ASEAN agricultural envoys here to tackle int'l standards

Around 15 foreign agricultural representatives will be here today for the setting up of international standards among fruits and vegetables that are commonly produced.

Bureau of Agriculture Fisheries Product Standards head Gilberto Layese said around 15 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are confirming their attendance in the three-day meeting.

There will also be 12 representatives from the Regional Field Units of the Department of Agriculture.

Layese said the meeting is the second in the three series meeting of ASEAN Standards for Horticultural Produce (MASHP) at Waterfront Hotel, which will run from March 21-23.

This is the 2nd run in a 3-year-series where BAFPS was tasked to host.

Representatives from member countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia Lao and Cambodia.

Layese said the meeting is aimed at harmonizing the standards among the fruits and vegetables that are commonly produced by the said countries.

Standards to be agreed upon include size, weight, packaging and labeling.

Last year for instance, Layese said the members agreed that extra big Durian fruit will not be accepted as other countries may not produce and therefore compete with the said size.

Layese said such effort is very timely since the Philippines is up on pushing further its international markets for four major commodities namely - Papaya, Mandarin, Rambutan and Pomelo.

Its is hoped that the important issues associated with the harmonization of standards to be discussed will eventually improve product standards that will gain market access locally, within the ASEAN markets and internationally.

Aside from the technical aspect of this Meeting, this endeavor intends to promote unity and cooperation among ASEAN countries, improving further ASEAN relations and networking among experts both at technical and personal levels.