The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, in partnership with the Office of the Solicitor General, is set to launch a nationwide public consultation aimed at gathering feedback from stakeholders in Fiji’s kava industry. This initiative is a crucial step toward formulating a comprehensive Kava Policy and Kava Bill that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of all involved parties, including farmers, exporters, processors, consumers, and cultural practitioners.
The consultations commence on Tuesday in the Province of Tailevu, with subsequent meetings planned for Naitasiri, Serua, and Namosi. Following this, the Ministry will continue its outreach in the Western Division next week and will later extend its efforts to the Northern and Eastern Divisions.
Tomasi Tunabuna, the Minister for Agriculture, is encouraging active participation from farmers and industry stakeholders in the consultation process. He urges them to voice their concerns and suggest important issues they wish to see incorporated into the Kava Bill, aiming for a stronger and more robust kava industry.
Minister Tunabuna highlighted the significance of kava, stating it transcends mere agricultural value, representing an integral part of Fiji’s cultural heritage, livelihoods, and overall national economy. The input from stakeholders is crucial, as it will help shape effective regulations that foster industry growth while honoring and preserving the rich cultural traditions associated with kava in Fiji.
This collaborative effort not only seeks to enhance the kava industry but also aims to unite the community in recognizing the importance of kava in their lives, ensuring that the regulations serve both the economic and cultural facets of this vital industry.
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