VANILLA farmers in East Sepik province will be assisted to sell their beans overseas, says Governor Allan Bird.
“Due to the COVID-19 lock down worldwide, the increase in production of vanilla in Sepik and the inability of PNG exporters to get product out, we will be exploring various options to try and improve the situation,” Bird said.
Governor Bird together with Minister for Agriculture and Member for Maprik, John Simon and the owners of Intec Vanilla had made this statement after the discussion on the challenges facing the vanilla farmers in East Sepik province.
“Apparently Intec Vanilla has already purchased a very significant amount of product and they are unable to purchase anymore due to their own limited cash and their inability to export beans.
“They are holding a very large amount of vanilla in the country right now,” Governor Bird said.
Meanwhile, Governor Bird together with Minster Simon and the Governor for West Sepik ,Tony Wouwou in a discussion with the European Union (EU) STREIT program have agreed to build a trading Post in Vanimo to facilitate the vanilla trade with Indonesia under strict COVID-19 protocols.
“We will be pursuing this initiative vigorously with all parties immediately.
“To those connected with Vanilla farming, please inform your relatives that Minister Simon and I will be speaking on radio to our people,” Governor Bird added.
He has further called out to all vanilla farmers in Sepik to be patient while they try and work quickly with all parties to try and open up trade with the Indonesian neighbors.
Governor Bird also apologised for the long delay in building the trading facility in Vanimo.
