TaiwanICDF Supports Agricultural Upgrading — Groundbreaking of the First Slaughterhouse in the Marshall Islands Marks a New Milestone
(中央社訊息服務20251020 16:12:05)The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in the Marshall Islands, together with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce (NRC), jointly held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Marshall Islands Slaughterhouse on October 8, 2025, in Majuro Atoll. The event signifies a new chapter in the country’s agricultural development. The ceremony also marked the groundbreaking of a Farmers’ Training Center, funded by the NRC, and a staff dormitory for members of the TTM. The ceremony was presided over by Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce the Hon. Tony Muller, and attended by Majuro Mayor Ladie Jack, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Minister Henry Liu, as well as other government officials and distinguished guests who together witnessed another significant achievement in Taiwan–Marshall Islands cooperation.
For years, local consumers have preferred the taste and quality of pork raised by the TTM under the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). However, due to the lack of hygienic slaughtering facilities, most pork has been processed through informal means that do not meet humane or sanitary standards. To address this issue, the TTM and the Marshallese government jointly launched the Livestock Production and Slaughterhouse Hygiene Improvement Project, establishing a model facility in Majuro to ensure meat safety and boost consumer confidence. The project will use pigs raised at Laura Farm as demonstration stock to supply school meal programs, promote nutrition education and farm-to-table awareness, and collaborate with local communities and supermarkets to advocate hygienic local meat and healthy eating habits.
Minister Tony Muller emphasized that the establishment of the slaughterhouse marks a crucial step toward food self-sufficiency and improved public health in the Marshall Islands, which has long relied on imported agricultural products. He offered praise for the TTM’s long-term contributions to developing the livestock sector and expressed his hope that the facility will become operational next year, laying a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural growth.
Chargé d’Affaires Henry Liu highlighted that the project embodies the spirit of mutual support and shared prosperity between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. Over the years, the Taiwan Technical Mission has not only improved local pork production and quality but also promoted humane slaughtering practices and sanitary mechanisms to ensure food safety and increase farmers’ income. Liu also expressed appreciation to the Marshallese authorities for constructing the mission’s dormitory, which will provide a better living environment for mission members. He added that Taiwan will continue supporting poultry development projects to strengthen a resilient and sustainable food security system in the Marshall Islands.
TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Peifen Hsieh remarked that the slaughterhouse represents a major breakthrough in advancing food security and meat hygiene in the Marshall Islands. Pork is one of the main sources of protein for local communities, and the new modern slaughterhouse will enhance humane practices and inspection management, ensuring safe, hygienic, and high-quality local pork for consumers.She commented that, once completed, the facility is expected to raise the country’s hygienic slaughter rate to 12%, with a monthly processing capacity of 250 pigs, thereby establishing a well-structured “farm-to-slaughter” supply chain. This milestone will inject new momentum into agricultural upgrading and economic development. Hsieh concluded that the project not only strengthens the bond of friendship between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands but also lays a solid foundation for the nation’s sustainable agricultural development and public health.
