There is no fixed price for green kava under the Vanuatu Kava Act, and officials say rising prices during periods of low supply are a normal part of the open market system.

Director of Agriculture Antoine Ravo confirmed to VBTC News that discussions are ongoing following concerns raised by some exporters and buyers about recent price increases.

Mr Ravo said the issue may be reviewed by the Kava Industry Working Group, noting that the kava market currently operates under an open pricing system.

The 2022 Agriculture Census showed that 66 per cent of households in Vanuatu are involved in the sale of kava, highlighting the crop’s importance to household incomes and the national economy.

Port Vila kava vendor Niko Unavalu said many families and unemployed young people depend on kava sales as their main source of income and called on the government to find ways to support the sector.

“We need more kava from the islands because it is good quality. Many young people have lost jobs and depend on kava sales to earn an income. The government needs to look at this issue because many people in Port Vila rely on kava money to support their families.”

Political Adviser to the Ministry of Trade, Marcellino Pipite, said it would be difficult to regulate prices during periods of shortage.

“The Minister can make regulations under the Act, including on pricing, but the current increase is mainly due to a shortage of kava. From a trade perspective, we are simply not producing enough kava.”

Meanwhile, kava farmer from Mavun in South Santo said production levels remain low because many farmers are operating small-scale plantations.

The farmer, who currently has between 10,000 and 11,000 kava plants, believes greater use of machinery and larger-scale farming could help boost production and reduce future shortages.

“Most farmers are only maintaining small gardens. If we use machinery and tractors, we can establish larger plantations. The current shortage is largely because many farmers are producing kava on a small scale.”

Mr Ravo also confirmed that there is enough kava available on some islands, but access and transportation challenges continue to affect supply reaching major markets such as Port Vila.