The Fijian government is poised to introduce its first-ever Kava Bill, according to Tomasi Tunabuna, the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar. This legislative effort aims to create a structured framework for the kava industry, which has emerged as a key player in the nation’s economy, complementing traditional sugar revenue.
Minister Tunabuna stressed the importance of kava in Fiji’s economic landscape, revealing that the new bill would implement essential regulations to unlock its commercial potential. “We’ve never had a Kava Bill before, and now that it’s significantly contributing to our economy, we want to encompass kava within formal legislation,” he articulated. He recognized the growing success of kava and other agricultural products in reaching regional and international markets.
The proposed legislation seeks to tackle several challenges facing the kava industry, particularly in processing and adhering to strict export standards. “We currently face issues in how we process and market our kava according to the requirements from various markets,” Tunabuna noted.
A crucial aspect of the Kava Bill is its intent to safeguard all industry stakeholders, including growers, processors, and exporters, while ensuring consumer safety for those purchasing Fijian kava. The minister highlighted that an increase in local consumption, combined with a dwindling number of active farmers, has created a supply gap, a challenge the ministry is committed to addressing.
Upholding Fiji’s reputation in global markets is a priority. “We aim to maintain our brand in the global market; this bill will guide us in establishing standards,” Tunabuna declared.
The first consultation regarding the kava bill and associated policy is set for February 3 at the Korovou office in Tailevu. This initiative marks a significant advancement in formalizing kava’s role in Fiji’s economy, enhancing support for both urban and rural incomes, and bolstering Fiji’s position as a trusted source of high-quality kava on the international stage. The Kava Bill not only promises to benefit the economy but also reflects the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector’s growth and sustainability.