Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION

II. FOSTERING MARKET EXPANSION

III. IMPROVED MARKET TRANSPARENCY

IV. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY AND ALTERNATIVE QUARANTINE TREATMENT

V. IDENTIFICATION OF SUITABLE MEASURES TO DEVELOP POTENTIAL AND/OR ADDRESS PROBLEMS

VI. PRIORITY SETTING

I. INTRODUCTION

1. This document presents the strategy for the overall improvement and development of tropical fruits. The strategy, outlining problems affecting the commodity group, and measures required to deal with these, is intended to provide the wider context within which specific development projects can be considered.

2. Tropical fruits are an important source of income, at both the farm and export levels, for most of the producing developing countries. However, in terms of exports, tropical fruits are relatively new to import markets, and therefore suggested actions include quality improvement, appropriate packaging, the identification and development of new markets, market promotion and the investment in appropriate technology and infrastructure to meet the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of import markets. In the following sections these actions have been grouped into categories, which the Sub-Group considers necessary to improve the economic viability and sustainability of the world tropical fruits economy.

II. FOSTERING MARKET EXPANSION

3. A major strategy to increase the viability and sustainability of the global tropical fruit economy would be through the expansion in demand, particularly in new and potential growth markets. A larger demand base would translate into higher returns to producers and exporters. Within this priority, programmes would aim at:

• fostering consumption in underdeveloped markets, including markets in developing countries;
• enhancing and sustaining market promotion efforts; and
• encouraging liberalization of imports.

4. In fostering market expansion, the Sub-Group stresses the need for parallel improvement/development in the following areas:

• production;
• physical market development;
• enhancement of market infrastructure and support services to facilitate private sector initiatives;
• institution-strengthening including training at all levels;
• improvement of commodity market risk management and commodity trade financing capacities;
• policy advice on commodity market development.

III. IMPROVED MARKET TRANSPARENCY

5. Transparency is necessary to reduce market distortions. Apart from the dissemination of timely market information and intelligence on supply, demand and prices, there is a need to conduct market research in order to better understand the structure and functioning of existing, new, and potential growth markets. There is also a need to better understand distribution channels and to find ways to minimize physical marketing and trading risks. Measures to support these objectives would include the development of quality standards and grading, and the improvement of collection and warehousing systems.

IV. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY AND ALTERNATIVE QUARANTINE TREATMENT

6. In an increasingly competitive environment, the development and implementation of new technologies and farm management practices are of paramount importance to improve productivity and quality and thus to better meet market requirements. In addition, to meet phytosanitary requirements of import markets, particularly as the traditional fumigation with methyl bromide is being phased out, alternative cost-effective treatments must be identified and appropriate infrastructure constructed.

V. IDENTIFICATION OF SUITABLE MEASURES TO DEVELOP POTENTIAL AND/OR ADDRESS PROBLEMS

7. The measures shall contribute to improving the structural conditions in markets and enhancing the long-term competitiveness and prospects of a particular commodity. Examples of possible measures are:

1. Research on and development of new end-uses, development of new plant varieties for higher yield and resistance to disease and climatic adversities;
2. Improvement of the international competitiveness of the group of commodities through higher productivity or reduction of post-harvest losses; improved processing methods; improvements in the quality and technical composition of products; development, adaptation and transfer of technology;
3. Promoting consumption of commodities, their products, by-products, and derivatives through stimulation of demand as well as the development and commercialization of new products and opening of new markets;
4. Horizontal and vertical diversification;
5. Improvement of marketing, quality assurance, trading and transport;
6. Sustainability of production and use, environment concerns.

VI. PRIORITY SETTING

8. In setting priorities for project identification and development, the Sub-Group wishes to indicate that particular attention should be given to the development of production and trade, sustainable livelihood, poverty alleviation, human resource development and environmental considerations.