What is the Regenerative Pacific Learning Exchange?

The Regenerative Pacific Learning Exchange is a unique, immersive experience designed to deepen understanding of the Regenerative Verification Program. It is not a conventional training or workshop—rather, it is a shared journey of learning, unlearning, reconnecting, and strengthening relationships across the Pacific region. Participants engage directly with regenerative farms, agritourism hosts, chefs, agribusiness operators, and cultural knowledge holders, learning how regeneration looks and feels in practice and place.

How does this Exchange connect to the Regional Pacific Regenerative Verification Initiative?

The Exchange is a key component of the Regional Pacific Regenerative Verification Initiative, an official program under the post-2025 Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy. Regenerative Vanua has been designated as the organisation responsible for implementing the Regenerative Verification Program in the Pacific. The exchanges connect to the Initiative as they are designed as a space for deep learning, reflection, and conversation around regenerative living and practice. Participants in these exchanges not only explore regenerative farming and hosting practices, but also learn to tell their own stories—to express the values and knowledge that make regeneration in the Pacific unique. Those participants who have taken part in the exchanges will go on to become ambassadors, hosts, stockists, and suppliers for the Regenerative Verification Program. In time, they themselves will be supported to become Regenerative Verified, whether through regenerative agribusiness, value-added enterprises, agritourism, agriculture, or gastronomy.

Essentially, the exchange is the first step in becoming verified under the Regenerative Verification Program.

What can participants expect during the April and May Exchanges in Vanuatu and Australia?

Participants will stay with regenerative hosts on farms and in Vanuas, gaining an intimate experience of daily practices in regenerative agriculture, agritourism, and gastronomy. Workshops are delivered by hosts and partners at different stages of their own regenerative verification journey. Participants learn from one another while sharing stories, culture, and lived experiences that shape regenerative practice across the Pacific.

You will be involved in activities such as farm work, composting workshops, beekeeping demonstrations, storytelling sessions, cooking and fermenting/food preservation classes, coffee roastery tours/other agribusiness tours, and immerse in culturally grounding experiences.

During the program, you will stay in shared, rural accomodation, and be cooking and eating together. The exchange follows a regenerative, whole-food, seasonal, organic diet, with no processed foods and no added sugar. In Vanuatu, this includes foods such as fresh fish, fruits, root crops, vegetables, and locally available produce. You will be eating what the Vanua provides!

Is this Exchange only about farming or agriculture?

No. While regenerative farming is a core component of what we do at Regenerative Vanua as an organisation as well as through the Regenerative Verification Initiative, we place emphasis on the (often forgotten or neglected) cultural aspects of agriculture. In other words, we embrace all regenerative practices which protect and regenerative land, culture, body, mind, spirit. This includes regenerative gastronomy, nutrition, agritourism, value addition, handicrafts, and cultural practices, such as storytelling. Regeneration is understood holistically—connecting food, land, relationships, identity, and economic resilience.

Who should apply to the Exchanges?

Because of the holistic approach we take to regeneration as listed above, our Exchanges are ideal for farmers, agritourism operators, chefs, community leaders, researchers, and practitioners committed to regenerative agriculture, Pacific food systems and Indigenous knowledge. We welcome people who are open-minded, collaborative, and ready to be part of a regional movement for regenerative transformation.

Specifically, if you are interested in in becoming verified under the Regenerative Verification Program for your practice or skillset, such as your farm, homestay, restaurant, or handicraft business, then this exchange is the first step for you in becoming verified.

If you don’t feel that this applies to you, you might be better suited to participate as a guest in our Regenerative Journeys program – which connects Regenerative Verified agritourism and gastronomy businesses with guests who want to experience regenerative living firsthand and transform their own lives through this learning. In this way, the journeys connect travellers with the hosts and Vanuas who began their own regenerative learning through the exchanges, creating a continuous cycle of learning, sharing, and transformation.

So, you don’t need to be a Pacific Islander to apply?

No, you do not need to be a Pacific Islander or be an Indigenous person to apply. While we prioritise Indigenous applicants from the Pacific region, anyone can participate in the Regenerative Pacific Intercultural Learning Exchange and be verified under the Regenerative Verification Initiative.

What is the role of Regenerative Vanua in this program?

Regenerative Vanua facilitates the Exchange in partnership with the Regenerative Stewardship Collective and a network of regional collaborators. As the organisation responsible for implementing the Regenerative Verification Program, Regenerative Vanua leads the development of regenerative pathways that strengthen sovereignty, build economic resilience, and honour Pacific knowledge systems.

What makes this Exchange different from other capacity-building programs?

This Exchange is not structured around instructors and students. It is multidirectional, decentred, and relational. Every participant—whether a farmer, chef, agribusiness operator, or community leader—contributes knowledge and insight. The Exchange is grounded in storian, reflection, and hands-on learning, creating deeper personal and Vanua transformation than standard trainings.

How does this program benefit Pacific Vanuas?

The Exchange strengthens regional capacity for regenerative farming, hosting, and food systems. It builds networks of support, enhances economic opportunities, and uplifts Indigenous knowledge systems. Through shared learning and verification, Pacific Vanuas lead their own regenerative pathways—shaping a resilient, sovereign, and culturally grounded future.

How much does the Exchange cost?

Registration for the exchange is 500,000VT ($6,000 AUD), which includes inter-island/regional transport, field trips, training, accommodation and meals with majority of the funds going directly to the hosts.

This registration fee does not include international flights from your place of departure. An information package will be sent to you if you are selected to attend with an itinerary, packing list etc. 

Please email regenerativevanua@gmail.com if you require a information letter from Regenerative Vanua to assist you in seeking sponsorship for your registration fee.