This study has been completed with support from Pacific Trade and Invest (PTI) and provides an up-to-date review on export market opportunities for tropical root crops.  It pulls-together key findings of earlier studies, pays specific attention to the GEDSI dimension and presents comprehensive and up-to-date information on general export trading patterns and trends, combined with country and market-specific supply-side and demand-side market opportunities and constraints.  The key importing countries (Australia, New Zealand) are profiled and in-market research findings presented.  Commentary on the US market is

Taro corms are exported to New Zealand, and are a popular product with the Pacific consumer sector. Taro exports are a significant portion of Samoa’s export revenue, accounting for 14% of all exports, and being the largest horticultural export. However, taro are a challenging product from a biosecurity perspective owing to the presence of mites and nematodes, soil residues, the nature of the corm – which is pitted and rough with many crevices and holes – and the presence of dead leaf stems, which are

Coffee prices worldwide are experiencing significant volatility driven by unfavorable growing conditions in Brazil. This briefing is provided for CIC and other PNG coffee stakeholders to provide information on the international market situation and implications for PNG coffee exports. Management actions are proposed for consideration by CIC.

Cocoa is an important source of income for farming families across Melanesia, supporting the livelihoods of 8,500 households in Vanuatu and 24,0001 households in Solomon Islands. Melanesia has a reputation for low quality cocoa due to smoke taint and small bean size. It is also a very small producer in global terms. Despite these limitations, properly cured cocoa from Melanesia is  known for its fine flavours and is of interest to makers of premium chocolates, a consequence of both the environment in which it is

Fall Army Worm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) has been a pest of crops in Central and South America for centuries where it mainly affects maize. Beginning in 2016, FAW spread rapidly and has now been reported almost everywhere in the tropical latitudes. In late 2019 FAW was detected in the Torres Straight Islands, spreading to North Queensland during the first months of 2020 and migrating rapidly southwards thereafter. In PNG the pest was detected by a NAQIA survey team in maize at Daru in Western Province

An estimated 200 million pigs have been killed globally to date as a result of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. With close to 100% mortality rates, the outbreak is now causing serious economic losses. To learn more about this severe viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, click the link below to access a briefing note on ASF.

The coconut sector is very important to economies and livelihoods of people in the Pacific. It encompasses a wide range of uses, products and markets. Copra and crude coconut oil are the main commodities produced by Pacific coconut industries. This review assesses the potential for PHAMA Plus to contribute to improvements in the performance of coconut sectors in the PHAMA Plus implementing countries: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. The purpose of the work is to inform the development of intervention

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros, is the most serious insect pest of coconuts wherever it occurs. Symptoms of CRB attack were first reported in Solomon Islands in Honiara in January 2015. The PHAMA Program contracted a Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Management Coordinator to work with Biosecurity Solomon Islands and other stakeholders to assist with coordination of a CRB management response. This report describes the work completed by the CRB Management Coordinator and partners during the period December 2017 to June 2018.

This report analyses potential markets for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu cocoa in Northern America, continental Europe and the United Kingdom. The cocoa market is split between a bulk market and a boutique market and the Pacific cocoa industry cannot rely on the boutique market to fuel growth, but must focus equally on both markets. The boutique market has higher prices but quantities are small and competition is high. The major obstacle for Pacific cocoa is logistics and the associated high cost to transport directly from

This report provides specific guidance to PHAMA, the Vanuatu Department of Forests and other stakeholders on the priority activities for improving market access for the sawn timber industry in Vanuatu. The report is based on a desktop analysis of recent industry studies and market data, with in-country consultation with industry stakeholders during November 2016 and February 2017. The report proposes that PHAMA’s support be targeted to specific requirements of existing businesses and programs that are working to support enterprise development relating to international trade in sawn

This report presents the results of a rapid coffee industry assessment of Papua New Guinea. To reach conclusions, the document incorporates data obtained from stakeholder interviews within PNG and consuming countries, in-person observations, and desktop research of industry-specific data. The priorities outlined are designed to improve the value and appeal of coffee production in Papua New Guinea.

Three farmer groups in Fiji were selected for study tours of established nurseries around Viti Levu. This report highlights the observations of and lessons learned by the groups that received training and advice on the basics of establishing and managing a nursery, soil sterilisation and grafting.  The report also includes accounts of the progress made by the groups in establishing nurseries in their villages. The idea behind the establishment of the nurseries was that farmers should not only focus on kava as a source of

Vanuatu is the leading kava exporter in both volume and value terms, and exports have long been considered an important part of the kava industry. Almost 18,000 households currently grow kava with total production capacity in the range of 32,000 – 35,000 tonnes fresh weight. Over the past few years, PHAMA has played a significant role in supporting Vanuatu’s kava industry by developing quality standards and raising awareness about their importance as well as supporting the establishment of the Kava Industry Working Group, now known

Fiji has experienced a decline in export volumes of horticultural commodities in the past five years. Exporters consider that this is a result of the high costs incurred in export marketing pathways which have reduced the profitability of exporting compared with domestic marketing. Based on these concerns, the Fiji Market Access Working Group proposed that PHAMA undertake a value-chain analysis for taro and cassava exports. In August 2017, a cost analysis of root crops exports in Fiji was undertaken; involving consultations with several active root

Sea urchins are highly valued for their gonads and are a potential fisheries commodity for the export market. Recent studies across 6 traditional fishing grounds in Viti Levu, Fiji have shown that the sale of sea urchins are a major source of income for a significant number of surveyed households, averaging $F200 per week for sales. The studies were carried out to determine whether the current population of sea urchins is viable for the export market and also to collect harvester data, assess sea urchin stock

Cocoa is a priority crop in Samoa. Although markets have reopened for the export of this commodity, supply is a major constraint. PHAMA stepped in to assist, with particular focus on the supply side of the value chain. The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa had earlier conducted a PHAMA-funded study that compared local fermentation and drying methods with proven methods by another Australian-funded study in Vietnam. The results of that study showed that the overseas fermentation and drying methods produced better quality cocoa beans for

Tonga has long-standing trade linkages with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, North America and other Pacific Island Countries for exports of fruits, vegetables and root crops. The country has very good agricultural production capacity and its good soils and favourable climatic conditions are suitable for tropical and sub-tropical crops, and temperate horticultural products in the winter months. In 2013, a feasibility study was carried out to determine infrastructure requirements for processing and packaging horticultural products for export (refer TR 45). The study was part of

This report documents the findings of two workshops conducted with cocoa growers in two locations in Samoa. The discussion sought to understand what the shared interests of the cocoa farmers were, how the farmers were working together at present and what issues these farmers could work together on in the future to improve exports and returns. The workshops highlighted a range of activities that could be undertaken to inform the industry and support improvements in quality, including: understanding existing production and supply chains; understanding existing

The Fiji Market Access Working Group identified the need to investigate the potential for exporting a range of products to China, and began by prioritising a study on the potential for exporting kava. The roots of kava plants are consumed in a traditional beverage and are also used in herbal medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. China, with its large consumer, base is a market of interest and the study found there are opportunities for kava in both the food and pharmaceutical industry. The main

Sandalwood is an important crop for Vanuatu given its high value and alignment to existing lifestyles. It is only one of few crops that generates income in the remotest areas of Vanuatu and supports livelihoods for these communities. This report aims to provide specific guidance to PHAMA, the Vanuatu Department of Forests (VDOF) and other stakeholders on activities to support improved market access for Vanuatu’s sandalwood industry. The structure of Vanuatu’s sandalwood industry has been reported on extensively over recent years. This report draws on

Improving fermentation practices can improve the quality of Samoan cocoa beans for export. This report presents results of a comparative study between local and overseas (Vietnam) methods of cocoa bean fermentation, conducted by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), using Trinitario variety cocoa beans sourced from locations on Savaii and Upolu islands. The comparison found the Vietnamese method preferable and recommends the following practices during fermentation to improve cocoa quality:- holding pods for at least five days before breaking; spreading beans in the sun

Samoa is currently unable to export fresh taro to Australia due to the presence of Taro Leaf Blight (TLB). This report presents the recommendations of two New Zealand plant pathologists who visited Samoa to investigate the occurrence of TLB. They collected 54 pure cultures of the TLB pathogen Phytophthora colocasiae from 13 locations around Upolu. They also held discussions with the Samoan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and other stakeholders during the visit to identify knowledge gaps and potential export pathways for TLB resistant

This report assesses options for Solomon Islands sawn timber processors and exporters to strengthen exports by establishing a third party timber legality assurance program, as required by New Zealand importers. Formation of a new industry association—the Solomon Islands Timber Processors and Exporters Association (SITPEA)—suggests that the Solomon Islands sawn timber sector is capable as a group of providing assurances of timber legality.  Extensive consultations were conducted to determine the most appropriate type of program and the best approach to establish and implement it.  It is

This study investigates the product development requirements for Fiji’s edible sea urchin (cawaki) gonads to be commercially processed for supermarket or export sale. Despite valuable markets for the product existing overseas, currently the urchins and urchin gonads are only harvested and consumed locally.  Four different gonad preservation methods were trialled: salt; brine; alcohol; and a dextrin/salt/sodium alginate solution. A variety of storage temperatures were trialled, and samples were tested for microbial, chemical and organoleptic characteristics. Given the most desirable characteristics of sea urchin gonads (bright

Log exports currently dominate the forestry sector. However the small-scale timber-processing sector in PNG is important, with an estimated sawmill capacity of 2000 sawmills, employing 24 000 people and a value of K56-168 million. The report explores issues of market access by small-scale processors and producers of forest products, particularly around legality –a requirement for access to Australian, EU and US markets. There is export potential of sawn timber for specific species and processed products, however the regulatory framework, including certification and legality requirements of

This market survey report presents opportunities for exporting selected seafood products to Australia and New Zealand. It finds that there is potential to export, or increase exports to Australia of canned tuna, rock lobster (frozen tails), marine finfish and whole prawns. For prawns, a market submission needs to demonstrate PNG’s freedom from serious viral diseases of crustacea. In New Zealand, there is export potential for live mud crabs, marine finfish including B-grade tuna, and canned tuna. Market access would be aided by collaboration between PNG

This report presents information on the production levels and producers of coconut products in PNG, and examines the economic and technical feasibility of expanding exports. It finds PNG’s coconut production base of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is currently under-utilised, and suggests shifting away from more traditional products like copra and into high-value, high quality virgin coconut oil (VCO) and VCO-derived products. Currently, PNG exports very little of these, and they could be marketed as PNG and/or Pacific origin products to specialty retailers and/or through

This study identifies barriers to market-entry for Papua New Guinean (PNG) specialty cocoa. Despite market interest, buyers have reservations resulting from uncoordinated supply, arduous and costly logistics, and extensive disconnects between local producers and international markets. The costs of exporting to European and US markets are prohibitive for smaller businesses, and producer groups do have insufficient language and business skills to communicate with prospective buyers. Perceptions of PNG as a dangerous and erratic place to do business, as well as the absence of reliable intermediaries,

With a production of approximately 5,000 metric tonnes per year, Solomon Islands’ cocoa industry is well situated to appeal to a niche cocoa market. Cocoa from Solomon Islands offers great opportunities for the production of single origin chocolate with a good “back story”. This market survey confirms there are significant price premiums for good quality, smoke free beans from boutique buyers in Australia and New Zealand, as well as from the Asian cocoa grinding market. Factors constraining the development of the cocoa market are: poor

Vanuatu is building a good reputation in the niche cocoa market. This market study confirms that there are significant price premiums for good quality, smoke free cocoa beans from boutique buyers in Australia and New Zealand, as well as from the Asian grinding market. Major issues for Vanuatu cocoa are the poor quality of beans and the lack of diversity of end buyers. Exporters would benefit by segregating smoke free and better quality beans and seeking a higher price. While Vanuatu builds its reputation in

This study looks at gender inequalities and women’s economic empowerment in the cocoa and coconut industries in Solomon Islands. Understanding gender relations makes it possible to identify gender-based challenges and opportunities for cocoa and coconut value chain development. Through increased public and private recognition, these challenges and opportunities can become entry-points for programs, projects, and initiatives to help improve the participation and outcomes for women involved in these value chains. This study reveals the active role of women in cocoa and coconut production, processing and

In 2013, PHAMA commissioned a study to identify agricultural export processing infrastructure priorities in Tonga. One of the recommendations from that study was the establishment of two decentralised general-purpose processing facilities on the main island of Tongatapu. This 2016 report re-examines the current need for, and viability of, an Eastern District Packing Facility. The overall recommendation is that there is need for such a facility as part of increasing horticultural exports, and that the facility be established according to a business plan that has been

PHAMA undertook a feasibility study for the establishment of a new high temperature forced air (HTFA) facility close to Suva to process fruit and vegetables for export. An existing HTFA facility treats products grown in the Western parts of Viti Levu. The objective of a new HTFA facility is to facilitate diversification of fresh produce exports from the Central and Eastern Divisions of Fiji by enabling treatment closer to production areas and export out of Suva rather than Nadi. A major risk for any HTFA

PHAMA undertook a feasibility study to identify fresh produce products that may have potential for export in Papua New Guinea. The study involved compiling a long list of potential export commodities subsequently reduced to 26, followed by analysis of supply, demand and biosecurity issues and value chain analysis to estimate financial returns. The study identified significant limitations to fresh produce exports: PNG’s unfavourable fruit fly status; market access barriers; high cost levels; lack of export readiness among traders; high prices in Port Moresby; and relatively

Fiji exports significant volumes of crystallised ginger made from young ginger, as well as much lower values of fresh, mature ginger. This study investigates potential value-added products using mature ginger that is below export grade and currently wasted (up to 60% of mature ginger that comes to processing facilities). Market research was conducted to see what ginger products are currently available, as well as economic analysis of four potential new ginger products: ginger wine; ginger oil; dried ginger; and crushed ginger paste. Ginger wine, ginger

A significant number of Samoans depend on koko Samoa as their only source of income. This gender analysis highlights the results of a study designed to identify and document the roles, responsibilities, expectations and challenges of both women and men across the cocoa value chain in Samoa. The analysis recommends specific aspects or approaches that could be taken to better address gender issues and, in particular, women’s economic empowerment. Despite the cultural gendered norms defining men and women’s work, significant numbers of women supervise and

This report analyses potential markets for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu cocoa in Northern America, continental Europe and the United Kingdom. The cocoa market is split between a bulk market and a boutique market and the Pacific cocoa industry cannot rely on the boutique market to fuel growth, but must focus equally on both markets. The boutique market has higher prices but quantities are small and competition is high. The major obstacle for Pacific cocoa is logistics and the associated high cost to transport directly from