Aneityum vanilla farmers encouraged to plant more

September 16, 2026 10:38 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Anita Roberts.

Minister of Trade and Commerce Robson Iavro has encouraged vanilla farmers on Aneityum to work together and plant more to fulfil the objectives of the National Spices Strategy.

The strategy aims to boost sustainable commercial spice production, with a focus on vanilla and pepper, to increase exports, raise farmers’ incomes and create employment opportunities in rural communities.

Minister Iavro recently accompanied Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo to Aneityum for the opening of a new vanilla processing facility at Port Patrick. He urged farmers to maintain good-quality vanilla from the farm through to processing, so that Aneityum vanilla maintains a strong and trusted reputation in the market.

“Be willing to learn new techniques, adopt innovation and support one another as producers. Your success will be greater when you work together,” he said.

The Minister of Trade and Commerce also encouraged the management committee of the processing facility to take care of it.

“The long-term success of Aneityum Vanilla Processing Facility will not depend only on the quality of vanilla but also on good governance, transparency, accountability and strong leadership,” he said.

“I encourage the management committee to manage the facility with integrity and professionalism; ensure that benefits are shared fairly among farmers and members; keep proper records and maintain sound financial management.

“The committee must build strong partnerships with buyers, government and stakeholders; take ownership of the facility and protect it as a valuable community asset for future generations.”

He said the future of agriculture in Vanuatu lies in the value that can be added to products through innovation, quality, entrepreneurship and strong partnerships between government, communities and the private sector.

The minister said the government is committed to supporting productive sectors that contribute to inclusive economic growth and improve livelihoods.

The Ministry of Trade and Commerce works to promote value-chain development, downstream processing, innovation and enterprise development, so communities can transform their natural resources into high-value products.

The Department of Industry and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development work closely with the Australian Government through the Vanuatu Skills Partnership to deliver the processing facility.

The facility will strengthen quality standards, improve the capacity of farmers, encourage value-added production and support the development of a competitive vanilla industry in Aneityum.

It will also be used to process other products, including spice powders.