Yaqona farmers on the island of Gau have voiced strong support for the establishment of a Yaqona Council, as consultations on the proposed Kava Bill, carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, continues across the country,
In Vanuaso Village, growers highlighted the daily challenges of farming in remote maritime areas, calling for greater protection and fairer pricing within the industry.
Local farmer Isireli Masiwini described the physical and financial strain of transporting yaqona from distant farms to collection points, often relying on unpredictable boat journeys.
Masiwini says years of labour are frequently undermined by inconsistent returns, reinforcing the need for a more structured and equitable system.
Other farmers at the consultation stressed that yaqona remains their primary source of income, alongside fishing, and expressed optimism that the proposed legislation could address long-standing concerns.
Other issues that have been raised in Gau includes the production standards, market access, freight costs, and the long-term sustainability of yaqona farming.
The Ministry of Agriculture says feedback from Gau and other divisions will be compiled to ensure the Bill reflects the realities faced by growers, particularly in rural and maritime communities.
