CCP 05/4 (CCP: BA/TF 03/20)  |
| CCP 05/4 (CCP: BA/TF 03/20) |
COMMITTEE ON COMMODITY PROBLEMS |
Sixty-fifth Session |
Rome, 11-13 April 2005 |
REPORT OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL GROUP ON BANANAS |
B. biotechnology and consumer attitudes towards genetically modified organisms (gmoS)
C. future working of the intergovernmental group on bananas and tropical fruits
II. DATE AND PLACE OF THE NEXT SESSION
APPENDIX A - REPORT OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE SUB-GROUP ON BANANAS
A. current market situation and short-term outlook
B. medium-term projections for world supply and demand to 2010
D. developments in the market for organic and fair-trade bananas
III. INTERGOVERNMENTAL ACTION ON BANANAS
APPENDIX B - REPORT OF THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE SUB-GROUP ON TROPICAL FRUITS
V. INTERGOVERNMENTAL ACTION ON TROPICAL FRUITS
APPENDIX C – LIST OF DOCUMENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. The Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits held its Third
Session from 22-26 March 2004 in Puerto de la Cruz, Spain. It was attended by
the following Members: Belgium, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador,
Egypt, European Community, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Indonesia,
Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Panama, Portugal, Spain,
Sudan and United States of America. In addition, observers from the following
organizations attended: Common Fund for Commodities, European Community Banana
Trade Association (ECBTA), Freshfel Europe, International Banana Association
(IBA), International Network for the Improvement of Bananas and Plantains (INIBAP),
International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and International Tropical
Fruits Network (TFNet).
2. The Group was welcomed by Mr Pedro Rodríguez Zaragoza, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of the Canary Islands, by Mr Ricardo Mélchior Navarro, President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, by Mr Marcos Brito Gutiérrez, Mayor of the Municipality of Puerto de la Cruz and by Mr José Escartín Huerto, Deputy Director General of Vegetable and Fruit Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
3. The statement of the Director-General, Mr Jacques Diouf, was delivered on his behalf by Mr Paul Pilkauskas, Secretary, Sub-Group on Bananas of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits, who expressed appreciation to the Government of Spain for hosting the session, the Instituto Canario de Investigaciones Agrarias and the autonomous Government of the Canary Islands for their superior support.
4. The Group elected Mr Alonso Arroyo Hodgson (Spain) as Chairperson, and Mr Fernando Yépez Lasso (Ecuador) as Vice-Chairperson.
5. The Group adopted the Provisional Agenda, CCP: BA/TF 04/1.
6. The Secretariat presented document CCP: BA/TF 03/18 reviewing recent developments in commodity chains and their impacts on commodity producers and exporters. It proposed to undertake a comprehensive value chain analysis to explore these issues more in depth and seek solutions for producers and exporters. Malaysia thanked the Secretariat for the quality of the document and commented that this type of work is very important. He supported the Secretariat’s proposal and requested that the value chain analysis start with selected tropical fruits. He recommended that developing country retailers be included in the study. Panama commented that although large scale retailers have eliminated intermediaries by contracting directly exporters or producers, this has not led to improvements in the latter’s situation. He urged the Secretariat to include small and resource-poor farmers in the study. Costa Rica thanked the Secretariat for continuing the work that was started at the previous session in Costa Rica and formally requested FAO to carry on with the proposed studies. The representative of the CFC indicated that value chain analysis was very important and emphasized that the purpose of this analysis is to show that value chain analysis could offer producers various options and benefit them if alternatives are devised by producing countries. He cited fair-trade as a good example of product differentiation that can benefit producers. The Secretariat thanked the delegates for their support and requested their collaboration in collecting detailed statistical data without which it will be impossible to carry out the study.
7. The Secretariat presented document CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.13 which summarizes the findings of a study prepared by a group of European research institutes. The study surveyed the perceptions that stakeholders of the GMO debate (industry, governments, scientists, farmer groups, environmentalists and consumer associations) have of consumer attitudes towards GMO, and compared these perceptions with the real attitudes of consumers. The Chairperson thanked the Secretariat for this interesting study. The Secretariat informed the Group that it could not go further with this work based on the current mandate.
8. The Group reviewed its mandate and terms of reference with the assistance of document CCP: BA/TF 03/19. The Secretariat elaborated a series of discussion points related to strategic direction, overall structural efficiency and organization. Delegates expressed support for the work of the Secretariat, noting that the current structure was good and sustainable. There were several suggestions that the work of the Secretariat could be improved with further focus on targeted end-users, primarily the private sector and consumers. Participation by private sector representatives in delegations should be encouraged. The Group also noted that more work should be undertaken in regard to the more technical aspects of production.
9. The Group warmly welcomed the interest expressed by the delegation of Ecuador, and supported by the delegation of Costa Rica, in hosting the next session of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits in Guayaquil in 2005. The exact date and place of the session would be established by the Director-General of FAO, in consultation with the host country and the Chairperson of the Group.
10. The Third Session of the Sub-Group on Bananas opened on 22 March 2004 and concluded on 23 March 2004.
11. The Sub-Group elected Mr Manuel Fernández Galván (Spain) as Chairperson and Mr Hagen Streichert (Germany) as Vice-Chairperson.
12. The Sub-Group adopted Item II of the Provisional Agenda in document CCP: BA/TF 04/1.
13. The presentation on the current market situation, based on document CCP: BA/TF 03/2 was well received by delegates. One delegate pointed out that low banana prices as described in the statistics was aggravating poverty in his country. He requested that the Sub-Group seek solutions to improve prices.
14. Delegates expressed their appreciation for the work underway on modelling the medium-term situation, but believed the results reflected neither market realities nor the likely market situation beyond 2006. They expressed several reasons for their differing views, including inter alia, the static nature of the model, based on the 1998-2000 period, the fact that the model does not take account of the accession to the EC of ten new members with dynamic banana import markets, and a lack of consideration of the dollar/Euro exchange rate.
15. Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama highlighted their view that productivity in Africa is similar to that of Latin America and that a high post-2006 tariff in the EC would shift production to Africa. The delegates intervening stated that Africa does not have restrictions with regard to soil, labour or technology and as a result has already displaced other ACP countries in banana commerce. Latin American delegates calculate that a tariff of 300 Euros per tonne would reduce Latin American exports by 50 percent and income by US$ one billion. They further explained that for each 10 Euro rise in the tariff in the EC, Latin American exports would fall by 70 000 tonnes. The delegate from Costa Rica stated that the report focused exclusively on the tariff-only option, while there exist other alternatives such as maintenance of the status quo, which was not contemplated in the study.
16. The above countries cited the WTO agreements concerning preferential access and the need to maintain current levels of access to the EC market based on the current tariff of 75 Euros per tonne, or a lower tariff. In support of that view, Guatemala stated that the current TRQ is not being filled and thus a tariff of €75 per tonne is already restrictive. They reminded the Sub-Group that the Annex to the Doha Waiver granted to the EC and ACP countries for the Cotonou agreement stated that “the tariffication of the EC banana import system should, at least, maintain total market access of the MFN banana suppliers”. They asked FAO to do a new study and offered to support FAO to produce an objective study. Guatemala formally requested a copy of the model and that for any future studies the model be distributed before the Sub-Group meeting to allow adequate analysis by the Sub-Group members. Ecuador recommended that FAO use the methodology described in the Appendix of Annex 5 of the Agreement on Agriculture to calculate the tariff equivalent.
17. Cameroon informed the Group that it chairs the working group of ACP banana exporting countries and is speaking on their behalf. He pointed to their weak economic situation as inhibiting their ability to expand, and commented that maintenance of the current ACP preference of 75 Euros per tonne would not sustain African production. He disagreed with Latin American delegates that there existed an enormous potential for expanding banana production and that its banana industry is as competitive as those in Latin America. He indicated that many banana farms are going bankrupt, that export earnings are falling and that the infrastructure is not sufficient to raise exports. Cameroon called for more interactions among delegates, notably by organizing field visits in their countries to better understand the real situation of producers.
18. The EC delegation commented that the FAO modelling attempt was impossible to appreciate because the modelling structure and parameters were unknown. The EC delegate agreed that trade would grow more slowly than in the previous decade. However, it considered that the validity of the projections was limited by the fact that they do not take the EC enlargement into account. It noted that imports from Ecuador were important to the EC, and that the role played by Brazil was growing. The delegation recommended caution when making forecasts on Caribbean ACP exports, as a reduction in the exports of some Caribbean countries might be compensated by increased exports from other Caribbean ACP suppliers. It informed that the EC is currently evaluating the CMOB and this evaluation would also consider the transition to a tariff-only system. The EC delegate stated that structural support to ACP producers should be a favoured approach, as it enables sustainable adjustment in the banana sectors of these countries. The EC has provided a special support system for traditional ACP countries since 1999, which aims to improve competitiveness and facilitate diversification.
19. As regards the EC enlargement, the delegate indicated that the goal is to ensure sufficient supply in the markets of the ten new member states. It is difficult to forecast the impact of enlargement on prices and consumption. It is likely that banana prices will rise in these countries following their accession to the EC, but consumption might remain stable, as bananas will remain among the cheapest fruits available. Rising incomes are expected to raise consumption in the medium to long run. The EC is preparing an action plan that proposes activities to facilitate the development of organic agriculture. It welcomes the news that the markets for organic and fair-trade bananas are expected to continue rising. The EC delegation informed the Sub-Group that the current evaluation of the Common Market Organization for Bananas will include the system of support to EC production. Based on the conclusions of the evaluation, some changes in this system might be considered.
20. The Secretariat description of statistical issues faced by FAO in bananas and suggestions for solution evoked limited responses from the Sub-Group in spite of the attention drawn to this point at the Second Session. The Chairperson concluded that the Secretariat suggestions for improving statistical services should be implemented.
21. The delegate of Costa Rica pointed out that as a result of the legal framework, the abolition of the army in 1949, and investments in education, Costa Rica has a long tradition of social and environmental standards applied to agricultural production. He pointed out that EUREPGAP standards cost producers 25-30 US cents per box of bananas more but producers receive no increase in price for their products as a result of certification. Thus, what is considered a voluntary system becomes obligatory when most buyers demand the standard. Therefore, the market demands social and environmental efforts, with which the Costa Rican producers strictly comply, but the market does not recognize these efforts in economic terms.
22. Eric Imbert of CIRAD provided the Sub-Group an analysis of the European banana market. He explained that European banana imports come 63 percent from Latin America, 19 percent from within the EC and 18 percent from ACP exporters. In the case of France imports total about 130-140 percent of consumption, so France is a significant re-exporter to other EC countries. The presentation demonstrated that market conditions were quite different in terms of price and suppliers in different European countries. Cameroon asked whether after ten years of the EC banana regime if there was really a single European market. The EC delegate responded that while there was a single market there was differentiation within the market, depending on country and regional preferences and traditions.
23. Paul Barrett, UK Banana Group, explained how his group managed to raise banana consumption in the United Kingdom. He indicated that the same type of promotion campaigns can work in other countries and for other products. However, companies who get together to undertake such activities should put their branding interests aside. Tim Debus, International Banana Association (IBA), explained that his association is trying to achieve the same objective in the United States. However, the fashion for diets based on low carbohydrate consumption, such as the Atkins or South Beach diets, is posing challenges. The IBA has worked with other countries, stressing that it is important that producers, exporters, importers and distributors come together as an industry for this common goal.
24. The Secretariat presented document CCP: BA/TF 03/6 reviewing recent developments in banana trade policy. The Costa Rican delegation read an official declaration of its government regarding the reform of the EC banana import system. Costa Rica considers that the tariff-only system will not provide more market opportunities to third countries. It therefore opposes the transition from a tariff-quota to a tariff-only system as long as the current preferential access of ACP countries and support system to EC producers are maintained.
25. The Ecuadorian delegate thanked the Secretariat and called for a sincere and frank debate among all stakeholders. He then read an official statement. Ecuador wants the EC import system that enters into force in May 2004 to maintain its current market share in both the EC-15 and the 10 new EC Member States during the transition period until 2006 and to maintain the advantages enjoyed by Ecuadorian exporters and operators marketing its bananas. A drastic fall in prices should be avoided. It calls for a reasonable tariff when the tariff-only system enters into force in 2006. The calculation of this tariff should be done on technical bases and using transparent mechanisms that are consistent with the basic objectives agreed by the parties when they established the WTO. Ecuador requests that the negotiations begin as soon as possible in the framework of GATT and take place in an atmosphere of mutual benefits to all stakeholders. Ecuador indicated that its stance in the tariffication negotiations rested on the acknowledgement by the EC of its quality of principal supplier, which implies that the establishment of the new tariff-only regime by 1 January 2006 at the latest will have to be preceded by a negotiation and an agreement with Ecuador.
26. Guatemala stated that the EC should adopt a regime compatible with GATT instead of seeking to maintain the same level of protection and distortion. It reminded the Group that the Annex to the Doha Waiver for the EC-ACP Cotonou Agreement was granted on condition that the EC consults with all suppliers to the EC before setting the new tariff, and, in the absence of agreement with respect to the tariff, an arbitrator would decide what level of tariff would maintain for MFN suppliers. Panama added that the burden of proof would rest with the EC. Guatemala warned the Group that a tariff of 300 €/t would have a devastating effect on Latin American suppliers. Guatemala concluded by asking that the quota increase following EC enlargement be limited to quotas A and B.
27. Panama supported the statement of Guatemala and informed the Group that the Doha round of trade negotiations is being revived. It highlighted the importance of the EC enlargement to its exports and called for an adequate increase in the quota.
28. The EC expressed reserves to the presentation made by the Secretariat concerning the evolution of policies and, in particular, on the amendment of the Common Market Organization for Bananas in the EC. More precisely, the EC is of the opinion that some of the links of causality referred to are lacking objectivity. The price decrease, for example, was mentioned as a consequence of the modification of the Common Market Organization. The analysis is carried in Euros while the banana world market works in dollars. If we take into account the important development of the Euro/dollar exchange rate, the price decrease in Euros is mostly the consequence of the evolution of the exchange rate. The EC invited the Secretariat to make public the structures and parameters of its model. Regarding enlargement and the transition to a “tariff only” the EC delegate reiterated that the EC intends to meet all its international commitments and respect all procedures, especially those agreed within the WTO”.
29. The Cameroon delegate expressed satisfaction that no delegate called into question the market shares of ACP countries. He assured delegates that ACP countries are trying to keep their market shares, not to capture market shares at the expense of other supplier groups. Even if they wanted to do so, they could not do so, as they do not have enough land potential or the necessary infrastructure. Cameroon reminded the EC that it should honour not only its WTO commitments, but also the commitments made to ACP countries. The delegate of Cameroon invited all the delegates to engage in a constructive dialogue based on an objective analysis of the situation. He invited delegates to collaborate to create a common fund for banana producing countries.
30. The Secretariat pointed out that the Sub-Group strategy for Common Fund projects contained in document CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.2 needed to be re-considered in light of changes in CFC priorities and the inability to successfully move projects through the CFC.
31. The representative of the CFC praised the Secretariat for the informative presentations and excellent documents provided for participants in the IGG. He noted that there are few CFC projects on bananas, as the proposals are usually too broad and unrealistic in terms of objectives and budget. He recommended that project initiators focus the proposals on a single achievable objective with a realistic budget. He advised that proposals be endorsed by the Sub-Group in principle while giving the Secretariat the right to reformulate and renegotiate them. He informed the Sub-Group that the fast track project proposal for a workshop on adding value to bananas had been approved. The Sub-Group endorsed the project for execution. The Costa Rican delegation expressed its concern at possible CFC funding to projects that aim to expand banana exports when FAO statistics indicate that there is excess supply. The example of coffee should demonstrate that it is impossible to fund expansion projects with resources from international organizations, above all if the producers are in non-traditional countries. However, if the projects deal with plantains for food supply, it is acceptable. The delegation requested the CFC to take account this situation for future projects.
32. Germany asked whether there was a positive list of criteria tailored to banana projects. The CFC representative answered that while it was difficult to provide such list, the following recommendations could be put forward:
APPENDIX A
REPORT OF THE FOURTH SESSION OF
THE SUB-GROUP ON TROPICAL FRUITS
37. The Fourth Session of the Sub-Group on Tropical Fruits opened on 23 March 2004 and concluded on 24 March 2004.
38. The Sub-Group elected Mr Hagen Streichert (Germany) as Chairperson and Mr Jonathan O. Babatola (Nigeria) as Vice-Chairperson.
39. The Sub-Group adopted the Provisional Agenda, CCP: BA/TF 04/1, with minor amendments reflected in the order of the report.
40. The Sub-Group discussed this item with the assistance of document CCP: BA/TF 03/9, which provided the Secretariat’s assessment of the current market situation.
41. The Sub-Group noted the relative dynamism of the world tropical fruit markets, as it reviewed basic trends in world production and trade, and marketing issues of both the major and minor tropical fruits. The Sub-Group noted that the world production of major and minor tropical fruits was estimated at 65 million tonnes in 2002, with developing countries accounting for 98 percent of global output. Strong overall growth was evident in recent years, particularly for mango. However, pineapple continued to dominate global trade. Price trends were downward over the last decade due to increased availabilities and greater economies of scale in shipping. Major challenges were associated with more efficient management of the field-to-market supply chain for both fresh and processed products. Increased product differentiation, either through improved varieties, innovative packaging and market promotion, had also become increasingly important.
42. Several delegates requested that more detailed information on intra-EC trade be obtained by the Secretariat, as the final destination of tropical fruits exports within the EC were difficult to monitor. There was also a request for more price information on minor fruits for the major consuming countries. Finally, the Sub-Group expressed its hope that supply growth would assist poorer, rural populations not only in trade but also their nutrition.
43. The Sub-Group considered this item with the assistance of documents CCP: BA/TF 03/17, CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.5 and CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.6. The Sub-Group, in recognizing the difficulty in obtaining statistics for tropical fruit, recommended that first of all delegates be encouraged to respond to the Sub-Group’s annual questionnaire. As for the acquisition of more detailed information, it suggested that delegates make greater effort in obtaining more desegregated information, possibly under more detailed HTS codes under Chapter 8. Several delegates noted the need for greater cooperation to improve data collection. The Sub Group suggested that a working group of interested countries be established to collectively improve data collection.
44. This item was considered by the Sub-Group with the assistance of document CCP: BA/TF 03/10.
45. The Sub-Group noted that the analysis of medium to longer term trends in production and trade of tropical fruits was helpful in planning supply responses and appropriate marketing strategies for tropical fruit economies. It further noted that developing countries currently accounted for 98 percent of world production, while developed countries accounted for 80 percent of world imports, and this trend was likely to continue in the medium term, with few exceptions. Countries with projected strong economic growth in Asia were expected to capture a larger share of tropical fruit imports.
46. The Sub-Group noted that tropical fruit prices had generally been on a downward trend as supplies expanded, and supply chain management optimized. Major exporters of fresh mangoes in particular took advantage of banana shipments to economise on freight rates, a major cost component. This trend was expected to be consolidated in the medium term. The Sub-Group further observed that price elasticities of demand had become highly elastic evidently due to efficient supply chain response.
47. Several delegates expressed concern that the high growth projected for world tropical fruits production in the medium term would result in a market oversupply and depressed prices, as other commodity markets were currently experiencing. The Sub-Group therefore suggested that the Secretariat analyse the prospects and constraints of further expansion in tropical fruit markets, and that such an assessment would be valuable in consideration of investment opportunities. Furthermore, that a study of the implication of the supply/demand imbalance be done by the Secretariat with the cooperation of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC). A delegate also requested that a price forecast, particularly for minor tropical fruits be undertaken by the Secretariat.
48. This agenda item was considered by the Sub-Group with the assistance of document CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.8.
49. In considering the world pineapple market, the Sub-Group noted that the main markets for fresh pineapples were the United States and the EC. Costa Rica was the leading supplier for these two markets, and its success was largely due to the introduction of a new extra sweet variety known as MD-2 and efficient marketing organization. The Sub-Group was informed that Côte d’Ivoire was trying to revive its pineapple exports by regenerating the smooth cayenne and improving quality. Similar efforts had been initiated by other African countries, including Ghana and Cameroon. The Sub-Group was further informed that market prospects were good, especially for extra sweet pineapples. However, demand could rapidly reach a plateau.
50. The Sub-Group noted that world exports of processed pineapples were dominated by juices which accounted for two thirds of the total processed pineapple exports. Canned pineapples made up the balance. The major markets were the EC and the United States and the largest exporting country was Thailand, followed by the Philippines and Indonesia.
51. The Sub-Group reviewed the Chinese market for tropical fruits with the assistance of document CCP: BA/TF 03/13. The Sub-Group noted that tropical fruit production had developed rapidly in China over the past decade, as adjustment from land-intensive production systems to higher-value, labour-intensive agricultural output occurred. Favourable demographics and national policies were likely to support further development in the sector.
52. The Sub-Group noted that the output of tropical fruits in China was nearly 10 million tonnes in 2002. Overall demand continued to expand in recent years, driven by higher incomes and increased demand for both fresh and processed tropical fruit products. The Sub-Group noted that China was traditionally a net fruit exporting nation, although in recent years it had emerged as a net importer of tropical fruits. Canned pineapples continued to dominate export trade, and recently there was growth in litchi exports to the EC.
53. A delegate noted that climatic factors could influence future production expansion, particularly as the southern provinces of China were susceptible to typhoons. Several delegates asked for clarification as to whether or not China represented an opportunity or threat to other global tropical fruit producers, suppliers and traders. The Secretariat informed the Sub-Group that opportunities for development of the fruit processing sector existed, as the potential for China to expand consumption and exports of both fresh and processed tropical fruit products were realized.
54. The Sub-Group reviewed a presentation that specifically focused on the current outlook for imports of tropical fruits into Europe. The presentation largely supported and complemented the market outlook related to EC import trends as reviewed by the Secretariat.
55. The Sub-Group reviewed recent development in international trade of tropical fruits with the assistance of document CCP: BA/TF 03/14.
56. The Sub-Group noted that WTO compatible instruments used by countries to regulate imports of tropical fruits consisted mainly of tariffs or sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Other elements of the Agreements on Agriculture such as minimum access opportunities and production and export subsidies played a lesser role.
57. The Sub-Group noted that although agreements reached on sanitary measures and market access were of importance, compliance had not been as difficult as it had been for phytosanitary requirements. In addition, available alternative treatments to methyl bromide for quarantine treatment for exports had so far been costly and clearly had strong implications for trade in tropical fruits. Analyses on the costs and benefits of some of the treatments indicate that unless throughput is considerably increased, capital investment would not be justified.
58. Several concerns were raised by delegates regarding the phytosanitary aspects of tropical fruit trade including the use of methyl bromide to fumigate wooden boxes for fruit packing. Others on the cost of alternative treatments. A delegate suggested that COLEACP be contacted for assistance in this area, as funding had been provided to the organization specifically for its Pesticide Initiative Programme (PIP). Finally, a concern was also raised on the need to analyse the trade limiting effects that tax treatment against tropical fruits could arise, and the Secretariat might wish to take this on board in their continuing analysis of international trade policies.
59. The Sub-Group reviewed the status of projects supported by the CFC, as well as pipeline and new project proposals, with the assistance of documents CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.16 to CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.25.
60. The Sub-Group was informed that all the six proposals contained in document CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.22 had been approved by the CFC. In addition, the two pipeline proposals contained in the document had been favourably considered. In regard to the African Fruit Fly initiative project, the Sub-Group was informed that the project had been pending the conclusion of Grant and Project Agreements. This had been delayed due to the lack of satisfactory response from the PEA in preparing implementing arrangements with the seven participating countries. If the project was not implemented soon, funding for the project could be withdrawn.
61. Three more project proposals were submitted to the Sub-Group for consideration. The first was sponsored by Ecuador, and it was a proposal on improving the competitiveness of the mango production chain in Ecuador, document CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.20. The Sub-Group was informed by the representative from the CFC that the project had to be multi country, and hence, the inclusion of Peru as already mentioned by Ecuador would be prudent. Secondly, out of the three listed project components, only Component 2 could qualify for CFC funding. The Sub-Group recommended that Ecuador liaise with the CFC in revising the proposal.
62. As for the project submitted by the TFNet on Implementing Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) in Tropical Fruit Production – Improving Productivity, Food Safety and Quality, CCP: BA/TF 03/CRS.25, the CFC advised the Sub-Group that the project was too technical and broad in scope, and therefore needed to be revised to satisfy CFC funding criteria. The Sub-Group recommended that TFNet also liaise with the CFC when revising the proposal. A delegate also informed the Sub-Group that funding for Good Agriculture Practice could also be available from COLEACP and suggested that TFNet also contact this organization.
63. The final proposal submitted by Cameroon, CCP: BA/TF CRS.21, was a revision of an earlier proposal which was sent back for revision, and which the National Resources Institute (NRI) in the United Kingdom was commissioned to revise. The representative of the CFC informed the Sub-Group that although some components had been revised, the other suggestions had largely been ignored, and therefore, if the project were to be accepted it had to take on board the comments that CFC had communicated to the sponsors previously.
64. The Sub-Group was informed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) of the progress of the network. The Sub-Group noted with appreciation the increase in membership to 45 since its last session and the list of activities that had been carried out by the network. The Sub-Group endorsed the call for greater membership, especially at the country and associate levels.
65. Given the many requests directed to the Secretariat in regard to its future work programme, the Sub-Group appointed a working group to discuss and prioritize the specific topics. Four major thematic areas emerged, which included market or variety specific studies; supply chain management issues, including the implications of increased traceability requirements; improvement of statistical data collection and market information; and how biodiversity and nutrition related to the production, marketing and trade of tropical fruits.
66. Recommendations of the Sub-Group included: impact of traceability and bio-terrorism issues to 2005; market segmentation studies of the major markets for avocado, especially the potential of West Indian avocado varieties; market overview for guava; review of the situation of small holders and traders along the mango value chain in Kenya and/or other developing countries, incorporating food security concerns and potential for expanding domestic consumption; market update on India; market overview of the Near East; market overview for fresh and processed products of the three or four most important EC accession countries; development of methodological guidelines for supply chain analysis; studies linking indigenous fruits to nutritional values and trade, and how these issues might impact food security and economic development; TFNet assisting with the hosting of an expert group meeting on biodiversity, nutrition and market and trade related aspects for tropical fruits; studies of impact of post-harvest handling losses; comprehensive review of how standards-setting, packaging and HTS codes impact trade in tropical fruits.
67. The Sub-Group noted that this was a list of possible topics, and that the selection of future work areas would be undertaken at the discretion of the Secretariat.
APPENDIX C
LIST OF DOCUMENTS
CCP:BA/TF 04/1 Agenda and agenda notes
CCP:BA/TF 03/2 Banana statistics
CCP:BA/TF 03/3 Banana projections to 2010
CCP:BA/TF 03/4 Collection of statistical data on bananas
CCP:BA/TF 03/5 Organic and fair trade bananas and environmental and social certification in the banana sector
CCP:BA/TF 03/6 Review of developments in banana trade policy
CCP:BA/TF 03/7 Common Fund activities related to bananas
CCP:BA/TF 03/9 Current market situation for tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/10 Medium-term projections for world supply and demand to 2010 for tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/13 Recent developments in the market for tropical fruits in China
CCP:BA/TF 03/14 Recent international trade policy review for tropical fruits and sanitary and phytosanitary measures
CCP:BA/TF 03/15 Tropical fruits – their nutrient values, biodiversity and contribution to health and nutrition
CCP:BA/TF 03/17 Statistical data collection for tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/18 Value chain analysis for bananas and tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/19 Future working of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and on Tropical Fruits
Conference Room Series
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.2 Strategy for the improvement and development of bananas for the Common Fund for Commodities
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.3 Recent developments and specificity of the banana market of the European Community
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.4 Review of duties, taxes and other measures affecting banana imports in selected countries
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.5 Tropical fruits statistics
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.6 Sample of the tropical fruits questionnaire
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.7 Technical notes, nutrient content tables, scientific explanation of nutrient values, notes on an internationally standardized food composition table for tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.8 The world pineapple economy: when growth goes hand in hand with diversity
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.9 The state of the global mango economy
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.10 Adding value to bananas – a proposal for a technical evaluation and workshop on the uses and marketing of banana-based products
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.11 Market for tropical fruits in China
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.12 An overview on the success of the generic UK banana promotional campaign
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.13 Issues concerning public awareness and attitudes towards genetically modified bananas and tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.14 Responses to the statistical questionnaire on bananas
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.15 Promotion of banana exports from Sudan and Ethiopia to the Middle East and Europe: a proposal for financial support presented to the Common Fund for Commodities
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.16 Common Fund activities related to tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.17 FAO-TFNet-IFOAM project to generate producers’ technical guidelines on organic production of tropical and sub-tropical fruit crops
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.18 Stratégies de développement de la production bananière par l’introduction, la multiplication et la distribution des meilleures variétés en République Démocratique du Congo à soumettre pour financement au Fonds commun pour les produits de base
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.19 Development of EC banana trade policy
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.20 Project proposal for the Common Fund for Commodities: Improving the competitiveness of the mango production chain in Ecuador
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.21 Cameroon horticulture project proposal for CFC funding
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.22 Projects supported by the Common Fund for Commodities: bananas and tropical fruits
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.23 Preliminary results of the updated model of world banana trade
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.24 Project proposals from Uganda
CCP:BA/TF 03/CRS.25 Proposal by the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) – Project on Implementing Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) in tropical fruit production – Improving productivity, food safety and quality
Information documents
CCP:BA/TF 03/Inf. 1 Information note on arrangements
CCP:BA/TF 03/Inf. 2 Provisional timetable and list of documents
CCP:BA/TF 03/Inf. 3 Statement of competence and voting rights by the European Community and its Member States
CCP:BA/TF 03/Inf. 4 List of delegates and observers