[Published on Saturday, Jan 31]
BY SAMMIE WAIKORI
The chairman of the Kava Industry Working Group (KIWG), Max Lazarus, calls for improved domestic supply chains to seize lucrative international market opportunities.
He made the call during a meeting the KIWG held in Honiara last Wednesday, where a number of issues across kava value chain – producers, processors and exporters were highlighted.
During the meeting, discussions also focused on critical challenges, including production capacity, quality control, access to finance, compliance costs, and export logistics.
The chairman emphasised that while significant export opportunities exist, particularly in the United States, current supply levels are insufficient.
“Yes, there is opportunity for our Kava in the USA Market. But even if we take all our kava, plus from Fiji, Vanuatu and other Pacific Islands Countries, it still won’t be enough to meet the demand from only one state. USA will still ask for more,” said Lazarus.
He underscored the group’s primary focus.
“….so as the Working Group for Kava what we want is to work on our farm level or our supplies. Solomon Islands needs to work on our supplies. Coordinate everyone so we can meet the demands of potential markets, such as the USA, Europe or even Asia,” he said.
Participants at the meeting highlighted ongoing supply chain challenges, including stringent export market requirements, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and the urgent need for a clearer domestic regulatory framework to enable growth.
The Working Group solidified its 2026 priorities, which include: establishing a formal Kava Association to represent the entire industry, advocating for the finalization and implementation of the national Kava Policy, fostering coordinated private-sector engagement and evidence-based policy dialogue with government and development partners and instituting systematic structures and governance to strengthen the sector.
“This is the initial meeting and the Kava Working Group is planning on establishing a Kava Association that will represent the kava industry, farmers and players.
“It is important, moving forward in this sector, that we have a systematic structure and good governance and continue to have round table discussions to push this industry forward,” said Lazarus.
The KIWG reaffirms its commitment to advance a competitive, compliant, and sustainable kava industry, serving as the central platform to address challenges and promote reforms that support all industry stakeholders.
The KIWG is a coalition of kava industry stakeholders in Solomon Islands focused on advocacy, collaboration, and sustainable development of the sector.
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