Australia’s Office of Drug Control is now taking feedback on a proposal to increase the quantity of kava from 2kg to 4kg that may be taken from Fiji to Australia for personal use.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement in January this year confirming Australia would be putting together a pilot program to ease some of the limitations around kava imports for personal use into Australia.
The Australian High Commission in Suva has hosted an information session for members of the Kava Taskforce and relevant stakeholders.
Members of the Kava Taskforce, chaired by Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, David Kolitagane, together with public and private stakeholders were present in the session.
Australia's High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes acknowledged the significant strides Fiji has taken to develop and regulate the kava industry, inviting attendees to participate in this process and influence the design of the pilot program.
Morrison had noted that this was part of the Australian Government's Pacific Step‑Up, recognizing in particular the cultural and economic importance of kava to Pacific Islanders.
He says kava is an important product and has a great and successful market around the world.
