In the week of the Living Wage and Living Income Conference, ‘The Only Way is Up’, Fairtrade recognizes the crucial role of governments, unions and employers towards improving living conditions for workers. Following years of engaging and advocating for decent salaries, Fairtrade is delighted to see progress in the bananaContinue Reading
Despite its exotic appearance, dragon fruit has struggled to take off in South Africa due to its generally bland taste. But it was the striking appearance and globally acknowledged health benefits of the fruit that caught Howard Blight’s attention five years ago and led him on a journey toContinue Reading
Officials representing growers and exporters in Ecuador have welcomed the news that Aldi is preparing to increase its banana price, while also renewing their calls for retail buyers and consumers to pay more for bananas in the face of rising industry costs. “German apples are three times more expensiveContinue Reading
The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on October 31, 2019 during MARDI’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The MOU aims to strengthen, facilitate, develop, encourage, and promote joint collaboration between the two organizations in relation to production,Continue Reading
A rapid spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) is wiping out pig herds in China, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday, and the killer disease has led to a drop in world meat production for the first time in more than 20 years, with other globalContinue Reading
Six varieties of “standout” Taiwanese lychee trees have been planted on a Yeppoon farm after a long journey from Taiwan, a year in quarantine in Melbourne, a flight to Brisbane, and a road trip to Yeppoon. Ian Groves is the farmer at the centre of the trial and heContinue Reading
Drought is becoming a way of life for farmers like José Hugo Díaz López. “Before, we used to plant corn, beans,” says Díaz López, who lives in Comitán de Domingúez, the fourth-largest city in Mexico’s southernmost state of Chiapas. “But now, with the weather, it doesn’t take.” FarmersContinue Reading
Pakistan is anticipating to make record high mango exports of over 120,000 tons in the ongoing year 2019 as higher production and significant rupee depreciation helped push export volumes at a time when exports of many other goods remain sluggish. “Pakistan made record-high exports of around 120,000 tons ofContinue Reading
The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) held its 13th Board of Trustees Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on 23 September, a day before the 2019 International Symposium on Tropical Fruits. It was attended by 16 board members from nine TFNet member countries, two expert members, and representatives fromContinue Reading
FREE TRADE Agreement (FTA) negotiations with South Korea are currently stalled because Seoul has not budged on key items sought by the Philippine side, particularly on opening up the market for bananas, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters Thursday. “Basically, the items that we want and the kindContinue Reading
As the main pollinators of the stinky but popular durian fruit, bats make a significant contribution to the local economy of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a new study shows. The activities of the nocturnal mammals determine whether fruit production will be successful or unsuccessful, demonstrating the vital needContinue Reading
The Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry (MOA) hopes that durian entrepreneurs and planters can escalate durian-based agro-tourism activities before the 2020 Visit Malaysia Year (VMY2020). MOA deputy minister Sim Tze Tzin said Malaysian durians had received various recognition worldwide and it should be used as a form of tourist attraction.Continue Reading