National Mango Congress to highlight need for global competitiveness
GLAN, Sarangani Province, August 7 (PIA) -- Increasing the competitiveness of Philippine mangoes in international markets and developing more production areas in Mindanao will be the focus of this year’s 13th National Mango Congress.
Themed “Positioning the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market,” the congress specifically aims to help local producers better understand and comply with the quality requirements of foreign markets which include Japan, China, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The conference will also showcase areas in Mindanao which have the potential to become mango production areas, update farmers on the latest production technologies, and share best production practices among industry stakeholders.
Around 500 growers, processors, consolidators, exporters and ancillary service providers from across the country are anticipated to attend the three-day event which will be held in the resort town of Glan in Sarangani Province, an emerging tourist destination in Southern Mindanao.
“We would like to highlight the Soccksargen Region especially Sarangani Province as a viable location for off-season mango production,” said Fred Dumasis, president of the Sarangani Federation of Fruit Industry Associations, Inc., lead organizer of the congress.
Dumasis explained that the region’s vast land area and favorable agro-climatic condition make it an ideal location for year-round mango production and could host critical support service facilities such as hot-water treatment (HWT), vapor heat treatment (VHT) plants and packing houses.
“Through the conference, we hope that our local mango growers will be encouraged to expand production and improve quality, and consequently, help boost our industry’s exports,” he added.
The congress will also feature plenary sessions on the prevailing industry situation, emerging market trends, logistics, and government support programs for the mango industry.
To cap the event, conference delegates are expected to submit proposed action plans to the national government, which contain proposals on how industry players and relevant government agencies can work together to ensure the mango industry’s continued growth and expansion in the coming years.
Philippine mangoes have gained a foothold in the Asian market. The country is the biggest supplier of fresh mangoes to Hong Kong, accounting for 39% of the latter’s mango imports in 2003.
The Philippines is also a major supplier of mangoes to Japan, accounting for almost 63% of the country’s fresh mango requirements. The Philippines also exports mangoes to South Korea, mainland China, Singapore and the United States.
USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, in partnership with the Mindanao Fruit Industry Council (MinFruit) and the Department of Agriculture, has over the years been helping to enhance the production methods of small-hold fruit and vegetable farmers across Mindanao, while linking them with prospective local and foreign buyers. (DED/PIA 12/DA 12)
Themed “Positioning the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market,” the congress specifically aims to help local producers better understand and comply with the quality requirements of foreign markets which include Japan, China, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The conference will also showcase areas in Mindanao which have the potential to become mango production areas, update farmers on the latest production technologies, and share best production practices among industry stakeholders.
Around 500 growers, processors, consolidators, exporters and ancillary service providers from across the country are anticipated to attend the three-day event which will be held in the resort town of Glan in Sarangani Province, an emerging tourist destination in Southern Mindanao.
“We would like to highlight the Soccksargen Region especially Sarangani Province as a viable location for off-season mango production,” said Fred Dumasis, president of the Sarangani Federation of Fruit Industry Associations, Inc., lead organizer of the congress.
Dumasis explained that the region’s vast land area and favorable agro-climatic condition make it an ideal location for year-round mango production and could host critical support service facilities such as hot-water treatment (HWT), vapor heat treatment (VHT) plants and packing houses.
“Through the conference, we hope that our local mango growers will be encouraged to expand production and improve quality, and consequently, help boost our industry’s exports,” he added.
The congress will also feature plenary sessions on the prevailing industry situation, emerging market trends, logistics, and government support programs for the mango industry.
To cap the event, conference delegates are expected to submit proposed action plans to the national government, which contain proposals on how industry players and relevant government agencies can work together to ensure the mango industry’s continued growth and expansion in the coming years.
Philippine mangoes have gained a foothold in the Asian market. The country is the biggest supplier of fresh mangoes to Hong Kong, accounting for 39% of the latter’s mango imports in 2003.
The Philippines is also a major supplier of mangoes to Japan, accounting for almost 63% of the country’s fresh mango requirements. The Philippines also exports mangoes to South Korea, mainland China, Singapore and the United States.
USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, in partnership with the Mindanao Fruit Industry Council (MinFruit) and the Department of Agriculture, has over the years been helping to enhance the production methods of small-hold fruit and vegetable farmers across Mindanao, while linking them with prospective local and foreign buyers. (DED/PIA 12/DA 12)
