This Act lays down rules for the administration and functions of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; the development of the Vanuatu Agriculture Sector Policy by the Department; the appointment and authorization of officers by the Director of the Department; application procedures to carry out business in an agricultural activity by a foreign investor, application evaluation, grant of a permit, permit fees and the exemption of the payment of the permit fee; the obligation of permit holder to provide an annual report to the Director regarding the status of the development of the agriculture business; imposition of a tax on prime agriculture land subdivided for other uses; cooperation between the relevant Government bodies and the private sector in ensuring the implementation and review of the Policy; coordination of the Vanuatu Agriculture Sector Policy with other sectoral policies for effective implementation; inspection of agricultural investments for the compliance with the provisions of this Act; approval, restriction or prohibition of the export of agricultural products by the Minister; the obligation of the Director to provide an annual report to the Minister regarding the implementation of the Policy; and offences and penalties. In addition to its general functions, the Department encourages environmental protection and sustainable farming methods in all agricultural practices, promotes the protection of endemic species to be considered in all agricultural practices, facilitates the establishment of appropriate centres for planting materials and inputs in all major islands of Vanuatu, and promotes organic farming. If need be, the Minister may grant a permit to any applicant for research into related commodity or any aspect of such commodity to determine its properties and its use for medical, human consumption or for other purposes. The Minister, on the advice of the Director, may make Regulations consistent with this Act for the better carry out or giving effect to the provisions of this Act. Agricultural commodities are listed in the Schedule.