organic avocado oil, liquors and a whole range of by-products utilizing local produce.

But the local business community is not taking up the opportunity to invest due to financial constraints. And to take S.R.O.S. to the next level, the proposal to commercialize the Organisation will be with Cabinet.