Deputy Head of Mission, EU Delegation for the Pacific, Dr. Erja Askola,

Director Programmes and Initiatives of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mr Zarak Khan,

Director of Land Resources Division at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Ms Karen Mapusua,

SourceTrace Consultants, CEO, Venkat Maroju, and Lead Project Manager, Ravi Sankar,

Senior Officials from the Pacific,

Private Sector Partners,

Excellencies, Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

INTRODUCTION

Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.

I extend my appreciation for this opportunity to address all of you at today’s inception meeting for the “Scoping Study on Development of the Kava-Based Pharmaceutical/Nutraceutical Industry in the Pacific”.

I am delighted to represent Fiji and share our perspective on this crucial initiative.

 

SOCIAL VALUE OF KAVA

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

In Fiji and the Pacific, the traditional use of Kava has been cherished for generations and remains a significant part of our culture and heritage. It has been a symbol of hospitality, cultural bonds, and a conduit for diplomacy. Its acceptance and usage have expanded beyond our borders, garnering international attention.

 

While Kava is deeply embedded in our culture, it has now become more than ceremonial, with immense potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

 

This study holds promise of unlocking opportunities that can significantly benefit our people and the Pacific region as a whole.

 

KAVA AS AN ECONOMIC COMMODITY

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

In recent years, global interest in natural products and traditional remedies have surged, and Kava has emerged as a valuable commodity. Scientific studies continue to shed light on its potential benefits, including stress relief, anxiety reduction, and potential for pain management.

 

Kava is acknowledged for its ability to induce a soothing, calming effect on consummation – in moderation of course and most of us will know this. This distinctive attribute has captured the attention of the medical community, prompting exploration into its potential as a treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

 

This aligns with the growing demand for natural alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Therefore, the interest in Pharmaceutical and Nuetracitical industries could be viewed as a means of value addition and diversification, enhancing the returns we get from Kava.

 

If we look at Kava as an export commodity, it was valued at approx. $40.7 million in 2022 from approx. $19.6 million in 2017 – and is likely higher for other Pacific Countries like Vanuatu and Tonga.

 

Markets that were closed in the past, like Australia, have also opened up through the successful Kava Pilot programme which has paved the way for commercial importation of Kava. Since December 2021, Fiji has exported over 50 tonnes of Kava powder to Australia.

 

Remarkably, there are now 258 registered exporters from the Pacific into Australia. The full commercialisation of the Australian market will create even more opportunities, including in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors rather than just being exported in powdered form.

 

You would be aware, the Fiji Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications is embarking on stakeholder consultations on the possible introduction of a Medicinal Cannabis industry in Fiji.

 

Well established Private Sector players that have expressed interest to invest in Fiji are also focused on expanding Fiji’s nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors based on traditional medicine and traditional knowledge. Kava as a traditionally Pacific plant is very much part of this equation.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Like we have done for agricultural commodities like sugar – there is real potential for Kava product diversification. We know there is demand, not just within the Pacific, but growing interest from markets such as North America, the European Union and Asia.

 

There are businesses who are already manufacturing and selling Kava pharmaceutical products like liquid drops and capsules – there is even Kava-flavoured food and candy. Online marketplaces like Amazon are actively holding these and products we may not imagine exist.

 

KAVA AS A PACIFIC CROP

 

Ladies and Gentleman,

 

While Kava is considered a Pacific Crop, grown in a large number of Pacific Islands Countries, and in Hawaii, we have recently learned that it is being successfully grown in Florida in the United States, and that this production will increase in time.

 

As the Pacific Community, we need to also fast track the work on the protection of Kava, and in particular the Geographical Indications (GIs) to protect Kava as a Pacific commodity, for the benefit of our smallholder Kava farmers who depend on this crop for their livelihoods.

 

As we look towards creating derivatives and value addition from Kava, Intellectual Property issues need to be front and centre of our consideration. In this regard, we need adequate protection of our traditional knowledge and geographical origin in relation to Kava, in order to ensure that the Pacific does not lose out — with Kava and Kava products being misappropriated.

 

UPHOLDING STANDARDS

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

While recognising the potential of Kava, safety, standardisation, and quality control are critical aspects that we, as policymakers and stakeholders, should address diligently.

 

Our responsibility is to ensure that any product originating from Kava meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy. This has been the highest priority for the Fiji Government.

 

We are also committed to a systematic approach to developing the Kava industry. This involves fostering innovation, research, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

 

The Fiji Government has been actively supporting training and conducting research to understand the properties of Kava and facilitate sustainable practices in its cultivation and processing.

 

Thus, this scoping study will assist us in gaining valuable insights into the potential for a structured Kava-based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry in the Pacific. It will provide a roadmap for policy formulation, research priorities, capacity building, and international collaborations.

 

We envision an industry that not only meets international regulatory standards but also respects and preserves the cultural significance of Kava for our communities. This entails embracing sustainable harvesting practices, fair trade principles, and equitable sharing of benefits within the Kava value chain.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

To conclude, in a word, we should see this initiative as an opportunity. Not only an opportunity for export, but for new sources of income for stakeholders along the value and supply chains.

 

It’s also an opportunity to put in place the right framework, pathways and regulatory environment that sets the foundation for a thriving, sustainable and responsible Kava-based industry – that creates decent jobs and enhances economic growth.

 

I also take this opportunity to thank the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and our partners, the European Union, for their continued support. I understand later in today’s session, we will unpack the Action Plan and discuss the next steps – I look forward to these outcomes.

 

On behalf of the Government of Fiji, we stand ready to provide our support to this initiative which we believe will assist our nation and Region as a whole.

 

With these words, I thank you all for your commitment to this important endeavour.

 

Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you very much.