A group of vanilla farmers from Mandi Village, Wewak District, East Sepik Province, have successfully secured an export deal with a buyer in Singapore.
Supported by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, over 200 farmers—including women and youth—are preparing their first shipment.
Vanilla farming, one of the world’s most expensive spices, offers significant potential to boost rural incomes and strengthen PNG’s position in the global vanilla market.
The farmers are benefiting from comprehensive support, including climate-smart agricultural training, healthy vanilla cuttings, and exposure to global trade shows.
Through the Programme, Mongs AgTrade Services Ltd, which represents these farmers, received critical training in agribusiness, gender inclusion, and youth engagement.
They also adopted new pollination techniques that have resulted in healthier, more productive vanilla vines, with increased resilience to heavy rainfall.
This success culminated in an agreement with a Singapore-based company, guaranteeing monthly exports and generating PGK 100,000 (approx. USD 25,000) annually for the community.
The farmers’ participation in the FHA Singapore Expo 2024, supported by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, showcased their high-quality vanilla and solar-drying method, leading to the partnership.
Additionally, farmers have been trained in e-marketing and digital skills, allowing them to connect with international markets.
The Programme’s emphasis on capacity-building, climate-smart practices, and innovative equipment has been instrumental in their success, positioning PNG as a rising player in the global vanilla trade.
This achievement highlights the broader potential of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to drive rural development by integrating agriculture with digital innovation, empowering local communities to sustainably access global markets.
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