PVCC backs shift to weight-based trade

February 17, 2026 10:10 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Efforts to strengthen fair pricing in Port Vila markets are gaining ground, with the Port Vila City Council (PVCC) supporting the transition to compulsory scale selling following the training of more than 100 Freshwota Field vendors.

The registered vendors from Freshwota Field Market took part in an intensive workshop last week on the mandatory use of weighing scales.

Facilitated by the Bureau of Price Monitoring and Consumer Affairs (BoPMCA) in partnership with PVCC, the training signals a move away from traditional “pile-based” selling to a standardised weight-based system.

The initiative aims to safeguard farmers’ earnings while ensuring buyers receive fair value for their money.

Awareness on the use of scales will also be rolled out to other market facilities around Port Vila.

In an interview this week, PVCC Market Master Mr. Sacha Watt acknowledged the continued support from BoPMCA in delivering the training, which equipped vendors with skills to accurately read both digital and manual scales, account for every gram, and calculate fair prices per kilogram for root crops, fruits, and vegetables.