Lack of policy impairs sector progress
Fiji has missed out big time on the cacao (seed from which cocoa and chocolate are made) market, a leading manufacturer in the chocolate sector said.
Award-winning chocolate manufacturer Vanua Chocolate, said the lack of national policy exacerbated progress in the sector. Director Arif Khan said the decline in investment in local production was compounded by a ministry that offered no direction.
“The agriculture ministry has no direction on this; it is lost,” he said.
“There’s no significant inroads for cacao.
“But Trade minister Manoa Kamikamica is keen to revive it. “The Pacific has an opportunity to benefit.”
Mr Kamikamica did not comment when this edition went to print.
Inia’s story
The cacao industry could do with a raise in price of kilograms.
Inia Danasautu, whose family has been in the cacao industry since 1977, said a down turn in price discouraged farmers.
His comments come of the heel of a two-day national farmers forum this week.
The Namau settler of Korovou, Tailevu, is one of two organic farmers in his community. “Government assistance from the outset to export level, is necessary to revive the industry,” Mr Danasautu said.
“A kilo of cacao for $8 is not enough; they should push it up to $10 or more.”
He suggested animal husbandry on cocoa farms to reduce expenses on maintenance of farms. “We ask for sheep or goats on cacao farms to keep grass at bay,” Mr Danasautu said.