Philippines mango pickers

In order to ensure that mangoes heading for both the international and domestic markets are properly classified to meet existing quality standards, the country's department of agriculture is to hold a meeting this week with the aim of discussing an administrative draft order for the accreditation of mango classifiers.

Department of agriculture information officer Grace Dagala told the Manila Bulletin that the move had been forced by the high demand for the fruit, and that the meeting will also see discussions on mango pricing both at home and overseas and the issue of labour shortages in the industry.

Officials in the country indicated recently that the Philippines is actively looking to extend its export reach to new markets in Europe and North America, among others, through extended promotional activities and trade agreements.