A new cohort of skilled auditors and consultants is making strides in elevating organic certification efforts in Vanuatu, ultimately empowering local farmers to tap into more lucrative markets. Responding to the rising global appetite for organic products, the Vanuatu Organic Coconut Initiative (VOCI) is gearing up the nation’s agricultural landscape to fulfill this export demand, engaging around 1,000 farmers in the certification journey for coconut, cocoa, and kava products. There is promising potential for this scheme to extend to 2,000 farmers across the broader Pacific, positively impacting nations like Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Kiribati.
Teaming up with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the European Union’s SAFE Pacific project, VOCI held an Organic Training Conference in late 2024, which successfully gathered 19 participants, including growers, organic farm network managers, and compliance officers. This interactive conference provided vital training on the intricacies of organic certification and sustainable business practices.
Andreas Lombardozzi, Trade and Development Manager for African Pacific, emphasized that the training furnished participants with critical tools necessary for managing organic certification, covering essential subjects like the implementation of organic standards, internal audits, and identifying non-compliance. An important component of the training was the introduction of the CertLink Info System, which enhances the tracking and tracing of organic products to ensure they meet regulatory requirements.
The initiative also marked significant progress towards gender equality, featuring substantial female representation in roles such as internal auditors and network managers. Participants, including certification officer Ronaldine Tchivi, reported that the training enriched her comprehension of the certification process, thereby bolstering her ability to assist others in obtaining organic certifications.
Furthermore, the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards is now performing organic inspections at farms, strengthening connections with farmers and ensuring compliance with organic regulations. Feedback from VOCI Compliance Officer Norah Rihai and Farm Network Manager Samuel Tiwok echoed the sentiment that this training will enable farmers to effectively manage their operations while adhering to organic certification standards.
The positive results of this training reflect a collaborative effort between public, private, and producer sectors focused on cultivating a sustainable agricultural future in Vanuatu. Such initiatives not only aim to enhance the livelihoods of local farmers but also contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth in the region. With improved market access and potential premium pricing for organic products, the outlook for Vanuatu’s agricultural community remains encouraging and full of promise.
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