TFNet - International Tropical Fruits Network

What is TFNet?

CAPABILITY STATEMENT

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) is an international network established under the auspices of the FAO of the United Nations in 2000 with the aim of promoting sustainable development of the tropical fruit industry in relation to production, consumption and trade. It also aims to improve management capacity for economic growth of tropical fruit growing countries.

International Tropical Fruits Network undertakes assignments for development agencies, governments, non-governmental organizations and private sector institutions. TFNet has a strong commitment to developing and benefiting from the capacity of the people with whom we work.

TFNet which is autonomous, non- profit and non-political is based in Malaysia.

CAPABILITIES

The capability of International Tropical Fruits Network builds on:

The wide experience and proven track record of TFNet with its list of capacity building projects and events.

The record of our partners and associates, comprising Inter government organizations, international organizations, associations and companies involved in developing economies within the activities and sectors supported by our services.

A permanent core of highly motivated professional staff

A strong network of co-operation with national and international organizations, institutions, private companies and individual experts related to agricultural and rural development. This network is available to International Tropical Fruits Network for consultancy assignments, professional back-up and quality assurance.

TFNet has conducted studies and assignments in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

We subscribe to the following guiding principles in defining and driving TFNet's activities and interactions.

Accountability - TFNet is driven by and accountable to its members.

Membership Satisfaction - TFNet is committed to anticipating, understanding and meeting members' needs and expectations.

International Cooperation - TFNet is committed to international cooperation and the building of partnerships among members and other regional networks in its operations and activities.

Diversity - TFNet recognizes the diversity within its member institutions, and strives to build consensus and understanding in achieving common goals.

Excellence - TFNet is committed to strive relentlessly in the pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement in its services and operations

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF TFNet

From 2001 to 2009, TFNet has carried out various activities to pursue its mandate in the areas of capacity building, information exchange, studies and consultancies.

1. Information Exchange

• Setting up of TFNet Information Portal & website
- includes fruit compendium, experts list and discussion forum. In 2008, web portal was upgraded to include more comprehensive fruit information, blog and resource persons list.

• Collaborated in the establishment of MyFruits.org portal on information pertaining to the 10 prioritized Malaysian Fruits.

• The setting up of a 'Global Information System on tropical fruits with special focus on Africa' which was funded by CFC.

• The dissemination of information through E-newsletters to members and stakeholders

2. International Seminars.

Four series of international seminar had been organized, each on a different focus on tropical and subtropical fruits.

• International technical and trade seminar on Tropical and subtropical fruits (2001)

• International seminar on Postharvest Handling and Processing of Tropical and subtropical fruits (2003)

• International seminar on Economics and Marketing of Tropical and subtropical fruits (2007)

• International seminar on Consumer Trends and Export of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits (2008)

• International seminar on Recent Developments in the Production, Post harvest Management and Trade of Minor Tropical Fruits (2009)

3. International Study Tours

• Since 2004, twice a year study tours and hands-on workshops on fruit/food processing have been organized for entrepreneurs and government agencies to East Java, Indonesia.

• Study tours have been organized for entrepreneurs, extension agents and researchers from Indonesia and Malaysia to fruit farms, wholesale markets and food processing centers in Thailand.

4. Other Workshops

• The Transfer of Global Information System on Tropical Fruits with Special Focus on Africa - funded by CFC

• International Study Visit cum Workshop on Post Harvest Handling and Processing of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits - funded by IDB

• Training Courses on GAP and Plant & Soil Nutrition

5. Studies and Consultancies

• Country study on Elements of Strategies and Action Plan for Sustainable Development of Tropical Fruit Industry. Studies done on 4 countries - Bangladesh, Fiji, Malaysia and Philippines and all studies funded by FAO

• On-Farm Conservation and Utilization of Traditional Fruit Species in Malaysia - TFNet, MARDI, DOA, UKM

• Technical Assistance for a Three-Year Joint Collaborative Project on Post-harvest Handling and Processing of Fruits in Syrian Arab Republic

• Study of Plant Variety Protection Testing of Tropical Fruits in Eight Asian Countries - funded by GTZ

• Competitiveness study for 6 fruit and 3 vegetable types in five South East Asian countries (joint study with Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute)

• Consultancy on East Coast Economic Region Integrated Pineapple Project in the South West Pahang, Malaysia (Districts of Pekan and Rompin)