The Tavioka Growers Association goes North this week, with symposiums planned in Labasa, Seaqaqa and Savusavu.

Association president, Ratu Josaia Rayawa, said the North held the key for export in the tavioka industry.

The association has recorded peaked interest from the North with even the Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and the Seaqaqa Police registering their interest.

The association was formalised this year and has since received an increase in farmer membership, standing at 400 to date, Ratu Josaia said.

Hoteliers and religious leaders have also rallied their own to join the symposium when it launches in Vanua Levu on Thursday.

The executive body that will comprise the North tour include social entrepreneur Fane Raravula, legal practitioner John Rabuku, former chief executive officer of Yatulau Company Limited Michael Makasiale, and association chairman Isikeli Tuituku.

“The purpose of the symposium is primarily to generate awareness and education on the matter,” Ratu Josaia said.

“By no means are we trying to deplete tavioka supply to the current markets.”

“It is important to note too that in this association, in this particular business, there are and will not be any free-riders.”

“Sometimes, it’s more about a strong mindset, than money.”

“This journey is about team work.”

“This is a serious journey about inspiring enough to be commercially driven, and on a large scale.”

“We’re starting with flour because people have got to eat first.”

“Bio fuel and other by products will come later.”

Milling
Ratu Josaia said the association had commenced milling tavioka flour which was being distributed among association executives and the pre-order market, as a trialing measure.

“Tonnes of tavioka flour have been milled to date, with more being prepared,” Ratu Josaia said.

Kava Korp director, John Sanday, said milling had been ongoing over the past three weeks, at his state-of-art processing facility in Colo-i-Suva.

“We have been stocking up Tavioka Growers Pte Ltd’s tavioka flour,” Mr Sanday said.

“They have more deliveries coming in the next few weeks.”

The association representatives will be in:
– Nabouwalu on Thursday.
– Seaqaqa on Friday.
– Savusavu on Saturday.

“We’re using all varieties of tavioka for now, except for the yellow species – and that’s only because we haven’t completed our research and tests as yet,” Ratu Josaia said.

It takes four kilogrammes of raw cassava to mill one kilogramme of cassava flour.

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