Firm commended

THE Fresh Produce Development Agency has commended the RH Hypermarket for supporting PNG farmers by sourcing local produce.
FPDA general manager Mark Worinu said this yesterday as the three-month  moratorium on fresh produce import restrictions was expected to be lifted tomorrow.
“I am pleased to see that RH Hypermarket is leading the market-end players by sourcing produce locally and supporting our initiative to promote the development of the fresh produce industry in the country,” he said.
“I suppose one of the expectations of the major buyers during the period of the moratorium on the import ban is to liaise with the local suppliers before the moratorium is suspended by the minister.
“What RH Hypermarket is doing is exactly right, and others must do the same.
“We have realised that the ban on the fresh produce has enabled many local farmers to step up, improving the production and supply to market.”
Worinu said major supermarkets and catering companies had indicated that they were organised and prepared to source fresh produce locally to meet the demand, with information provided by FPDA.
He said buyers, particularly supermarkets and catering companies, were willing to work with the local growers and suppliers for their supplies.
There has also been an increase in production of onions in the past five months.
He said the ban had caused in increase in production of fruits and vegetables contributing to high volume of supply entering the markets in the past six months