According to FAO, World production and trade of fresh tropical fruit is expected to expand over the next decade. Developing countries account for about 98 percent of total production, while developed countries account for 80 percent of world import trade. The major tropical fruits, mango, pineapples, papaya and avocado account for approximately 75 percent of global fresh tropical fruit production, while other minor fruits such as lychees, durian, rambutan, guavas, soursop and passionfruit are produced and traded in smaller volumes. The trade for these fruits have also increased in recent years. More than 90 percent of tropical fruit produced fruits are produced in developing countries.
The expansion in production and trade of tropical fruits, marked by increasing market demand for quality produce is often affected by challenges such as reduced productivity, postharvest losses and pest and diseases incidences. Indirect factors influencing this scenario include global climate change, rapid population growth, middle class expansion and environmental degradation. To address these challenges, research institutions worldwide have embarked on programs to improve tropical fruit productivity in such areas which pertains to breeding and selection for better adaptable cultivars, techniques to reduce postharvest losses, improving quality and food safety attributes, all to satisfy consumer preferences and market demand. The question of Sanitary and Phytosanitary regulations is another issue which being discussed among countries for fruits with export potential.
Cognizant of the various issues and challenges in expanding production to meet market demands, and reducing impacts of elements such as diseases, postharvest losses and quality, International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) , is organising a symposium to look at the recent developments in tropical fruit research to enhance market demand and profitability.
The objective of the symposium is to:
- Inform participants of the various current research initiatives on tropical fruit to improve productivity and marketability
- Inform participants the selection of a new Cavendish banana cultivar that is resistant to Fusarium wilt disease.
- Share experiences on the various initiatives taken to improve productivity and quality for export markets
- Discuss on policies to enhance tropical fruit research and markets
The presenters in the symposium are all experts in the field of tropical fruit and members of International Tropical Fruits Network.
Presentations include “Strategy for combating Fusarium Wilt in banana through conventional breeding, GMO’s and cultivation technology” by Dr. Yi Ganjun, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guanzhou, China; “Research needs to align with commercial practice – Alternative concept for mango market access protocol” by Bob Williams, Dept. of Plant Industry, Darwin, Australia; and “Production and marketing of tropical fruits in GCC countries” by Dr. Hassan Dinar, FAO Saudi Arabia.
For the full programme, click here.
Venue: Perdana Ballroom, Palm Garden Hotel, IOI Resort, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Participants: Research institutions, government agencies, universities, private sector
Symposium fees: TFNet members: RM 250
Non-TFNet members: RM 300
Students: RM 200
Foreign participants: USD 120
To register visit the Symposium website here.