Vanuatu Basket and PRV, in partnership with South Sea Cargo, recently hosted their second annual Farmers Appreciation Day at the PRV farm in Norsup, Malekula.
The day’s highlights were the South Sea Cargo sponsored canoe race from the PRV beach to Norsup Island and back. Crowds gathered along the shoreline to cheer on their favourite competitor as they battled for the top prize. The excitement and energy of the race set the tone for a day of community celebration.
Another favourite was the copra-cutting competition, where farmers showed off their skills and speed in a friendly test of the skills that sustain so many local families. Children enjoyed games and volley ball, and PRV’s stockmen taught kids about caring for animals and allowed them to meet and pat the horses. The raffle was highly anticipated, with the grand prize of a young bullock.
The day was filled with laughter, music, friendly competition, and heartfelt thanks to the hardworking copra farmers and agents who keep the Vanuatu coconut industry thriving. Live music filled the air throughout the afternoon, and everyone shared in a free laplap lunch by the sea. The community enjoyed a family-friendly dancing and relaxing day, bringing the community together.
Vanuatu Basket & PRV launched the Farmers Appreciation Day to honour the dedication and hard work of local copra farmers and agents, whose efforts form the backbone of Vanuatu’s coconut industry. Without their commitment, the coconut industry would not thrive, Vanuatu Basket said a statement.
“It’s been an encouraging time for copra producers, with Vanuatu Basket’s purchases growing steadily through the year across multiple islands with purchase prices reaching their highest levels in years. As of 13th October, the Vanuatu Basket Purchase price at our NISCOL warehouse in Santo climbed to 90,000 vatu per ton, reflecting strong demand and confidence in the industry — momentum that is expected to benefit producers throughout the islands.
“Vanuatu Basket has purchasing agents throughout multiple villages on many islands of Vanuatu, with more agents added all the time. Our agents provide a community service where farmers can sell directly to their community members and be paid on the same day. All our agents are supplied with a digital scale to weigh copra, allowing an open and transparent transaction.”
Alongside this growth, PRV has launched a new coconut nursery to support farmers in replanting and renewing older plantations. The initiative complements the Vanuatu Government’s national replanting program and aims to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the coconut industry for future generations, said Vanuatu Basket.
“This Farmer Appreciation Day is about saying thank you,” said the organisers. “Our farmers work long hours in the sun and rain to support their families, and we want to recognise that effort and let our farmers know that we appreciate them and all they do.”
See Daily Post article here: Community spirit shines at Vanuatu Basket-Farmers Appreciation Day | News | dailypost.vu
