Filipino Banana Growers are already struggling due to an oversupply of bananas on the world market: yet their government continues to burden them further will increasing financial expenses, such as the plant quarantine fees which have been increased again.
The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association Incorporated (Pbgea) appeals to the government to stop imposing additional financial burdens. Pbgea executive director Stephen Antig:
"The recent increase in plant quarantine fees should be rolled back and tariff should be reduced. In this way will the industry can survive," Antig said.
Antig also cited that added financial obligations like wharfage dues and the proposed environmental users tax will only add to the sufferings of the people in the sector.
PBGEA is hoping to meet with the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (Pjepa) officials this year so these matters will be highlighted.
As it is, banana export prices are now down to P160 to P200 per box.
"Those prices are not even enough to cover the production costs of some growers. There was a time when bananas were selling at close to p500 per box," added Antig.
The prices started going down since October last year which affected many Dabawenyos as most rely on bananas as their source of income.
Banana is the second most exported commodity after coconut in the whole country.
