A delegation from Papua New Guinea (PNG), including senior officers from central government agencies, and a model vanilla farmer, recently visited Madagascar on an 11-day exposure visit, to learn from Madagascar's vanilla industry sector. The exposure visit was arranged and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme, aimed at promoting the development of vanilla value chain in Papua New Guinea. The visit included meetings with senior officials in Madagascar from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry, private enterprises, and vanilla farmers, as well as visits to various sites, such as vanilla gardens, processing facilities, testing and certification laboratories, and export facilities. They also learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by the vanilla industry in Madagascar, such as climate change, threat of pests and diseases, price volatility, quality standards, traceability, certification, and market access. The delegation expressed their interest in considering the application of some of the best practices and lessons learned, especially on the policy and legislation required for strengthening the vanilla sector from Madagascar to their own context in Papua New Guinea. Mr. Floyd Lala, Director of the National Authorizing Officer Support Unit at DNPM, reflected on the enlightening visit, stating, "After visiting Madagascar, I've gained valuable insights into their success as the world's leading vanilla producer.” “PNG, contributing just 3-4% of global vanilla production, holds immense untapped potential." "From a government perspective, we have a lot to improve upon, particularly in terms of the policies and regulations governing the vanilla sector." "We need to establish necessary standards to significantly boost production.” Mr. Nicodemus Mainga, a model farmer from East Sepik Province, was amazed by the valuable skills and knowledge he acquired during the visit to Madagascar. “I learned a lot about how Madagascar grows its top-quality vanilla, making them the best in the world." "This visit was super helpful for me as a farmer." "Now, I can share these techniques with my fellow farmers in PNG, so we can also make vanilla as good as Madagascar's." "It's a win-win for us, and I'm really happy I came to visit Madagascar.” FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, Mr. Rabi Rasaily, said that the exposure visit was a valuable learning experience for the delegation and that it would help them improve their knowledge and skills in vanilla production and processing, but most importantly, to formulate good governing policies, regulations and standards that protect producers and traders.