A delegation from Fiji was in Vanuatu recently to discuss the next steps for progressing the regional standard for kava.

Head of the Fiji Kava Taskforce delegation Pauliasi Tuilau says kava isn’t a commercial crop to both Fiji and Vanuatu but one that is of significant value in both cultural ceremonies in the Pacific Islands.

Tuilau says that an ongoing collaboration with Vanuatu will ensure greater understanding of the way kava is managed and traded as a key commodity in the region and the world market.

Vanuatu Kava Industry Association Chairman Michael Louze indicated that kava had surpassed cocoa, cattle and copra in generating income for the farmers in Vanuatu.

Louze says the visit by the Fijian stakeholders was timely as it provided the opportunity to share information and ideas that would strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.

This will be on the grounds of the implementation of their quality standards including the use of the colorimetric test, an assurance technique to confirm the quality of the kava.