Vanuatu intellectual property office (VIPO), in collaboration with key national and international partners, is hosting a 4-day workshop focussed on developing geographical indications (GI) protection for Vanuatu kava.

The event brings together farmers, processors, exporters, government officials and researchers to strengthen national understanding on GI and prepare Vanuatu for the formal recognition of kava as a protected GI product.

The workshop aims to build capacity, enhance quality standards and establish a clear pathway for Vanuatu to secure international GI protection- an important step towards safeguarding the identity, origin and reputation of Vanuatu kava in global markets.

Fr. John Huri who is a kava consultant at Vanuatu intellectual property office stressed that Kava plays a central role in Vanuatu’s culture, identity and economy. The increasing international demand for kava makes it vital for Vanuatu to protect its product from imitation, mislabelling and unfair competition. GI protection will ensure that only authentic kava grown and processed in Vanuatu under certified standards can be marketed as “Vanuatu Kava”.

‘Vanuatu kava is not just a commodity, it is part of our heritage, establishing a GI and a book of specification will help us protect its value, ensure quality, and give our farmers and communities the recognition they deserve on the world stage’ Mr Huri said.

The four-day workshop covers key topics including understanding the global GI system and its benefit, requirements and standards for achieving GI certification, strengthening quality control and traceability in kava production and ensuring fair and inclusive participation of producers from all islands.

The presentation of the core elements of a book of specification was made also where participants had the chance to discuss it as well, the book outlines simple steps in which farmers go about their kava production and processing.

“Small book, simple rules, accepted by everyone and easy to follow to produce quality kava, with this book the office can control and trace the visibility of kava from farm level to export level.” is how Mr John Huri, kava consultant described the book.

Participants will engage in group discussions, case studies, Q and A’s, and planning sessions to identify the next step towards establishing a formal GI registry for Vanuatu.

VIPO encourages all stakeholders and public to stay engaged as Vanuatu moves to towards securing the global identity of its most iconic agricultural product.