Business expo gives kava farming family new ideas for growth

A Nasasa woman says business expos are helping small farmers gain new knowledge and grow their enterprises.

Lavinia Vinau, 40, attended the recent Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) and Business Link Pacific (BLP) MSME Networking Expo in the North on behalf of her husband, Sairusi Bana.

It was her first time attending the expo, where she learned about new business opportunities and farming practices.

“This is my first time attending this expo and coming across many new things in the North,” Ms Vinau said.

She said a friend had encouraged her to attend the event, which she found informative and interactive.

“There were many stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, providing farming tips and sharing new ideas that could help small businesses,” she said.

Mr Bana has been involved in the kava business for the past 20 years, with Ms Vinau supporting the family enterprise.

The couple grows kava and sells it at the Labasa Market. They began selling from home before securing a stall at the market seven years ago.

“We do kava farming and then bring it to the market,” Ms Vinau said.

She said changing weather patterns remained one of the biggest challenges affecting kava production.

“This business is good, and expos like this help small businesses to grow,” she said.