Banana growers have appealed to the government to give them a seat in ongoing trade talks between the Philippines and China as well as with other countries where the fruit is exported.
Industry representatives, in a recent dialogue with government officials, sought the help of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in pressing their request as the Philippines and China are expected to reach agreements soon concerning banana exports.
MinDA’s Romeo M. Montenegro, head of public affairs and investment office, said while the agency recognizes the banana industry’s position, they are constrained by the rules of bilateral talks.
The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA), the organization of the country’s major banana players, said it would like more influence on the direction of the talks.
Stephen A. Antig, PBGEA executive director, reiterated the group’s call for the government not to “strangle (the industry) to death” with new local and national regulations that will affect the 47-year old banana export business.
Among the regulatory issues that PBGEA and other industry players are currently battling involve local taxation, aerial spraying rules, and government control over contract farming.
