A partnership was signed today between the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus Program and Fiji Kava Ltd’s subsidiary South Pacific Elixirs Ltd (SPE) to strengthen export opportunities for Fijian kava to Australia and other international markets.
According to a statement issued today, SPE and PHAMA Plus will partner on the design, procurement and installation of commercial kava nurseries in Fiji, with the initial establishment of two nurseries in Ovalau and Vanua Levu.
The statement said the nurseries will be used for mass production of kava plantings which will be distributed to SPE’s network of contracted farming households.
PHAMA Plus National Export Market Systems Facilitator (Fiji), Mr Navitalai Tuivuniwai said: “Improving the quality of kava is a priority for PHAMA Plus and by partnering with an established leader in the Fijian kava industry, we are able to more effectively progress the significant export opportunities that exist across international markets for higher volumes of noble kava to benefit both exporters and local growers.”
Founder and CEO of Fiji Kava, Mr Zane Yoshida said: “It’s an honour to be chosen as the inaugural Fijian partner for the PHAMA Plus program in Fiji. We recognise the importance of this partnership to the Fijian kava community and the major opportunity which exists to export our high-quality, disease free kava supply around the world.
“Fiji Kava’s world-first tissue culture laboratory and its network of hundreds of local Fijian farmers ensures that our supply chain is uniquely positioned to support this marquee initiative between the two countries.”
Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes said the Australian Government was pleased to support the sustainability of the Fijian kava industry and maintaining market access through PHAMA Plus.
“Kava holds much social and economic importance to Fiji’s agriculture sector. Australia is proud to support efforts by key export value chain actors such as SPE Ltd to develop a safe, sustainable supply of Fijian kava that meets international market access and market entry requirements.” he said.
