Vanuatu’s Minister of Agriculture, Ian Wilson, has revealed a bold national initiative to plant 10 million new kava plants by 2030 in a concerted effort to enhance production. During a recent national kava forum, where farmers, exporters, and stakeholders congregated to discuss the government’s policy direction for the forthcoming five years, solutions were explored for overcoming industry challenges.
The ambitious target necessitates approximately 1,000 hectares of land for the kava plants, as these crops are typically spaced out one meter apart, accommodating about 10,000 plants per hectare. Minister Wilson emphasized the significance of kava, declaring it the most important and cherished crop in Vanuatu, and underscored the government’s commitment to fostering community growth.
In a strategic change, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will now dedicate its resources solely to enhancing kava production on specific islands, including Gaua, Santo, Maewo, Pentecost, Epi, Efate, and Erromango, as opposed to all islands as done in previous years.
The forum highlighted critical challenges such as the labor shortage in male workers, largely due to seasonal employment options overseas. Wilson noted the readiness of farmers to transform their discussions into actionable plans. He expressed the intention for the forum to become an annual event, coinciding with Vanuatu Made, reinforcing the government’s support for local farmers.
In further support of improving the kava industry, Wilson announced collaboration with the Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Technical Centre (VARTC) to conduct research on kava varieties, aiming to refine quality and production standards through the upcoming Kava Strategy for 2026-2030. The government seeks to enforce the Kava Act and related standards while cooperating with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that revenue generated aids the development of the kava sector.
Sharing sentiments resembling developments in Fiji’s kava industry, where the government seeks to enhance production and quality to meet growing international demand, Vanuatu’s strategic initiatives are aligned. While Fiji anticipates further growth due to sustained demand, particularly from the U.S. market, Vanuatu’s proactive steps can similarly foster economic opportunities, underpinning the cultural significance of kava within Pacific nations.
As Vanuatu works toward establishing itself as a leading producer of quality kava in the Pacific, hopes are high for revitalizing the industry, bolstering local economies, and reinforcing community ties, showcasing the resilience and commitment of Vanuatu’s agricultural sector. The collective focus on enhancing kava production presents an optimistic outlook, promising a supportive environment for farmers and a sustainable future for the kava industry.