By ESWIN PLESIO – UPNG Journalism student
PAPUA New Guinea Spice Industry Board (PNGSIB) has hosted the National Spice Policy Regional Consultation for the Southern Region at Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby on December 17.
PNGSIB, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, is undertaking this consultation exercise as part of the National Spice Policy formulation process.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and European Union (EU) Streit Program are spearheading this by organizing regional workshops to collect information from stakeholders.
The PNGSIB is seeking institutional strengthening and capacity building to fully regulate the industry and ensure sustainable growth through the National Spice Policy.
Prime Minister James Marape directed all commodities to align with national plans, leading to the formulation of the National Spice Policy and review of Spice Act 1989, to increase revenue generation in the agriculture sector.
PNGSIB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Waisime said: “We have to talk to the stakeholders, traders, and farmers to make sure that the policy is formulated right after the last consultation with the Southern Region.”
He said once all the data are collected and finalized, the National Spice Policy formulation takes place.
Mr. Waisime said the proposed policy will have the way for Spice Act 1989 to be reviewed and amended to ensure SIB becomes Authority, exercising its full power to regulate the industry.
