Mindanao is strengthening efforts to prepare its mango industry for potential entry into the New Zealand market, with farmers, government agencies and industry stakeholders working to meet international export requirements.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) recently brought stakeholders together for an orientation focused on food safety, pesticide residues, pest management, quality standards, post-harvest handling and supply-chain compliance.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno said the agency is ready to assist stakeholders in addressing regulatory and coordination requirements as efforts to access the New Zealand market progress.
The initiative is being pursued in collaboration with the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute (NZ-BSI) and Plant and Food Research. MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro said the effort seeks to connect Mindanao producers with premium international markets.
The program, implemented from 2023 to 2025, involved New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Local Government Unit of Midsayap, MinDA, NZ-BSI/Plant and Food Research, UP Mindanao, DoleAsia and the Bureau of Plant Industry.
Among the practices tested were Good Agricultural Practices-aligned production, low-residue crop protection, fruit bagging, post-harvest treatment, trial shipments and end-to-end monitoring.
New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh said the partnership demonstrates how government, science and industry stakeholders can work together to address challenges affecting Philippine mango exports.
The initiative comes as the Philippines and New Zealand mark 60 years of diplomatic relations and strengthen bilateral ties through a Comprehensive Partnership.
