Chow: Fresh produce will feature more in 2017

By MALUM NALU
THE country’s K2 billion fresh produce industry will feature more prominently in 2017, according to Fresh Produce Development Agency chairman Fabian Chow.
Chow, pictured, said this yesterday after the FPDA board meeting in Port Moresby.
The 2015 annual report presentation was held last night.
Chow told The National that the importance of the fresh produce industry would be more profound in 2017 with the current financial woes of the country.
He said despite the shortfall in Government funding, the FPDA received good support from the Australian and New Zealand governments, as well as the United Nations.
“We’re pleased that international agencies have more than made up for the shortfall of funding in Papua New Guinea,” Chow said.
“I think the good reporting governance has attracted international funding from Australia, New Zealand and the United Nations.
“A lot of specialised projects in sweet potato and market distribution are being rolled off the drawing line.
“It’s looking very good for 2017 to increase education of commercialisation of food production.”
Chow said FPDA had gone through a “rough period” with budget cuts but that had allowed it to focus on core areas.
“With the focus, we’ve rediscovered our mandate to really make a difference to the grassroots,” he said.