Kava is now being treated as a proper economic commodity.

The Agriculture Ministry is banking on the Kava Bill bringing order and uniformity to the industry.

Minister Inia Seruiratu says there are various markets for kava with different preferences and the new Bill will help maintain the integrity of Fiji brand kava.

“We have separated kava from the other commodities, particularly in the demand driven program that we currently have. When it comes to export promotion commodities – we have isolated kava and kava has a separate allocation for the 2016 budget.”

The Minister says the Bill will help maintain standards at all levels.