Yaqona farmers, traders, exporters and other stakeholders will have another opportunity to raise their concerns and recommendations on the proposed Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 after its second reading in Parliament and referral to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights.
Government and Opposition MPs have supported the Bill’s objectives while raising issues around farmer protection, regulation and the future growth of the industry.
Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna says more than 17,000 yaqona farmers in the country are expected to benefit from the proposed legislation.
Tunabuna says 93 percent of farmers in the country rely on yaqona for their income, while 1,015.7 tonnes were exported in 2025.
He says the Bill will protect the interests of farmers, regulate the sale of grog and provide greater public accountability.
He says the legislation will also help ensure the sustainability of the industry and provide more income and employment opportunities.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says the Bill has the potential to develop the sector into a billion-dollar industry.
Kamikamica says kava exports in 2025 reached a total value of $79 million, while imports were valued at $48 million and local consumption reached $230 million.
He says the total value of the industry has reached about half a billion dollars, positioning kava as a major economic commodity.
He says the Bill will provide a clearly defined and structured process for farmers, exporters, importers and local users while safeguarding the safety and quality of kava.
Kamikamica says the Bill would also put more money into the pockets of farmers.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sakiasi Ditoka says farmers will remain at the centre of the Bill.
He says farmers will become the brand of their own product and has expressed his full support for the legislation.
Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Sakiusa Tubuna says the Bill will ensure the proper management of yaqona as the industry works towards meeting regional and global standards.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says yaqona is an important part of Fiji’s national life and is deeply connected to culture, traditions, community relationships and the livelihoods of thousands of Fijians.
However, he stresses that children and school students must be protected, with a clear distinction between the traditional and cultural use of yaqona by adults and its consumption by children and school students.
Radrodro says where the law prohibits the sale or supply of yaqona to children, this should be strongly supported and effectively enforced.
Opposition MP Jone Usamate says although he supports the Bill, Fiji has not been able to get the optimal benefits from yaqona despite its growing popularity around the world.
He says the legislation should ensure farmers receive a greater share of the financial benefits generated by the industry.
Usamate says Fiji should also build a strong identity and reputation around its yaqona so that it can attract premium prices internationally.
National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad also supports the Bill but is urging the Parliamentary Standing Committee to ensure regulations do not place unnecessary compliance costs and burdens on yaqona producers.
Professor Prasad says the Standing Committee should spend considerable time consulting yaqona producers, exporters and importers before the legislation is finalised.
He says regulations and compliance requirements need to protect the quality of Fiji’s yaqona, its brand and export potential without discouraging those involved in the industry.
Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma says farmers should benefit through better market access, improved quality, stronger protection of Fiji’s yaqona and better returns.
Sharma says the proposed 16-member Fiji Yaqona Council, comprising government and private-sector representatives, will bring different perspectives into decision-making.
However, he says his main concern is ensuring the framework works for small farmers and does not place an unnecessary financial burden on them through fees and levies.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar says she supports a regulatory framework that improves quality, protects Fiji’s reputation, strengthens confidence in exports and allows farmers to benefit from growing markets.
However, Kumar raised concerns that several important matters, including registration requirements, fees and licensing conditions, are being left to regulations rather than being clearly set out in the Bill.
She says a small farmer selling a small quantity of yaqona should not face the same regulatory burden as a large commercial exporter.
Kumar also raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest involving industry representatives on the Fiji Yaqona Council and says there should be clear disclosure requirements.
Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya says bringing cultivation, processing, marketing, packaging, transport, imports and exports under one framework could improve coordination across the industry.
Koya says the real test will be whether the framework delivers tangible benefits for farmers, including better technical assistance and access to markets.
He also questioned proposed penalties of up to $10,000 or two years’ imprisonment, saying the law must be clear so people, particularly ordinary farmers, know exactly what is required of them.
Koya also raised concerns about appeals being handled by the Minister for Agriculture, saying an independent review process could strengthen public confidence in the system.
The Bill has now been referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights.
