An environmentally friendly way of producing mangoes

Bayer CropScience Philippines has linked up with PREDA Foundation to launch "Eco-Mango," a project that supports the safe production of mangoes in an environmentally friendly way.  

The Eco-Mango project falls within the overall Bayer CropScience Sustainable Agriculture Program, which the company has implemented since 2003. The PREDA Foundation works with thousands of small farmers and cooperatives in expanding fair trade fruit production, fruit puree and dried fruit processing for export, providing them a fair price and access to expanding markets.  Fruit-based products from PREDA are exported to many countries around the world, with demand increasing rapidly through the years. PREDA is also conducting research in cooperation with agricultural universities and organic farmers’ organizations to develop effective and sustainable organic production methods for mango farmers.

The link-up with Bayer CropScience is envisioned to bring the most environment-friendly, child-safe and cost-saving production methods to the farmers.

The Eco-Mango project will help Philippine mango growers under the PREDA program to produce high quality mangoes that will meet the increasingly stringent quality standards of the European Union.

Bayer CropScience will introduce to these participating growers its package of technology that will lead to more cost-effective and sustainable methods of mango production.

"By sharing our mango-growing technology, we can help mango growers increase their yields, improve the quality of their produce, and ultimately increase their profits in a manner that ensures safety for both growers and consumers – all within environmentally responsible bounds. The project will also go a long way in promoting the Philippine carabao mango variety to the world," said Tess Cayton, plant and public affairs manager for Bayer CropScience Philippines.

In the initial phase of the Eco-Mango project, Bayer CropScience will conduct a demonstration trial using the Bayer CropScience package of technology that both PREDA and Bayer will observe. The trial will highlight to participating growers the benefits of proper maintenance operations, correct timing, dosage and application of flower inducers, and integrated and environmentally safe management practices in flower and fruit protection against pests and diseases.

Following the trial, PREDA will help participants introduce the Eco-Mango project to their own mango farms.  Bayer CropScience will provide onsite training for these growers and technical consultancy services to promote Eco-Mango techniques.