The Fijian government is set to introduce its first-ever Kava Bill, according to Tomasi Tunabuna, the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar. This legislative move aims to establish a formal structure for the kava industry, which has become a vital contributor to the country’s economy alongside its traditional sugar revenue.
Tunabuna emphasized the significance of kava, highlighting that the bill would provide necessary regulation to enhance its commercial potential. “We’ve never had a Kava Bill before, and now because it’s contributing significantly to our economy, we would want to cover kava under certain legislation,” he stated. The minister also acknowledged the growing momentum of kava and various agricultural products in both regional and international markets.
The proposed policy is designed to address various challenges within the kava industry, particularly in processing and meeting stringent export requirements. “We currently have issues with how we are processing and marketing our kava, based on the requirements we have from different markets,” Tunabuna explained.
Importantly, the Kava Bill aims to protect all participants in the industry, including growers, processors, and exporters, while ensuring consumer safety for those purchasing Fijian kava. The minister noted that a rise in local consumption coupled with a decreasing number of active farmers has created a supply gap, an issue the ministry is actively working to resolve.
Maintaining Fiji’s reputation in global markets remains a top priority. “We would want to maintain our brand in the global market; this is a bill that is supposed to guide us on how we set standards,” Tunabuna asserted.
The inaugural consultation regarding the kava bill and policy is scheduled for February 3 at the Korovou office in Tailevu, marking a significant step towards formalizing kava’s role in Fiji’s economy. This initiative not only supports urban and rural incomes but also reinforces Fiji’s standing as a reliable source of quality kava in the international arena.