We wish you all a happy 2022!
On behalf of the TFNet Chairperson and Board of Trustees, the Secretariat would like to thank all esteemed members, partners, and stakeholders for your support in 2021.
The past year has enhanced the dynamics of our usual way of partnership engagements through virtual interactions, and continued to bolster new norms for working together with our esteemed members and partners in the tropical fruits sector. The last year has also been important in creating new knowledge and innovations towards developing a resilient tropical fruit sector.
TFNet’s partnerships and collaborations in 2021 paved the way for the successful organizing of events such as the Malaysian National Fruit Symposium, the National Banana Congress, the International Symposium on Tropical Fruits 2021 and the 2nd International Symposium on Durian and Other Tropical Fruits. These fruitful partnerships were birthed from the dedication and commitment of members and partners from both TFNet member countries and others. In conjunction with the UN-FAO International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021 (IYFV 2021), TFNet remained committed in its role as a member of the International Steering Committee by engaging with partners and members alike to promote IYFV 2021 at all levels including policy makers.
With the favourable outlook projected for the global banana and tropical fruit industry by OECD-FAO in the coming years, TFNet wishes to continue the momentum by increasing awareness, knowledge and capacities on the importance of tropical fruits which contribute significantly towards healthy diets and sustainable livelihoods through its yearly activities.
2022 will be another exciting year as TFNet has planned beneficial activities including virtual workshops on topics that impact the tropical fruit industry such as the latest in banana research, expert webinar series on minor fruit types, postharvest losses, research innovations and marketing, and its annual international symposium. Stay tuned for announcements on these events through TFNet’s monthly Newsfeed.
TFNet also calls the attention of stakeholders especially those in the pineapple and avocado trade to participate in the FAO-led project on ‘Building Responsible Global Value Chains for Sustainable Tropical Fruits’ (ongoing from 2021) which serves to assist in addressing sustainability challenges faced, especially in the wake of existing supply chain disruptions.
These activities align with TFNet’s core mission of facilitating international cooperation, focused on addressing important knowledge gaps and building of capacities of member countries and stakeholders.
As the new year dawns on us, TFNet invites all interested parties to join us in the forthcoming activities planned.
TFNet looks forward to accomplishing greater success with governments and industry players for the year ahead.
Have a productive 2022!
The Secretariat of the International Tropical Fruits Network