Banana growers seek government assistance

MANILA, Philippines - Banana growers are seeking assistance in the form of subsidies from the government amid the imposition of strict requirements of Chinese authorities on the entry of Philippine bananas as well as talks between the Chinese government and Ecuador for the supply of Cavendish bananas in China.

Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig said that the subsidy provided by the government of Ecuador to their local banana producers gives that country an advantage in trade.

“We hope for the same kind of support from the government, especially during these trying times for the banana industry. This is the time when we need the government support the most,” he said.

The PBGEA said talks are rife in the international market that Ecuador is in discussion with the Chinese government for the supply of Cavendish bananas in mainland China.

The need for the supply of Cavendish bananas in China comes as Chinese authorities imposed stricter requirements on the entry of fruits from the Philippines since March.

China imposed tighter requirements on the entry of fruits from the Philippines after its quarantine officials found pests in bananas and mealybugs in papayas and pineapples shipped from here.

The tighter requirements were imposed amid tension between the two countries over Scarborough shoal.

Fruit exports from the Philippines are required to go through a 100-percent inspection at the ports before being allowed to enter China.

Prior to finding insects and bugs on fruit exports from the Philippines, Chinese quarantine officials just had to check the phytosanitary clearance or the certificate which states the commodity is compliant to import requirements from the country of origin.

The PBGEA noted that while Ecuador is halfway across the globe from China and its distance should make its bananas uncompetitive compared to Philippine bananas, the assistance provided by their government allows them to compete in the world market.

Antig said they are looking for other markets in order to buffer the impact of China’s stricter requirements on Philippine fruit exports.

“While we are at it, other countries are already entering China. And we might lose the market to them,” he said further.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said earlier the Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to spend for the upgrade of packaging facilities for fruit exports as part of efforts to ensure the country’s shipments are of good quality.

He also said the DA is looking at possible supply agreements with Cambodia, Singapore and Japan for fruit exports.

The three countries are eyed as possible markets for Philippine fruits given its proximity.