Vanilla commodities from farmers in Semarang Regency and its surrounding areas are gaining attention in the United States market. This was evident through the export of 1.5 tons of vanilla to Uncle Sam's land on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The majority of the vanilla commodities exported originated from Semarang Regency and its neighbouring regions, such as Salatiga and Temanggung. Furthermore, this relatively scarce commodity holds significant export value. The export to the United States was carried out directly by Semarang Regent, Ngesti Nugraha. During this occasion, the Regent conveyed that the Semarang Regency government will continue to provide full support for the development of vanilla investments in the regency, with the aim of further expansion. In addition, the vanilla commodity can boost enthusiasm in the field of agriculture. Particularly, it encourages today's millennials to take an interest in the agricultural sector, fostering innovations.
The Head of the Semarang Regency Agriculture and Food Security Agency (Dispertanikap), Moh Edy Sukarno, added that they will establish partnerships with companies engaged in the export. This initiative is seen as full support for vanilla farmers. It was noted that vanilla is suitable for cultivation in areas with an elevation ranging from 400 to 800 metres above sea level (masl). These lands are located in mountainous regions, and not every location is suitable for vanilla cultivation. A representative from the Board of Directors of PT Sumber Rahardja Makmur, Eswin Condro, mentioned that the current export value of vanilla overseas reaches USD 100 per kilogram. Presently, vanilla prices worldwide are experiencing a decline. His company has been exporting vanilla since 2017, with the largest market situated in the United States. On average, the export volume is quite substantial, ranging from one to two tons per shipment. According to him, vanilla possesses high economic value and can be maximised by the community. This is reinforced by Indonesia being the world's second-largest producer of vanilla. Yet, the general public is still unaware of this. Hence, when the government implemented the 'threefold export value' campaign, it brought joy to the vanilla entrepreneurs and farmers.
