ISSUE 40: MAY 2018 www.itfnet.org
TFNet Newsfeed Archive
  
     
   
               

 		  
     
 

TROPED 2018 UPDATE: Abstract submission deadline extended!

We are pleased to inform everyone that the deadline for abstracts has been extended to 31 July 2018. For more information and updates on TROPED 2018, visit itfnet.org/troped2018 		 
               
   
               
   
             
     

Upcoming TFNet Events

  1. International Conference on Tropical Fruits Pests and Diseases (TROPED 2018)
    Date: 25-27 September 2018
    Venue: Le Meridien, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
  2. 7th Session of the TFNet General Assembly
    Date: 24 September 2018
    Venue: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Other Events
  1. VII International Symposium on Tropical and Subtropical Fruits
    Date: 12-16 August 2018
    Venue: Istanbul, Turkey
  2. Indonesian International Symposia on Horticulture
    Date: 27-30 November 2018
    Venue: Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
 
         
 

TFNet welcomes Dato’ Mohd Sallehhuddin bin Hassan as the new Chairman of the Board

The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) would like to congratulate H.E. Dato’ Mohd Sallehhuddin bin Hassan for his appointment as the new Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry (MOA) Malaysia effective 2 July 2018.

      
             
       
           
 

Vacancy post: Chief Executive Officer

The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) is seeking for candidates with outstanding managerial and technical expertise, for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Deadline for application is 16th July 2018.

    

Indonesia to host 2018 International Symposia on Horticulture

The 2018 International Symposia on Horticulture (ISH2018) will be held in Bali, Indonesia on 27-30 November 2018, organized by the Indonesian Center for Horticulture Research and Development (ICHORD).

  
               
 
NEWS FROM TFNet MEMBER COUNTRIES
 
   
               
CHINA: Lao bananas admitted to allowable fruits for import AUSTRALIA: Mango crop sets national record with more than 10 million trays picked for first time
The General Administration of Customs, People’s Republic of China (GACC) announced an update to China’s list of allowable imported fruits. The 2017/2018 Australian mango season was the biggest on record, with more than 10 million trays picked across the country for the first time.
BANGLADESH: Dragon fruit being commercially farmed in Narsingdi PHILIPPINES: National mango congress focuses on fruit productivity
Dragon fruit is being commercially farmed in Shibpur upazila of Narsingdi district, after the successful cultivation of rambutan. The island province that produces one of the world’s sweetest mango varieties hosted the 20th National Mango Congress.
VIETNAM: New Zealand’s import of rambutan a welcome boost to exporters INDONESIA: UNHAS students discover the benefits of rambutan skin for dental health
Rambutan is the third Vietnamese fruit after mango and dragon fruit to be exported to New Zealand. Entry to a demanding market such as New Zealand will provide Vietnam the opportunity to tap other strict markets in the world. A team of students from Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) won the silver medal for biotechnology in the tertiary category during the World Young Inventors Exhibition (WYIE) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 10-12 May 2018.
INDIA: IIHR in the process of developing elite mango variety CHINA: Customs expands checks on U.S. fruit imports
Horticultural scientists are in the process of developing another elite mango variety, which is said to be superior to Alphonso. China’s major ports of entry have ramped up checks on fresh fruit imports from the United States, five Chinese industry sources said, which could delay shipments from U.S. growers already dealing with higher tariffs as Sino-U.S. trade ties worsen.
INDONESIA: China agrees to increase palm oil and tropical fruit imports from Indonesia INDIA: How a farmers’ group is reviving the jackfruit
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed on Monday to bolster trade between their two countries, including to increase Indonesia’s crude palm oil (CPO) exports to China. A farmer producer organisation (FPO) in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district is putting the humble jackfruit back on the table.
INDIA: Fruit markets hit badly because of Nipah virus scare AUSTRALIA: World’s largest achacha plantation for sale
Amid the Nipah scare, fruit markets at Perambra where the deadly disease first reported in the state, witnessed steady price fall. Australia’s only commercial Achacha plantation is on the market, providing investors with an opportunity to secure a monopoly over the sweet, tangy fruit. Achacha (achachairú, Garcinia humilis) is a native of Bolivia.
 

     

   
 
OTHER TROPICAL FRUIT NEWS
 
   
   
ASIA: Expansion propels global pineapple market NICARAGUA: Papaya prices plummet

Pineapple sales grow moderately over past nine years with Asia and Latin America set for rising demand in future. Papaya producers and traders agree that the demand and the price of the fruit have been falling since April when the protests against the social security reforms imposed by the government began.

PAKISTAN: Bumper watermelon harvest pushes prices down NEW ZEALAND: ‘Record returns’ for avocado growers

While the abundance of the fruit is good news for thirsty consumers, suppliers are getting lower prices than normal for their crop. Avocado growers have seen "record returns" this season, with an estimated NZD 150 (USD 101.5) million in sales for 2017-2018.

US: Avocados on Everything? Restaurants Capitalize on Rising Supply GUADALOUPE: Going green means going bananas

The already-popular avocado is getting a turbo boost from higher supply and lower prices — and restaurants are eager to cash in. Bananas are the island group’s top agricultural export, and there is growing awareness that farming practices need to change as yields drop and damage from pesticide use rises.

CHILE: Villagers claim British appetite for avocados is draining region dry MEXICO: New dragonfruit variety causes a frenzy  

UK demand for fruit increased by 27% last year alone, prompting accusations that growers are illegally diverting rivers and leaving locals without water. Available in a rainbow of colors, from blush pink and blood orange, to deep red or washed-out white, pitayas are like the colorful coming-together of a kiwi and a watermelon.

PERU: Pitahaya and rambutan as export fruits KENYA: Passion fruits take county by storm as farmers seek higher returns  

Pitahaya and rambutan are two exotic fruits being grown in the province of Chanchamayo that are currently being produced for export purposes Wilkister Osando fully understands what agribusiness is and enjoys every bit of it. On her farm in Borabu, Nyamira County, there are 400 passion fruit plants.