The Director of the Vanuatu Cooperatives Business Network (VCBN) Ridley Joseph has welcomed the launching of the country’s first ever Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority (VPPA) office at Independence Park last week.

The VPPA office was officially launched by the caretaker Minister of the Ministry Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB), Matai Seremaiah, at the former Fisheries department office opposite the MALFFB main office.

In a brief interview with Daily Post, Director Joseph said that such a platform are very good as it ensures good data analysis and good decision making as well.

He said it ensures and empowers primary levels have a platform to participate as well as voicing their concerns to the government effectively directly through the VPPA office.

He also mentioned that the platform seeks to make sure there is income for farmers including fishermen but more importantly improving their livelihoods as well.

Mr Joseph indicated that no matter which association, farmers or interested farmers may affiliate with, VPPA is the platform in which farmers or producer’s voices can be heard. Mr Joseph explained such cooperation stems out of the Le Life Lonnoc Framework of Cooperation between the MALFFB and the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, Industry, Cooperatives and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTICNB) which was signed in March last year.

During the signing ceremony, the former Deputy PM and Minister of MTTICNB, Bob Loughman said that such framework seeks to address the increase of primary productions and at the same time looking at adding value to secondary products to meet the requirements and standards of exporting overseas. He also mentioned that the Ministries tasked within the framework are the backbone to the stability of the economy and it is of uttermost importance that that both Ministries achieve the targets within the frameworks as well as able to deliver them also throughout the country.

The Director said the VPPA launching formally marks a historical milestone for Vanuatu and especially for all farmers dealing with livestock and vegetables, along with fishermen’s associations throughout the country.

It will improve and increase the quality and the quantity of local products more importantly improve revenue flow for primary producers whom for the past years face the challenge of achieving a revenue flow for their respective organizations. The VPPA platform further ensures that increase of production and marketing is vital.

Director Joseph added VCBN is prepared to work in collaboration with VPPA in addressing matters dealing within the rural areas, specifically in terms of dealing with farmers and addressing data analysis as most of the local primary producers reside mainly in rural areas and within the provinces.

He congratulated the VPPA and the MALFFB, saying VCBN looks forward to working together in the future.

This is the first ever VPPA office established in Port Vila.

Source: Daily Post

On 31 February 2020 minister Matai Seremaiah launched the Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority office at the Yumi Go building in Port Vila.

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