The current challenges in Papua New Guinea's vanilla market include:
Fluctuating demand: Global demand for vanilla can fluctuate significantly from year to year, depending on economic conditions and other factors. This can make it difficult for PNG vanilla farmers to plan their production and secure a fair price for their product.
Lack of infrastructure: PNG has limited infrastructure, which can make it difficult and expensive to transport vanilla beans from farms to processing facilities and export ports.
Limited access to finance: Many PNG vanilla farmers are smallholders with limited access to finance. This can make it difficult for them to invest in improved farming practices and post-harvest processing facilities.
Informal trade: A significant portion of PNG's vanilla is traded informally, outside of government channels. This can lead to price suppression and make it difficult to track the quality and quantity of vanilla being exported.
Climate change: Climate change is a growing threat to vanilla production in PNG. Cyclones, droughts, and other extreme weather events can damage vanilla crops and reduce yields.