5 Key Changes in Madagascar's Vanilla Industry: From $250/kg to Market Liberalization
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Madagascar, the world’s leading producer of the coveted spice, is witnessing significant transformations in its vanilla industry. The government’s recent move towards liberalizing the vanilla market has stirred both optimism and concern.
The Initial Price: $250/kg FOB
Initially, the government set a fixed Free On Board (FOB) price of $250 per kilogram for exported vanilla. This measure aimed to protect farmers from price fluctuations and ensure a stable income. However, the rigid pricing structure also posed challenges, including the risk of creating a black market and discouraging new entrants into the industry.
The Green Light for Liberalization
The 2022-2023 vanilla harvest season in the district of Ambanja marked the beginning of a new era for the vanilla industry. The government decided to liberalize the market, allowing the price of vanilla to be determined by the agreement between the collector and the farmer. This move is expected to stimulate competition and potentially lead to better prices for farmers. However, it also opens the door for potential exploitation by unscrupulous buyers. 1
Defending the Vanilla Farmers
President Andry Rajoelina has expressed his commitment to defending the interests of vanilla farmers amidst these changes. He acknowledges the challenges the industry is facing but remains optimistic about its future. The president explained that the minimum price of 75,000 ariary per kilo for green vanilla was set to protect farmers from being undersold. However, he also confirmed that the sector has been liberalized, and the minimum price of 250 dollars per kilo for exported vanilla has been removed. 2
Confirmation of Liberalization
The Ministry of Industrialization, Commerce, and Consumption (MICC) has confirmed the liberalization of the vanilla sector. This move is expected to benefit the industry by allowing prices to fluctuate according to supply and demand. However, the government has emphasized the need to protect farmers and ensure they receive fair prices for their products. 3
The Journey of Vanilla Farming in Madagascar
The changes in the vanilla industry are part of the larger story of vanilla farming in Madagascar. From the cultivation of the vanilla orchid to the curing of the beans, the process is labor-intensive and requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. 4 The journey of a vanilla bean from a Madagascar farm to your kitchen is a fascinating one, filled with hard work, dedication, and a deep respect for the land. 5
Sources:
L’Express de Madagascar – AMBANJA. – CAMPAGNE VANILLE – Vers la libéralisation effective du prix ↩
L’Express de Madagascar – ANDRY RAJOELINA – “Nous devons défendre les planteurs de vanille” ↩
L’Express de Madagascar – EXPORTATION – Le MICC confirme la libéralisation du secteur vanille ↩
VanillaNice – How are Vanilla Beans Grown from a Madagascar Farmer ↩