Pearl farmers are sounding the alarm about critical challenges facing their industry. They blame the 2017 local legislation governing pearl production and trade for causing price drops, particularly after the elimination of export quality controls. They also strongly oppose the sale and export of rejected pearls (rebuts).
Members of the Small and Medium-Sized Pearl Farmers Union of French Polynesia (SPMPPF) and the Federation of Marine Resources Professionals (FPRME) held a press conference Thursday morning. They expressed frustration over a persistent “communication breakdown” with the government spanning three years, despite repeated appeals. SPMPPF and FPRME President Mia Williams denounced feeling systematically ignored by authorities.
Farmers specifically criticize the July 18, 2017 law, asserting prices have plummeted since its implementation – a decline exacerbated by COVID-19. They highlight the disappearance of X-ray quality controls and the creation of a “reject pearls” category as particularly damaging.
To counter this crisis, farmers propose an emergency action plan:
- An outright ban on selling/exporting rejected pearls, with immediate destruction required
- Mandatory nacre thickness controls to maintain product quality
- Quality-driven pricing to reverse market devaluation
While the 2017 law established a Pearl Farming Council, Williams calls it “an empty shell,” criticizing delayed implementation – only 9 of 25 pearl-producing islands have formed management committees. She urges simplified committee structures for faster rollout.
In response, Pearl Farming Minister Teva Rohfritsch notes the price decline began in the early 2000s, maintaining the 2017 law aimed to ensure sustainable resource management. He announced an August meeting with the Pearl Farming Council and management committees to develop post-COVID recovery strategies. The minister also pledged to propose exemptions for maritime occupancy fees and pearl export duties to relevant authorities.
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