Mango farmers seek gov't help to boost production

CEBU, Philippines - Profood International Corporation is seeking government intervention to help boost the production of mango farmers, as demand in the global market for processed mango continues to rise.

Profood president and chief executive officer (CEO) Justin Uy said that his company needs as much mango fruits to sustain the increasing demand specifically from the United States and Canada.

“Our farmers don’t have money to expand their farms. We need corporate growers, but the CARP [Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program] must be reviewed first,” said Uy.

CARP is a Philippine state policy that ensures and promotes welfare of landless farmers and farm workers, as well as elevation of social justice and equity among rural areas.

Because of this, Uy said companies are not encouraged to pursue farm business, such as growing mangoes and other fruits, although it is seen as profitable venture.

In 2011, Profood consumed 800 metric tons of mangoes or eight million kilos, the supply is short than the demand, he said.

The company is sourcing its mango fruits from Ilocos Norte up to Mindanao, and it has established four plants in Cebu, Bulacan (Luzon), Davao, and Iloilo to give easier access to mango farming communities.

Aside from lack of capital of farmers to expand their mango production, Uy said the threat of unpredictable weather, as well as peace and order also contributed to the declining supply of mango fruits in the Philippines.

While the country is known for its sweet mangoes especially in Cebu, the world market is demanding processed mango fruit from the Philippines, the reason why the company is not resorting into importing mangoes from other Asian countries like India.

About 30 percent to 35 percent of Profood processed fruit export is garnered by the US and Canadian market, Uy said. Despite the weak economic condition in the US, and in Europe, Uy said demand for processed food is continuously increasing.

On its own, Uy said the company is helping farmers by providing free seedlings, in order to increase their production. However, if the government will be able to provide good program for the mango growers, this would greatly help the processed fruit exports industry.

Aside from Mangoes, Profood is also using other 15 tropical fruits converted into different products, such as Guyabano, Guava, Magoesteen, passion fruits, among others.

In its bid to position the Philippines as the number one “Dried Mango” maker/supplier in the world, Uy recently opened a P20 million worth Profood Gallery within the company’s manufacturing plant in Mandaue City.

Uy said this is the company’s contribution to sustain the country’s brand as the source of sweetest mangoes in the world.

He said tourists, as well as Filipinos should be reminded, and be educated about the Mango fruit, and its benefits to health, and other vital information.

This is the first plant-based Gallery that is designed to tour packages, as well as walk-in guests and buyers who may want to be educated about Philippine Mangoes.

The establishment of the Profood Gallery is just one of the series of investments planned by the company to push and support Philippine tourism.  (FREEMAN)