Vaoala Vanilla Blogs — Samoa

While on my own vanilla journey it has been really interesting for me to learn how many new vanilla growers are not given the proper training or advice on the importance of 'looping' and how to 'loop' vanilla vines correctly! Vanilla has two root systems, aerial and ground roots, and both have an important role to play but the ground roots are the most important! I have been asked by many new vanilla growers from around the world to give my advice on why their vine is sickly looking and not giving lush green leaves like my vines.  When looking at the images they...

I had the privilege of being interviewed for the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), International Women's Day #IWD2023 podcast on (click on link here): Bridging the digital gender gap - Episode 41.   Intro excerpt from IFAD website: Shelley Burich is a community organizer, female empowerment professional and an e-commerce entrepreneur. She is also the only commercial vanilla farmer in all of Samoa. She is passionate about IFAD’s support of women across the island, helping them to become self-reliant through agri-business.    Interview mark: 00:33:21

About me Tālofa lava. That is greetings in Samoan. I’m Shelley Burich. I am an indigenous Samoan, with Chinese & English heritage. I am a Wife, Mother, Nana and have a vanilla farm in the village of Vaoala (pronounced “Vow-ah-lah”), Samoa.  Samoa is a small Polynesian island nation consisting of two main islands, two smaller islands and several uninhabited islands, located in the South Pacific. It has a population of only 200,000 people. Vaoala is located on the island of Upolu. I have great love and affection for vanilla, and that love has turned me into the sole commercial vanilla...