Vanuatu's kava exports hit US$43.5m, fueling a five-year plan

Vanuatu’s Kava Exports Hit $43.5M in 2024

Vanuatu has witnessed impressive growth in its kava exports, reaching VT5.3 billion (approximately US$43.5 million) in 2024, a significant increase from VT4 billion in 2023 and VT3.3 billion in 2022. This surge reinforces kava’s position as the country’s leading agricultural export since 2016, making up 68.5% of the total export value for the year.

Antoine Ravo, the Director of Agriculture, shared these compelling statistics at the Kava Forum, highlighting the essential contributions from partnerships with commercial farmers, private investors, cooperatives, and initiatives such as the Pacific Horticulture and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus program. He noted the importance of nationwide replanting efforts to sustain kava demand but emphasized the necessity for updated statistics to confirm any shortages.

The National Kava Strategy 2016-2025 has played a pivotal role in this growth, with nearly 600,000 planting materials distributed and cultivated since 2020. This initiative aims to establish Vanuatu as the top global producer of high-quality kava. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) plans to focus on specific islands, including Gaua, Santo, and Efate, to boost both commercial and sustainable kava production over the next five to ten years.

During the forum, Minister of Agriculture Ian Wilson addressed the issue of outdated agricultural census data, which poses challenges to effective policy implementation. He stressed that real-time information on kava production and consumption patterns is vital for the industry’s growth, underscoring the importance of understanding supply and demand dynamics.

Acknowledging the hurdles faced by the industry, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with dedicated farmers. He emphasized that the success of the kava sector hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders. The forum aimed not only to clarify roles and responsibilities within the industry but also to devise a clear five-year corporate plan while tackling current challenges and exploring future opportunities.

With this encouraging momentum, Vanuatu’s kava industry is set for further expansion, promising economic advantages for local farmers and communities, while also maintaining the cultural traditions tied to this significant crop.

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