Vanilla production contributes to the local economy of French Polynesia. Although it was a major export crop after its introduction by the French in 1848, vanilla is no longer a significant export product.
Vanilla was first introduced to French Polynesia by French colonizers as an export crop. Later, it became an important cash crop in the development of the island's economy. In the early 20th century, production was much greater than it is today, with 150-200 tons produced annually and plantations employing a sizable percentage of the population. Over the years, its production has been influenced by several factors and has declined from a high of 200 tons to a 2013 yield of 60 tons. The largest concentration of the vanilla variety Vanilla × tahitensis (Tahitian vanilla) is situated in the Society Islands.[1] The island of Taha'a, known as the "Vanilla Island"[2] because of its pervasive aroma of vanilla, produces about 80% of all French Polynesia's vanilla.
- ^ Conese, Jackie (2011). "The Vanilla of French Polynesia". Sea Education Association. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
- ^ "Islands Magazine". Islands: 50. March 2006. ISSN 0745-7847.