The South Pacific will always be the home of kava, but the Fijian government is encouraging farmers to take advantage of the traditional brew's popularity amongst hip New Yorkers and health enthusiasts overseas.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is launching the 'Fiji Yaqona Quality Manual' as a guideline for farmers to produce kava that meets the industry standards of countries like Australia and the United States.

Zane Yoshida, owner of the kava processing company, Taki Mai, says there is a golden opportunity for South Pacific farmers, if they are willing to lift their game.