Community Workshop on Sustainable ‘Ava Growing in Samoa

Community workshops promote sustainable ‘ava growing in #Samoa.

Samoa Herbs, in partnership with the @Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Samoa (MAF) and #MDFSamoa, recently completed four community workshops — two in Upolu and two in Savai'i – to introduce farmers to a new ‘Ava Growing Guide.
The workshops focused on best practices for planting, harvesting, and managing pests and diseases under changing climate conditions. Patrick Rankin, Director of Samoa Herbs, shared insights on their methods for cultivating and processing ‘ava and discussed opportunities and challenges in the export market.
Farmers, both men and women, shared their own experiences and emphasised the importance of pest control and efficient harvesting highlighted in MAF's presentation, particularly the proper collection of roots rich in kavalactones. They also stressed the need for resilient, high-yielding kava varieties to reduce the current long growth cycle.
Samoa Herbs and MDF are now reviewing the ‘Ava Growing Guide, incorporating farmer feedback to better support the Samoan kava industry.