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This
is the second part of the three-part article taken from the paper
of the same title submitted as resource paper during the International
Workshop on Tropical and Subtropical Fruits in Chang Mai, Thailand
last December 2-3, 2006 prepared by Drs. P.S. Faylon, A.P. Aquino,
J.E. Eusebio, L.J. Buendia and Ms. A.G. Tidon, all of PCARRD. The
third part will feature the “Knowledge network for tropical
fruits and proposed policy directions”.
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Tropical
fruit supply chain status in Asia
Tropical fruit production is generally seasonal.
Fruit trees are typically grown in small farms in Asia although
high value fruits like bananas and mangoes are commercially
grown especially if intended for export. Transnational companies
generally control banana production and trade. |
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Tropical
fruits are highly perishable, necessitating efficient harvesting,
packing and transportation systems. Tropical fruits for export
are shipped in refrigerated vessels to prevent them from ripening
before arrival. They are ripened in special facilities upon
arrival to destination.
Post
harvest losses are typically major problems in Asia. These
are accounted for by unfavorable climate, cultural practices,
inappropriate methods of harvesting and packing, poor storage
conditions, and inadequate handling during transport.
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| Mangos
for transport in non-cooler trucks |
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Transportation
is a serious problem. Vehicles used in transporting bulk raw fruits
are often not equipped with refrigeration system. High temperatures
during transport cause fruits to bruise and deteriorate early.
Tropical
fruits have short shelf life. Losses in storage may be caused by
physiological deterioration of fruits during storage and by insects,
bacteria, yeasts, viruses, rodents and other animals.
Post
harvest losses in tropical fruits vary widely from 10 to 80% in
both developed and developing countries. These losses occur along
the supply chain, from harvesting to packing, storage, transporting,
retailing and consumption. In the Philippines, post harvest losses
range from 15 to 35%. Fruits like papaya could suffer losses from
30 to 60%. Japan, Republic of Korea and Taiwan have reported losses
of about 10% (FAO Comtrade).
Trade
policies affecting the tropical fruit industry in Asia
Strict trade regulations are among the major reasons for relatively
low exports of tropical fruits (except banana) by Asian countries.
Sanitary
and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures are probably the most significant
policy concerns in international trade of tropical fruits. Major
importing countries like the US, Japan, and the European Union (EU)
have imposed strict SPS standards and quality systems for exporting
countries.
For
instance, they now require maximum residue limits for pesticides
(particularly methyl bromide) in fruits. The use of pest risk analysis
in tropical fruits has also become increasingly important for countries
eyeing access to international markets, particularly the EU.
EU,
the biggest importer and the second largest exporter of foodstuff
is a major
supporter of WTO. Exporters to EU need to comply with production
standards determined by EurepGAP, a partnership among agricultural
producers and retailers in EU wanting to establish certification
standards and procedures for GAP.
However,
for many exporting Asian countries, creating an entirely new set
of rules and quality standards could be costly and problematic.
For one, many safety standards
should be built on sound scientific procedures, For most Asian countries,
where research and development (R&D) is underprovided, this
is difficult to put in place unless there is
full support from policy makers.
Lately,
there have been complaints by developing countries like Indonesia,
Egypt, and South Africa at the WTO about the stringent EurepGAP
standards.
Another
basic issue is that SPS agreements tend to curtail the implementation
and use of existing innovative procedures that are ahead of international
standards. (Rita M. Fabro, S&T Media Service)
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