A World Health Organisation (WHO) Study has said that kava is safe.
In the study the WHO has recommended that all kava products be available on prescription and not over the counter. It has also said that kava should not be used in patients with liver disease or a history of such or in patients that take excessive alcohol.
The news has been welcomed by the Fiji Kava Council that has been fighting recently against sanctions placed on exports placed on kava exports from Fiji to certain overseas countries.
Countries that had banned the import of kava included Germany, UK, France, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Australia recently banned the import for commercial purposes of kava and only allowed small quantities to be brought in by individuals for "ceremonial" purpose.
The WHO study should now provide more openings for the export of kava overseas from Fiji.
Showing posts with label Agricultural exports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agricultural exports. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Another potential export from Fiji
Another newly identified potential export from Fiji is the "balabala", the dried black trunk of a tree fern that grows in the wild in Fiji. Balabala is a newly discovered niche export product which is making it big in the United States of America.
Read more in the article below from the Fiji Times, Tuesday, 19 June 2007.
"Cama cashes in on balabala, Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Think orchids and immediately you’d picture the balabala the dried black trunk of the tree fern that is made up of thin black stick-like things that are easily broken off.
Now why the link with the orchids?
Well, as most people probably know, the balabala is the plant on which orchids flourish best.
At Wainadoi, past Veisari, on the Queens Highway outside Suva, there’s a little shed from where Cama Vakaloloma sells balabala.
Well and good you may think but what Cama has done with these plants is cut them into shapes like the Fijian bure in a bid to make them bit more presentable.
He is in his 50s and hails from Moce, in Lau.
He worked 13 years for Leylands, in Naboro, before he succumbing to ill-health, which ended his employment there. Cama said he almost lost his life and during his recovery, he was confined to home.
He said the forest area behind his home had wild balabala galore so he decided to cut and sell them by the roadside.
It is a decision he never regretted as he can make up to $80 on a day.
But the best part about it all is that he didn’t even have to worry about growing and constantly nurturing the tree ferns, which thrive in damp areas.
Easy money that’s what he calls it.
And, it was a like a blessing in disguise because he couldn’t really do heavy or active work.
He said at first he started by selling the balabala in its natural shape before deciding to get creative and carve shapes out of it.
At first he would cut them into smaller cylindrical shapes but after a while, he started by cutting out designs on them using his cane knife.
Then he decided to carve bure and other shapes.
That creative decision brought its own rewards from one plant, he can cut and carve two or three items.
Cama says he started selling the balabala plants for $3 but that has since risen to $8-$9, depending on the size of the plant.
He laughed and said he decided to make it cheap because the plant grew naturally in abundance.
Most balabala buyers are florists or hoteliers.
As such, Cama says he is never short of buyers and makes quite a killing at the end of the day.
He said the balabala was rather funny because once you cut it down, it won’t grow there again.
And he was equally puzzled on how the balabala regenerated because it didn’t appear to have seeds.
Cama said at one time, a person bought all the uncut (and uncarved) plants that he had been selling –– so that in a space of a few minutes, he was $84 richer.
Yesterday, Cama was helped by his nephew, Vitale Varo, who hails from Navunikabi, in Namosi.
Vitale says the balabala plants are easy to get because they are light and were there for the taking.
He said he was only visiting his aunt and uncle and learnt about carving balabala from watching his uncle.
One balabala he had carved was in the shape of a burekalou and you can’t help but think of the burekalou at the Arts Village in Pacific Harbour when you see this particular balabala.
He says the road leads right to the forest and all that was needed to fetch the balabala was a cane knife and a sturdy wheelbarrow to transport it back home. He said they were never short of buyers and at night, they left the balabala in their stall. But no one has ever stolen the plants even though the stall is unattended at night.
And, just like his uncle Cama, he says carving shapes out of balabala doesn’t take that long to complete as his prized burekalou carving took him just a little more than an hour to complete.
Now don’t hesitate to stop by their stall, which is on the slope just before you reach Wainadoi Village (if you’re heading towards Navua and beyond), if you’re one for a touch of uniqueness in plants. "
Read more in the article below from the Fiji Times, Tuesday, 19 June 2007.
"Cama cashes in on balabala, Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Think orchids and immediately you’d picture the balabala the dried black trunk of the tree fern that is made up of thin black stick-like things that are easily broken off.
Now why the link with the orchids?
Well, as most people probably know, the balabala is the plant on which orchids flourish best.
At Wainadoi, past Veisari, on the Queens Highway outside Suva, there’s a little shed from where Cama Vakaloloma sells balabala.
Well and good you may think but what Cama has done with these plants is cut them into shapes like the Fijian bure in a bid to make them bit more presentable.
He is in his 50s and hails from Moce, in Lau.
He worked 13 years for Leylands, in Naboro, before he succumbing to ill-health, which ended his employment there. Cama said he almost lost his life and during his recovery, he was confined to home.
He said the forest area behind his home had wild balabala galore so he decided to cut and sell them by the roadside.
It is a decision he never regretted as he can make up to $80 on a day.
But the best part about it all is that he didn’t even have to worry about growing and constantly nurturing the tree ferns, which thrive in damp areas.
Easy money that’s what he calls it.
And, it was a like a blessing in disguise because he couldn’t really do heavy or active work.
He said at first he started by selling the balabala in its natural shape before deciding to get creative and carve shapes out of it.
At first he would cut them into smaller cylindrical shapes but after a while, he started by cutting out designs on them using his cane knife.
Then he decided to carve bure and other shapes.
That creative decision brought its own rewards from one plant, he can cut and carve two or three items.
Cama says he started selling the balabala plants for $3 but that has since risen to $8-$9, depending on the size of the plant.
He laughed and said he decided to make it cheap because the plant grew naturally in abundance.
Most balabala buyers are florists or hoteliers.
As such, Cama says he is never short of buyers and makes quite a killing at the end of the day.
He said the balabala was rather funny because once you cut it down, it won’t grow there again.
And he was equally puzzled on how the balabala regenerated because it didn’t appear to have seeds.
Cama said at one time, a person bought all the uncut (and uncarved) plants that he had been selling –– so that in a space of a few minutes, he was $84 richer.
Yesterday, Cama was helped by his nephew, Vitale Varo, who hails from Navunikabi, in Namosi.
Vitale says the balabala plants are easy to get because they are light and were there for the taking.
He said he was only visiting his aunt and uncle and learnt about carving balabala from watching his uncle.
One balabala he had carved was in the shape of a burekalou and you can’t help but think of the burekalou at the Arts Village in Pacific Harbour when you see this particular balabala.
He says the road leads right to the forest and all that was needed to fetch the balabala was a cane knife and a sturdy wheelbarrow to transport it back home. He said they were never short of buyers and at night, they left the balabala in their stall. But no one has ever stolen the plants even though the stall is unattended at night.
And, just like his uncle Cama, he says carving shapes out of balabala doesn’t take that long to complete as his prized burekalou carving took him just a little more than an hour to complete.
Now don’t hesitate to stop by their stall, which is on the slope just before you reach Wainadoi Village (if you’re heading towards Navua and beyond), if you’re one for a touch of uniqueness in plants. "
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Economy and Investments fall
The President of the Fiji Institute of Accountants has said that the economy and investments were falling and that businesses were suffering. He made the comment at the Fiji Institute of Accountants Congress currently underway at The Fijian Resort, Sigatoka, Fiji.
The sectors which had declined included tourism, agriculture, sugar and the business industry in general.
Read more from the article in the Fiji Times, Monday, 18 June 2007, appended below.
"Economy, investments on the decline: Patel, Monday, June 18, 2007
ALL business sectors in the country are underperforming, says Pradeep Patel, the president of the Fiji Institute of Accountants.
Mr Patel said the economy and investment activities were on the decline and businesses were suffering. "Such a situation will have a negative impact on employment and economic activities and thereby on tax revenue," he said.
Mr Patel made this statement at the Fiji Institute of Accountants Congress at the weekend.
Some of the sectors that have declined are tourism, agriculture and sugar and the business community is also facing the economic downturn.
Mr Patel said given the prevailing political and economic climate, Fiji was going through a critical phase on the political front and the interim Government's commitment to return democratic rule was important. "It is important to achieve this to the earliest for political stability, promoting investment, retaining skilled resources and recovery of the economy," he said. Mr Patel said the interim Government's commitment to upholding the Constitution, respecting the independence of the judiciary and protecting of human rights must be totally up held.
He said the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority had a critical role to play and without comprising its position, it must provide necessary support to provide investment, promote economic activities and economic recovery and development.
"We need a vibrant private sector to drive our economy," Mr Patel said.
He said the interim Government should have a dialogue with the country's major trading partner, New Zealand.
He said Fiji should have taken a diplomatic approach to resolve any difference between the two countries.
"We should take a dialogue approach," said Mr Patel. "
The sectors which had declined included tourism, agriculture, sugar and the business industry in general.
Read more from the article in the Fiji Times, Monday, 18 June 2007, appended below.
"Economy, investments on the decline: Patel, Monday, June 18, 2007
ALL business sectors in the country are underperforming, says Pradeep Patel, the president of the Fiji Institute of Accountants.
Mr Patel said the economy and investment activities were on the decline and businesses were suffering. "Such a situation will have a negative impact on employment and economic activities and thereby on tax revenue," he said.
Mr Patel made this statement at the Fiji Institute of Accountants Congress at the weekend.
Some of the sectors that have declined are tourism, agriculture and sugar and the business community is also facing the economic downturn.
Mr Patel said given the prevailing political and economic climate, Fiji was going through a critical phase on the political front and the interim Government's commitment to return democratic rule was important. "It is important to achieve this to the earliest for political stability, promoting investment, retaining skilled resources and recovery of the economy," he said. Mr Patel said the interim Government's commitment to upholding the Constitution, respecting the independence of the judiciary and protecting of human rights must be totally up held.
He said the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority had a critical role to play and without comprising its position, it must provide necessary support to provide investment, promote economic activities and economic recovery and development.
"We need a vibrant private sector to drive our economy," Mr Patel said.
He said the interim Government should have a dialogue with the country's major trading partner, New Zealand.
He said Fiji should have taken a diplomatic approach to resolve any difference between the two countries.
"We should take a dialogue approach," said Mr Patel. "
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Seminar of Exporting to New Zealand
The Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau, in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission (PITIC) NZ, is organising a seminar on exporting to New Zealand. The objective of the seminar will be to boost awareness and update stakeholders on the various requirements, challenges and procedures of exporting to New Zealand. The seminar will cover the following issues :
- general packaging and labelling requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables;
- NZ export requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables;
- NZ export requirements guideline and how to use this guideline;
- labelling requirement of fresh goods and processed goods;
- requirements for exporting resource-based products to NZ; and
- bar coding.
Exporters, potential exporters, freight forwarders and interested stakeholders are invited to attend the seminar which will take place on Tuesday, 19 June 2007, 8am to 5pm, at JJ's on the Park, Suva.
Registration fee is F$35.00 per person.
For more information or to register, pls contact Jogina Yang on e-mail jogina@ftib.org.fj or telephone (679) 3315988.
Friday, May 25, 2007
More exports to Canada
More exports, particularly of fresh fruits and vegetables, to Canada from Fiji is being encouraged. This was the focus of the trip to Fiji this week of Fiji Consular to Canada, Ashwant Dwivedi.
Among the suggestions that Dwivedi made in a Fiji TV appearance this evening included :
Among the suggestions that Dwivedi made in a Fiji TV appearance this evening included :
- that Fiji aim to increase exports of fresh fruits and vegetables to Canada which was an open market (unlike a closed market like the USA which has only a list of permitted imports from countries such as Fiji);
- that exporters work on being able to meet the demand levels of Canadian consumers when they enter that market;
- that exporters work on being competitive with the pricing of their products; and
- that the "Fiji" brand, including all products marked as being from Fiji, have premium pricing in the Canadian market which Fiji exporters could take advantage of.
For more information on this, pls visit www.fijitv.com.fj.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Dalo exports - a big potential
Dalo exports from Fiji has a big potential with around 30,000 tonnes expected for export this year. In 2006, total dalo production was 76,155 tonnes compared to 83,751 tonnes in 2005.
11,434 tonnes of dalo, valued at $20.93million, were exported in 2006 compared to an export of 9,959 tonnes, valued at $19million, in 2005.
The Agriculture Ministry said that with Fiji dalo well known for its taste, it provided an opportunity for farmers to produce more for export.
The slight reduction in dalo production last year was due to farmers producing cassava which were mostly bought by a local factory. Farmers were now planting more cassava as it is easier to grow and it got a good price locally.
60 per cent of the dalo exported was from Taveuni Island while the rest was from the Central Division.
Dalo price in the local market is F$10.00 to F$15.00 per bundle in the local markets while the New Zealand wholesale market prices for Fiji Pink is $65.00 per 30 kilograms and Fiji white is $55.00 per 30 kilogram.
Dalo planting takes place from August to November with harvests from February to March each year.
Note : Advertise your products and services on our Suva blog and take advantage of our low advertising rates. Check here for our rates.
11,434 tonnes of dalo, valued at $20.93million, were exported in 2006 compared to an export of 9,959 tonnes, valued at $19million, in 2005.
The Agriculture Ministry said that with Fiji dalo well known for its taste, it provided an opportunity for farmers to produce more for export.
The slight reduction in dalo production last year was due to farmers producing cassava which were mostly bought by a local factory. Farmers were now planting more cassava as it is easier to grow and it got a good price locally.
60 per cent of the dalo exported was from Taveuni Island while the rest was from the Central Division.
Dalo price in the local market is F$10.00 to F$15.00 per bundle in the local markets while the New Zealand wholesale market prices for Fiji Pink is $65.00 per 30 kilograms and Fiji white is $55.00 per 30 kilogram.
Dalo planting takes place from August to November with harvests from February to March each year.
Note : Advertise your products and services on our Suva blog and take advantage of our low advertising rates. Check here for our rates.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Kava exports doing well
The kava industry is doing very well with F$3.6 million worth of it exported last year. This compares with F$2.5 million exported in 2005.
The industry is looking forward to exports being better in 2007 compared to 2006. There is also a high demand for Fiji kava on overseas markets given its taste and quality.
Kava is being bought from suppliers locally at between F$25.00 to F$27.00 a kilogram for 'lewena' (the stem portion of a kava plant) and between F$25.00 to F$30.00 a kilogram for 'waka' (the root portion of a kava plant).
Suppliers are being asked to ensure that kava is clean and thoroughly dried before they sell it to buyers.
Kava exports are made to the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna, and Samoa.
The industry is looking forward to exports being better in 2007 compared to 2006. There is also a high demand for Fiji kava on overseas markets given its taste and quality.
Kava is being bought from suppliers locally at between F$25.00 to F$27.00 a kilogram for 'lewena' (the stem portion of a kava plant) and between F$25.00 to F$30.00 a kilogram for 'waka' (the root portion of a kava plant).
Suppliers are being asked to ensure that kava is clean and thoroughly dried before they sell it to buyers.
Kava exports are made to the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna, and Samoa.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Dalo farmers have hope
Dalo farmers in the Northern Division now have hopes after the Agricultural Marketing Authority offered to buy their produce for export. The arrangement will alleviate anxiety among Northern farmers who have difficulty finding buyers and shipping for their produce.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Government emphasises exports, agriculture and rural development
The Interim Government is expected to complete financial management reforms in the public service by June 2007. Part of the reform will see to financial information for all ministries being centralised so that they can be monitored daily.
In a discussion yesterday, the Interim Minister for Finance said that the immediate challenges for the Fiji economy varied from the decline in exports to developments in agriculture and the rural sector.
Changes in strategy, policy and resource allocation to these sectors are expected to be announced in the National Budget to be announced early March 2007. More incentives are expected to be provided to the export sector. More emphasis are also expected to be placed on agriculture and rural development with regard to using Fiji's natural resources and putting them to more productive use.
In a discussion yesterday, the Interim Minister for Finance said that the immediate challenges for the Fiji economy varied from the decline in exports to developments in agriculture and the rural sector.
Changes in strategy, policy and resource allocation to these sectors are expected to be announced in the National Budget to be announced early March 2007. More incentives are expected to be provided to the export sector. More emphasis are also expected to be placed on agriculture and rural development with regard to using Fiji's natural resources and putting them to more productive use.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Fiji needs to widen its agricultural export base
Fiji needs to diversity its agricultural export base rather than relying on traditional exports such as sugar. The comment was made by a senior agricultural officer.
The officer said more attention needed to be given to other products such as duruka and taro given that the demand for these products were very high overseas as a result of the high proportion of Fijian and Pacific Islands populations in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
The officer said that most produce could be exported, however, the only thing that local producers needed to work on was the quality of exports to ensure its marketability.
The comments were made at a good quality standards workshop held in Suva Monday, 5 February 2007.
The officer said more attention needed to be given to other products such as duruka and taro given that the demand for these products were very high overseas as a result of the high proportion of Fijian and Pacific Islands populations in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
The officer said that most produce could be exported, however, the only thing that local producers needed to work on was the quality of exports to ensure its marketability.
The comments were made at a good quality standards workshop held in Suva Monday, 5 February 2007.
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