Luganville, 11 July 2025 — In a landmark move to modernize its agriculture sector, the Vanuatu Government has launched a new national permit system that aims to shift farmers from the informal economy into a regulated, government-supported framework — paving the way for stronger local investment, export growth, and climate resilience.

The new system, introduced under three regulation orders signed today in Luganville, was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity. It includes the introduction of two key permits: the Commercial Agriculture Business Permit and the Agriculture Export Permit, created through a 2023 amendment to the Agriculture Act No. 17 of 2018.

Minister of Agriculture Hon. Ian Wilson, who officiated the signing ceremony, said the permits are part of a broader national strategy to strengthen partnerships with investors, improve farmer access to finance and equipment, and build resilience against disasters like cyclones.

“These two permits will directly support our agricultural economy. They come with benefits for farmers, and the government is ready to stand with them,” he said.

A notable feature of the system is the creation of a centralized agriculture database, which will track permit holders and enable targeted government support.

“The Agriculture Development Fund attached to this program will assist farmers in terms of finance, in terms of equipment — but most importantly, it will connect to a national database that will allow us to reach farmers more effectively,” Hon. Wilson explained.

The regulation orders also clearly define the rules and processes for commercial and export agriculture activities, bringing transparency to a sector long dominated by informal operations.

“After a cyclone, farmers often lose their crops and receive no subsidy. With this system, we’re moving from the informal into the formal economy,” the Minister added.

Local farmers have welcomed the initiative. Moli Mara, a farmer from Malo Island, described the new permit system as a breakthrough for farmers trying to scale up their operations.

“Agriculture can now really help us — from starting small to clearing land or even getting soft loans. This program brings that support right to our gardens,” Mara said.

The Ministry sees the reform as a critical step toward making Vanuatu’s agriculture sector more competitive in the global market and more supportive of rural livelihoods at home.