Iavro pushes stronger links between agriculture and trade
Trade Minister Robson Iavro and Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo Rasou visited VARTC on 27 August 2026 and called for stronger research–production–trade links.
- policy
- trade
1962
A coconut station is born
IRHO, the French oil-crops institute, founds the Saraoutou coconut research station: coconut breeding, agronomy and cattle grazing under the palms.[7]
1960s
The disease that made a breeding programme
Exotic palms die of a new wilt while the local Vanuatu Tall stays healthy — the discovery of Coconut Foliar Decay Virus. Tolerance becomes the station's guiding trait.[8]
1967
Charolais under the coconuts
A Charolais crossbreeding programme begins. Crossbred cattle later lift the productivity of the coconut grove by about 15%.[9]
1982
Cocoa and coffee
IRCC opens a coffee and cocoa unit at Valeteruru; soon after, both institutes become part of CIRAD.[7]
1994
A national centre
The station becomes the Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Training Centre. In 1998 yam, taro, sweet potato, cassava and kava join the mandate.[7]
2003
VARTC by law
The VARTC Act creates the statutory Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Technical Centre — CTRAV in French — with a CEO, Board and Scientific Advisory Council.[7]
2017
Yams named for heroes
Hybrid yams 'Dr Roger', 'White Waelu' and 'Jerome' honour a scientist and two farmers.[10]
Today
Seed for the nation
A first Strategic Plan (2023–27), new varieties, and a national seed-bank network anchored at Saraoutou.[5]
