The Government has completed a high-level assessment mission to Tanna as part of the implementation of Council of Ministers Decision No. 079, which provides for the establishment of National Packhouses in Tanna, Pentecost and Malakula.
The delegation was led by the First Political Adviser to the Minister of Trade and Commerce, representing the Minister, together with the Director General of the Ministry of Lands, the Chief Executive Officer of the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS), the implementing agency and representatives from other key government agencies and stakeholders.
During the mission, the delegation met with the Tafea Provincial Government, which presented its broader provincial development priorities and outlined its Economic Development Plan.
Assistant Secretary General of Tafea Province, Mr. Carl Don, reaffirmed the Province's strong commitment to the initiative.
"The National Packhouse Programme forms a key pillar of the Province's Economic Development Plan. The province is fully committed to supporting its implementation and will work closely with the National Government to ensure the project delivers sustainable economic opportunities, strengthens agricultural value chains, and creates lasting benefits for our communities."
The Tafea Provincial Economic Development Plan is scheduled to be officially launched on 7 August 2026, alongside the proposed groundbreaking ceremony for the Tanna National Packhouse.
Holding these two events together will reinforce the integration of the National Packhouse Programme into the Province's long-term economic development agenda, with agriculture, value addition, employment creation and improved market access identified as key drivers of sustainable growth.
The delegation also met with the Nikoletan Council of Chiefs to present the Government's policy and explain the role of the National Packhouse in strengthening agricultural production, supporting value addition, improving domestic food supply and expanding access to export markets.
The chiefs welcomed the initiative and pledged their full support for its implementation.
Chairman of the Nikoletan Council of Chiefs, Chief Peter Marcel Nikiatu, thanked the Government and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to working alongside the Provincial Government and church leaders.
"We will work together and there will be no 'namele leaf' to stop this development. Our people are ready, and we will support this initiative. Yumi harem. Yumi mekem."
Technical inspections were undertaken at several potential locations, including a promising site within Lenakel Town. The preferred site will now undergo further technical assessment, land verification and due diligence by the Ministry of Lands to ensure the land is appropriately secured for long-term government development.
The delegation also visited farming areas to assess production capacity and identify land suitable for the establishment of feeder farms. These farms will play a vital role in ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of quality produce for domestic markets, value-added processing and export.
The Tanna project builds on the successful progress of the Santo National Packhouse, which is transitioning from infrastructure development into active commercial and social operations.
By the end of this month, the Santo National Packhouse is expected to facilitate its second shipment of taro, together with its first commercial shipments of manioc, yam and coconut.
The Santo National Packhouse has also commenced implementation of the Government's Farm-to-Institutions Programme. Through this initiative, safe and nutritious produce that does not meet fresh-market grading specifications is supplied to schools and other public institutions or processed into chips and other value-added products for specialised niche markets.
Last week, approximately 2.5 tonnes of taro were distributed to schools across Santo. The programme forms part of the Government's broader food security and public health agenda to increase access to locally produced nutritious food, strengthen food security and contribute to reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
In related developments, the Government delegation will travel to Pentecost this week to undertake a similar assessment mission and prepare for the proposed groundbreaking ceremony. Preparations are also progressing for the Malakula National Packhouse, with groundbreaking activities scheduled for next week.
The National Packhouse Programme reflects the Government's commitment to transforming agriculture into a structured commercial and social development sector by creating reliable markets for farmers, strengthening provincial economies, expanding value addition, improving nutrition, enhancing food security and increasing Vanuatu's export capacity.