The Ministry of Agriculture has expressed serious concerns over the deterioration of kava quality, warning that this issue poses a significant threat to both local and international trade. At a meeting with kava farmers in Nukuilau, Navosa, Assistant Minister Inosi Kuridrani highlighted the importance of maintaining product integrity, stating that poor quality could tarnish the industry’s reputation.
This warning comes in light of troubling reports that certain exporters have been mixing cheaper cooking products, such as flour, with kava to artificially bulk up their exports. Kuridrani remarked on the potential damage to the kava market, emphasizing that “the packing of kava for export” requires careful oversight. He noted that some kava packages destined for Australia had previously been discovered to contain flour, a practice that undermines the quality of the product.
To combat these issues, officials are urging both farmers and exporters to take the industry seriously. The Ministry is also taking steps towards regulating kava prices to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts. Currently, farmers face varying price offers from different buyers, yet they ultimately maintain the freedom to choose whether to sell locally or take their kava to market.
The kava bill consultations, which are aimed at establishing fair market practices and pricing, continued this week in the interior of Navosa. This initiative signifies the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing the kava industry’s sustainability, thus fostering a more resilient economic landscape for those involved in kava production.