Kava farmers expected to benefit from MOU signed between Fiji Kava and iTaukei Trust Fund Board

Kava farmers in Fiji are expected to benefit from a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Fiji Kava Limited and the iTaukei Trust Fund Board to develop Fiji Kava’s supply chain and relationship with commercial partners in Fiji.

Under the MOU, Fiji Kava and the iTaukei Trust Fund Board will provide access to desirable Noble Kava plant-let varieties and help local farmers transition to larger scale kava farming that meet Fiji Kava’s supply requirements.

The strategic partnership includes establishment of additional commercial nurseries in Fiji to grow and supply Noble Kava plant-lets to contracted farmers. The nurseries are expected to be run and managed by selected women’s groups, who will earn income from this project.

In addition, Fiji Kava will develop opportunities for vocational graduates of a local training centre, as vocational post-graduate fellows on Fiji Kava's nucleus estate in Cawatara, Ovalau and other selected locations in Bua, Cakaudrove and Lomaiviti.

iTaukei Trust Fund Board CEO Aisake Taito says this relationship established with Fiji Kava, satisfies one of their key pillars in their entrepreneurship framework, which links resource owners to private sectors with an established export markets like Fiji Kava.

Fiji Kava CEO Dr Anthony Noble says this Memorandum of Understanding creates a long-term relationship with a like-minded partner who has deep and established ties to the Fijian community.