| Knowledge
Network Related to Tropical Fruits Industry |
| Strategic
alliances with existing international knowledge network
are important means for meeting the interest of various
groups in the industry. Two of the relevant organizations
that could address the needs of the industry are the International
Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) and the International
Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS).
TFNet,
an independent and self-sustaining global network, serves
as repository of information on production, processing,
marketing, consumption, and international trade of tropical
fruits. There are three member countries, namely China,
Malaysia and Fiji. Other
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| members
are industry associations and individuals. TFNet is providing
assistance to fruit growers in obtaining EurepGAP certification
by collaborating with Syngenta. |
The ISHS
has a vast network of individual, institutional, and country
members. It promotes research in all branches of horticulture
and encourages the development of international co-operation,
bringing together scientific and technical professionals to
stimulate, facilitate and co-ordinate research and scientific
activities on a global scale.
Tropical and Sub-Tropical Fruits and Networking for Research
and
Both TFNet and ISHS provide mechanisms for the exchange of
information on the current state of the industry, research
and technology transfer. They create venues for the exchange
of views and information; establish and reaffirm professional
contacts; and foster research and commercial strategies for
the growth of the fruits industry.
Proposed
policy directions towards the enhancement of the tropical
fruit industry in Asia
Globalization of trade is being implemented through international
commercial agreements that no longer focus on traditional
trade matters such as reducing tariff and quotas but on a
comprehensive set of policies to which signatory countries
are required to conform.
The constraints
set by these policies focus on food safety, farm worker and
consumer health and safety, and environmental protection.
The need for coordinated and accelerated research and development
efforts in the areas of fruit quality and safety and harmonized
treatments of fruits for exports should therefore be considered.
Specific
R&D concerns that may be pursued are the following:
1) Post-harvest
technology and ripening. There is currently no vigorous R&D
effort in most Asian countries. Inadequate resources and severely
low R&D expenditures are the limiting factors in the pursuit
of technology generation activities in the region. China,
however, is actively pursuing post-harvest research so as
to meet the demand for such high value fruits like litchi,
longan, citrus, mango, pineapple and bananas.
2) Pests
and diseases. Measures in controlling and eradicating broad-spectrum
diseases and pests should be pursued. As there are emerging
pathogens, safety of the fruits must be continually assessed
and updated. Pest and disease eradication programs should
be systematized.
3) Propagation.
Farmers frequently cannot obtain seeds or propagules of fruit
varieties they need and must instead use planting materials
of low physiological and sanitary quality. Effective clonal
propagation of planting materials is desired.
4) Flowering
induction. With seasonality of tropical fruits, research should
be pursued to determine the flowering processes of tropical
fruits as well as flower induction and control. Apart from
mango, which is well researched in the Philippines, little
is done for other fruit species along this research area.
5) Supply
chain management of tropical fruits. The entire tropical fruits
supply chain must be managed efficiently to ensure proper
balance between quality issues and regular supply. A thorough
assessment of the supply chain is needed. Technology transfer
from research institutions is required and the digital divide
has to be addressed.
The establishment
of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) has become a global
trend. FTAs, however, are very much about market access and
trade liberalization. There are no built-in provisions for
cooperative undertaking in areas of technology upgrading,
institution building, trade facilitation and industry competitiveness.
The need
for a strategic alliance among ASEAN, East Asian countries
and knowledge organizations in horticulture can be pursued
through the creation of Asian Tropical and Sub- Tropical Fruits
Community (ATTFC). The ATTFC is proposed to be an inter-governmental
union of ASEAN and East Asian countries to serve as a regional
bloc providing the means for attaining collective efficiency
and productivity in tropical fruits production.
Foremost
of the ATTFC concerns are to promote R&D on fruit quality
and safety and in improving the supply chain; harmonize the
protocols related to technical aspects of production and trade;
technology transfer; support to SMEs; capacity building, and
infrastructure (storage facilities and collection centers)
development. Collaboration with existing knowledge networks
like TFNet and ISHS shall be established for sharing of information
and capacity building. A common policy governing ATTFC is
proposed to be formulated preferably by the ASEAN secretariat.
(Rita M. Fabro, S&T Media Service)
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