Fiji’s push to formalise its booming kava industry reached a key stage in recent weeks when stakeholders gathered during nationwide consultation on the proposed Kava Bill 2016 and National Kava Policy.
The consultations, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to bring farmers, processors, and exporters under a unified legal framework. Central to the reforms is the proposed Kava Bill, designed to protect Fiji’s kava from foreign contaminants, unregulated imports, and price gouging.
In Suva, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Inosi Kuridrani highlighted the sector’s explosive growth, noting the industry has now amassed $53 million into the economy, contributing 13.8 per cent to the National GDP.
Despite this economic success, Mr Kuridrani warned that the industry remains vulnerable without clear rules. He specifically highlighted the risk of foreign contaminants, such as flour, being mixed with powdered kava and the threat of uncontrolled imports jeopardising local businesses and livelihoods.
“The Kava Bill is expected to give a fair share of all the players in the Kava industry a fair game,” Mr Kuridrani said, emphasising the need to maintain the “noble status” of kava within Fijian culture.
If passed, the Bill will establish a Kava Council, composed of government officials, exporters, and a majority representation of farmers.
“These representatives of the Kava Council will draw up policies that will protect farmers, processors and exporters,” Mr Kuridrani said.
The consultations, which officially began two weeks ago in the Central Division, are expected to continue nationwide. The next round commenced in the Western Division, starting from Sigatoka last week, ensuring all voices from rural growers to large-scale exporters are heard before the Bill is finalised.
