TORBA Mini Vanuatu Made Trade Show paves way for local farmers to compete nationally

November 21, 2024 10:01 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

The Department of Industry (DOI) office in TORBA Province is hosting a two-day event called the “TORBA Mini Vanuatu Made Trade Show,” which started yesterday (Thursday), where local farmers showcase value-added products such as fresh organic cow’s milk and cordial juice.

The DOI officer in TORBA, Mr. Jeff Jimmy, explained that the decision behind the TORBA Mini Vanuatu Made Trade Show is to prepare local farmers involved in value addition to participate in the national annual event, which takes place every September to celebrate Vanuatu Made products.

Vanualava is now the third island in Vanuatu to produce fresh organic cow’s milk, after Santo and Malekula. According to Mr. Jimmy, as the process progresses, yoghurt and cheese will eventually be produced from the milk.

“Today, we are showcasing dairy milk from Vetimboso Village in West Vanualava, which was previously only produced in Santo and Malekula,” Jimmy told the Daily Post newspaper.

“This is fresh, organic cow’s milk. Once production is fully underway, yoghurt and cheese can be made from this milk. Producers will undergo training to meet the specific standards required by Trade, the government, and even export markets.”

He mentioned other value-added products were showcased yesterday, such as banana chips, breadfruit chips, ginger powder, mango juice, lemon juice, pamplemousse cordial, ginger peanuts, virgin oil, and cooking oil.

“In terms of value addition, West Vanualava presented dairy milk and virgin coconut oil, while Ureparapara offers cooking oil, which we have supported with promotion, packaging, and labelling,” the DOI officer said.

“In September, it was showcased in Port Vila as a high-quality cooking oil, alongside their handicrafts.

“Motalava showcased handicrafts, virgin coconut oil, and SOKNO, a business owned by Presto Woleg, who produces a variety of products, including banana chips, breadfruit chips, ginger powder, mango juice, lemon juice, and pamplemousse cordial. Gaua featured roasted peanuts, sun-dried peanuts, green peanuts, and kava.

“West Gaua brought chips and ginger peanuts, which are cooked and packaged. Mota Island brought livestock; they sell chickens and ducks, while Torres Islands also came with virgin oil.”

Jimmy mentioned that DOI officers visited the entire TORBA Province last year and at the beginning of this year to raise awareness about trade matters, as the DOI is new to the people of TORBA. As a result, TORBA Province now has such products.

“We have also worked closely with our registered clients, who receive support from the Government through the department,” he said.

“These clients are required to obtain licences and permits and register their businesses with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission.

“We offer them training, workshops, and forums to help them better understand their roles.

“The Government has tasked us with emphasising value-added, locally-made Vanuatu products, and we are committed to promoting local production. TORBA Province has already made significant progress, with many of these products now being produced.”

The TORBA Mini Vanuatu Made Trade Show also featured the music industry, with local string bands from TORBA Province performing in Sola. Additionally, there was a fashion show showcasing various types of dresses designed by the mothers in TORBA Province.

Jimmy added that another thing he discovered was that the event helps farmers by providing a platform for their local products, starting from their gardens to processed goods and livestock. These products, sourced from their respective islands and transported across the ocean to Sola, allow farmers to earn some money.

“We aim to take TORBA to the next level. There are plenty of resources available, but there is no clear mechanism on the ground. However, with trade, livestock, and agriculture now involved, we can develop these sectors to a point where we can compete with other provinces,” he assured.

One of the residents of Sola, where the event takes place, Bruce Towbah, said the event paints a picture of resilience and independence.

“Despite the economic challenges we face, our local farmers have demonstrated that we can succeed. Through their skills and hard work, they have shown that we can take care of our communities, province and country, using the talents and knowledge given to us by the Lord,” he said.

“I say this because many islands in the TORBA Province participated in today’s trade show, showcasing a variety of value-added products and handmade baskets, island foods, and locally-produced goods crafted with their skills and local materials.”

Towbah said the farmers’ talents are impressive and serve as an inspiration to TORBA Province.

“No matter the challenges we have endured over the years, today’s event shows that we have the ability to support our province and even contribute to the government, thanks to the skills and creativity displayed,” he added.