This presentation explores the innovative efforts to cultivate a sustainable sugarcane industry in Vanuatu, aimed at enhancing local agricultural capacity and resilience amidst a challenging climate prone to cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Spearheaded by 83 Islands Distillery, this initiative focuses on transforming Vanuatu's untapped potential for sugarcane cultivation into a thriving industry that supports local farmers and the broader economy.

However, we faced considerable challenges due to a lack of knowledge about sugarcane strains and working with untrained farmers who had no prior experience in sugarcane cultivation. Additionally, logistical issues and high transport costs further complicated the situation. Despite these obstacles, we made significant progress over three years, growing from zero to 300 tons of production, which showcases our resilience and adaptability.

The presentation will cover key strategies, including the development of training programs for farmers, infrastructure improvements to facilitate sugarcane transportation, and the adoption of sustainable farming techniques. It will also detail how we overcame these challenges through innovative solutions and community collaboration. This case study emphasises the importance of developing resilient agricultural systems that can withstand environmental adversities while empowering local communities, ultimately fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for Vanuatu's agricultural sector.