The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways says further public consultations will be held through the Parliamentary Standing Committee process, despite national consultations on the proposed legislation already being conducted from February to May this year.
The Ministry says it acknowledges the strong public interest and concerns raised about the Bill following its tabling in Parliament on August 21st.
It stresses that no final decision has been made and the Bill remains proposed legislation.
Following its First Reading, the Bill has been referred to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for further review.
The Ministry says the Standing Committee process will include further public consultations, before the Bill can proceed to its Second and Third Readings in Parliament.
It is encouraging yaqona farmers, growers, traders, processors, exporters and other members of the public to take part in the consultations and provide their views and recommendations.
The Ministry says public participation is important as thousands of households across Fiji depend on the yaqona industry for their livelihoods.
