The Ministry of Agriculture has raised urgent concerns regarding the declining quality of kava, indicating that this situation poses a major risk to both domestic and international trade. During a recent meeting with kava farmers in Nukuilau, Navosa, Assistant Minister Inosi Kuridrani emphasized the critical need for preserving product integrity, warning that inferior quality could damage the industry’s hard-earned reputation.
This warning comes amid alarming reports of certain exporters mixing cheaper products, such as flour, with kava to artificially increase export volumes. Kuridrani pointed out the potential harm to the kava market, stressing the importance of stringent oversight in the packaging of kava for export. He revealed that some shipments heading for Australia had previously been found to contain flour, a practice that severely diminishes the product’s quality.
In response to these challenges, officials are encouraging both farmers and exporters to prioritize the quality of their products. The Ministry is also moving toward regulating kava prices to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their labor. Currently, farmers encounter varied price offers from different buyers while retaining the choice to sell locally or take their kava to market.
Discussions on the kava bill, which aim to establish fair market practices and pricing, continued this week in the interior of Navosa. This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to supporting farmers and improving the sustainability of the kava industry, ultimately fostering a more robust economic environment for those involved in kava production. The positive steps being taken suggest a hopeful future for the industry, one where quality and fairness are prioritized for all stakeholders.