As a relative newcomer to vanilla cultivation, my journey from spreadsheets to the shade house has been both exhilarating and challenging. Now, my passion lies in growing the best sustainable vanilla and learning from the experts who dedicate their lives to this precious fragrant crop. So, when the opportunity arose to attend the 5th International Vanilla Congress, I didn't hesitate. Held on Réunion Island, an overseas Département of France, a leading vanilla producer and a source of inspiration for my own farm – Vanilla Paradise Nevis – this conference promised a unique blend of education and exploration.

A bit of history…

Réunion and Nevis, Sisters Under the Sun

When setting up my vanilla farm, I looked to Réunion as a template. Though separated by thousands of miles, the islands share striking similarities. Both islands are volcanic in origin, blessed with fertile soils and tropical climates ideal for cultivation. While Nevis experiences a tropical monsoon climate, Réunion's tropical rainforest conditions provide a slightly different yet comparable environment for vanilla growth.

Beyond Climate: A Shared Tapestry

While climate is a key factor, Réunion at latitude 21S and Nevis in the Northern Hemisphere at 17N, share deeper connections:

• Volcanic Origins: Both islands boast volcanic landscapes and fertile soils. Nevis Peak, a dormant volcano, stands guard over lush rainforests, whilst on Réunion, the Piton de la Fournaise volcano is one of the most active in the world with its most recent eruption occurring in 2022.

• Biodiversity: Both islands are havens for diverse plant and animal life, with unique endemic species.

• Tourism Hotspots: Tourism plays a vital role in both economies, attracting visitors with stunning scenery and idyllic beaches as well as hiking opportunities.

• Agricultural Roots: Despite the focus on tourism, both islands could grow all they need to eat if wished. Reunion still has a large sugar cane crop while Nevis stopped sugar production in 2005.

• History: both were colonies where sugar cane was the main crop grown by enslaved populations.

• Reunion remains French while Nevis has been independent since 1983

Learning from the Source: A Reunion with Inspiration

While researching, I discovered La Vanilleraie, a vanilla farm at Sainte Suzanne, in Réunion, run by Bertrand Côme. Bertrand, a renowned agronomist, has published articles and appeared on French TV voicing his concerns about climate change and its impact on the fragile vanilla crop. His expertise has been invaluable in guiding my own journey.  You can read about Bertrand’s trips to Nevis here.

Vanilla Congress: A Global Gathering for a Precious Bean

Held at the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), the conference's theme, "What future for vanilla in a changing world?", provided a platform for global experts to share their knowledge and insights.  

The theme certainly resonates for St Kitts and Nevis, where climate change poses significant challenges for those growing crops for a living or working in tourism. Addressing these climatic changes is critical for economic reliance on tourism and ensuring food security.

The conference covered a wide array of compelling topics, delving into the rich and fascinating history of vanilla introductions across the globe, from Tahiti's first encounter to the true origins of Mexican vanilla. The discussions highlighted the impressive genetic diversity within the vanilla family, underscoring its significance for future cultivation and resilience. The speakers covered the importance that local communities play in conserving wild vanilla, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar. The urgent issue of climate change and its potential impact on the future of vanilla cultivation was also a key focus, prompting discussions on sustainable practices and innovative solutions to safeguard this precious crop for future generations.

Although I don’t have a scientific background, I understood the potential threats posed by climate change to vanilla-growing areas. Proposed solutions included:

• Introducing climate resilience into vanilla plants through breeding programs.

• Exploring alternative production models that incorporate sustainable practices like agroforestry.

• The need for greater vanilla diversity was highlighted, with breeding programs utilizing wild relatives of Vanilla planifolia playing a key role.

• Decoding the Genome: Recent advancements in reconstructing the Vanilla planifolia genome, opening doors for future research.

• Disease Fighters: Breeding vanilla plants resistant to Fusarium oxysporum, a fungal disease (that I hope never to encounter on Vanilla Paradise Nevis!).

The conference underscored the importance of international collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for vanilla production. Key takeaways included:

• Diversity is Strength: Vanilla diversity is crucial for its survival and future development.

• Breeding and Research Matter: Breeding programs and genetic research are essential for disease resistance and climate resilience.

• Sustainability is Key: Sustainable farming practices are necessary to adapt to climate change and protect the environment.

• Local Voices, Global Impact: Local communities need to be involved in conservation efforts for wild vanilla species.

Beyond the Lectures: Networking Nuggets

Networking opportunities are a major conference perk. I was thrilled to meet and learn from several key figures.

One memorable presentation came from Dr Eric Jennings, University of Toronto, whose historical research shed light on the fascinating journey of vanilla from its origins to its global dominance. His work on the introduction of vanilla to Bourbon (Réunion), Madagascar, and Tahiti provided invaluable context for understanding the crop's development.

Dr Alan Chambers, Director of Applied Plant Breeding Innovations, KeyGene, gave us captivating insights into plant breeding and genomics. His emphasis on the need for genetic diversity and the potential of modern technologies to enhance vanilla cultivation resonated with all of us.

Dr. Adam Karremans, Researcher at the Centro de Investigación, Jardín Botánico Lankester, Universidad de Costa Rica, shed light on the fascinating identity crisis of the "Mexican" Vanilla. His work on clarifying the confusion between Vanilla mexicana and the true aromatic Vanilla planifolia provided invaluable context for understanding the crop's proper identification. Dr. Kerremans gave us insights into the characteristics of wild Vanilla planifolia populations in Central America. As someone who visited Costa Rica and was inspired there to grow vanilla myself, Dr. Kerremans' work resonated, offering valuable context for understanding the crop's proper identification and genetic diversity.

In his presentation, Dr. Ken Cameron, of the Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared his research on North America's endangered native Vanilla species. His study of genetic diversity and fungal communities in Vanilla barbellata and V. phaeantha highlighted urgent conservation needs. The findings on fungal endophytes and mycobiomes could inform cultivation practices, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity in successful vanilla farming.

Mr. Henry Todd, VP, Virginia Dare International, a conference attendee: A seasoned vanilla buyer, shared his vast experience in the vanilla industry. I had read about Mr Todd in Tim Ecott’s must-read book for anyone interested in vanilla: Travels in Search of the Luscious Substance .

It was fascinating to meet Natacha Kancel, a vanilla grower from Guadeloupe island, another French overseas Département that I have visited.  Natacha showed us samples of the “vanille givrée” or “frosted vanilla”, a variety which is high in vanillin and spectacular to see.  In addition, Natacha runs Drain’Ailes, an association that encourages women in agriculture, something that I am keen to do as well.

Slovenia: Tomaž Jevšnik of Ocean Orchids, a company growing over 2 million orchids a year, has branched out to vanilla, utilizing geothermal power to make sure the plants have the right climate.

We met Frédéric Lageat, an agro-consultant from Britanny, in Northern France, who works with farmers battered by competition, have converted their greenhouses that used to grow tomatoes, to grow vanilla under controlled conditions.

Meeting these growers and others from Europe, the Indian Ocean, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil and other regions broadened my perspective on the crop's adaptability. These unexpected encounters showcased the resilience and innovation of vanilla producers around the world.

A Useful Poster Session

In addition to the presentations, researchers and PhD students showed their work in vanilla via a poster session.  The one I liked the most and that won a prize from the conference’s Scientific Committee, focused on a technique that I will be adopting on Vanilla Paradise Nevis – that of “apex pinching” and its positive effect on flowering! This technique involves removing the apical meristem (the growing tip) of the plant. The poster was presented by Charlotte Daguenet, Plantation Manager at Saint Aubin Group, whom we thank.

From Laboratory to Rainforest

The conference offered the opportunity to inspect Cirad’s private vanilla collection.  As we toured the shade houses, we saw varieties whose beans were as thick as bananas as well as a leafless vanilla, “barbellata” whose vines are used mostly as cattle fodder and for medicinal purposes.

In addition, we visited several of the island’s vanilla farms and production centres -“vanilleraies” -, allowing us to see vanilla growing under shade as well as naturally in the forest and experiencing tropical conditions. The forest growing areas must be guarded during the harvesting seasons as theft is, sadly, a problem.

From Réunion to Reality: Cultivating Success at Home

Returning home to Nevis, I was filled with renewed enthusiasm and a clearer vision for the future of my farm. As I continue to learn and grow, I am committed to sharing my experiences and contributing to the global vanilla community.

By combining the insights gained from the conference with the unique conditions of Nevis, I am confident in creating a thriving vanilla operation that not only produces exceptional beans but also contributes to the island's economy and sustainability.

A great find, Vanilla beer to toast our stay on the wonderful Island of La Réunion! Santé!