KAVA is set to become a vital income source for farmers in Fiji, alongside sugar, as the government moves forward with the introduction of the nation’s first-ever Kava Bill. Tomasi Tunabuna, the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar, emphasized that this legislative step is crucial given kava’s significant contribution to the country’s economy.
Tunabuna pointed out that prior discussions and efforts have focused on how to commercialize kava and optimize its income potential in tandem with the existing sugar industry. The proposed Kava Bill aims to provide a legal framework that will guide future operations within the kava sector.
He acknowledged that while kava and various agricultural products are gaining traction in both regional and international markets, challenges persist in processing and fulfilling export requirements. “We currently face issues related to how we process and market our kava, complying with differing market standards,” Tunabuna noted.
The upcoming bill is designed to protect all stakeholders involved in the kava industry, including growers, processors, and exporters, while ensuring consumer confidence in the product. Tunabuna highlighted that increasing local consumption coupled with a decline in the number of active farmers has negatively impacted kava supply, prompting the ministry to devise strategies to counter this gap.
Maintaining Fiji’s esteemed reputation in global markets is a key objective moving forward. “Our aim is to uphold our brand’s integrity internationally; this bill will help establish the necessary standards,” he stated.
To kick off the implementation of this initiative, the first consultation regarding the Kava Bill and policy will occur on February 3 at the Korovou office in Tailevu. This significant step reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing the economy through strategic legislative actions.
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