A new vanilla growers' association has been set up in Tonga to represent farmers, six months into a five-year partnership with the Australian company, Queen Fine Foods.
There are 270 growers contracted to Queen Fine Foods, which offers a fixed price for vanilla.
The Queen Vanilla Growers Vava'u Association Incorporated was formed with 12 board members elected from among the growers.
The Association's executive director, Ian Jones, says it can be difficult for farmers re-entering the market to find a buyer.
"By forming the association we're able to actually create a collective where the association can help the growers go out, find a market and negotiate prices that are fair."
Ian Jones says the Association will represent all contracted farmers in contract negotiations.
