Page 36 - Islands Business March 2024

Agriculture Agriculture

IS THE PACIFIC MOVING FAST

ENOUGH ON KAVA PROTECTION?

By Prerna Priyanka throughout the collective.
The development of US-grown and processed kava is
Pacific Island nations are considering implementing concerning kava growers and sellers from the islands, where
Geographical Indication (GI) protections for kava to safeguard discussion over GI protections have been ongoing without
its reputation and uniqueness. resolution for several years.
This move aims to capitalise on the growing global demand
for kava and ensure that the economic benefits from its Collective action needed
commercialisation remain within the region. The Pacific Community (SPC) says securing Geographic
However, there are concerns over the slow pace of this Indication protections for kava involves establishing
process, with the news that American kava growers have geographical boundaries for kava-producing regions and
moved ahead with a new variety. implementing regulations to safeguard the quality, reputation,
The American Kava Growers’ Group, a collective of and uniqueness of kava products originating from these areas.
American businessmen working with contract growers, has The economic significance of kava to Pacific Island nations
trademarked a new American kava cultivar under the name cannot be overstated. With Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga leading
“Kalikava”. The cultivar was selected in Hawaii and is being production, kava serves as a vital cash crop, contributing to
grown in California and Florida for the American kava drinking household incomes and rural livelihoods.
market. It is being sold as fresh and frozen green kava to In Fiji, the kava industry has become a cornerstone of
stateside kava bars. The collective told The Fiji Times that agricultural trade, contributing significantly to the nation’s
it is selling Kalikava for $US150/kg dry, and $US45/pound for GDP. Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa
frozen, green kava. It says it has 4000 “plants in the ground” Kamikamica says he envisions a future where kava surpasses

36 Islands Business, March 2024