PORT VILA, (PACNEWS) – Vanuatu has exported 14.2 tonnes of fresh taro to New Zealand, providing new market opportunities for farmers in Tanna and strengthening the country’s agricultural export trade.
The Vanuatu Cooperative Business Network (VCBN) completed the exports in two shipments through its international buyer, Fresh Direct.
The first shipment of 6.7 tonnes was exported earlier this year, followed by a second consignment of 7.5 tonnes recently.
All taro supplied for the shipments was sourced from local farmers in Tanna.
The Ministry of Trade and Commerce welcomed the achievement, saying cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders was helping strengthen market access for Vanuatu’s agricultural products.
The ministry said cooperative networks such as VCBN played an important role in organising farmers, coordinating production and connecting local producers with international buyers.
It said the successful shipments demonstrated the potential of Vanuatu’s agricultural sector to expand exports and create sustainable income opportunities for rural communities.
Strengthening local production, improving market access and expanding export opportunities remain key priorities for the government as it seeks to reduce reliance on imported goods and increase agriculture’s contribution to economic growth.
The ministry said it would continue supporting cooperative enterprises, developing agricultural value chains and building partnerships to expand export opportunities for farmers and businesses across Vanuatu…. PACNEWS