3rd National Fruit Festival is coming up. Save the date!The Tableland Pineapple Farmers Association (TPFA) will be hosting the
3rd National Fruit Festival 2014 “Win with Local Fruits” from the
20th to 22nd June 2014 at the Nu Image Simplex Complex, New Grant. All stakeholders including Ministries, State Agencies, farmers, agro-processors, SMEs; everyone along the value chain is encouraged to participate.
Who are we?The TPFA is a farmers’ association which was formalized in 2004 in response to the challenges that face pineapple and all farmers in T&T; but which existed as a lobby group for over a decade prior to 2004. Our members are responsible for over 80% of pineapple production in T&T. We also produce papaya, cassava, mango, pommecythere, plantain, hot pepper and a host of other fruits. The TPFA has been an advocate for the development of the pineapple industry and for increased consumption of fruits altogether. Currently production, sales, and consumption of locally grown fruits are relatively low. In response, an increase in public education and awareness efforts targeting consumers is necessary in order to bolster the fruit industry.
The main roles of the TPFA is to help farmers and home-gardeners: network with the Ministry of Food Production and affiliated State agencies to have a coordinated and meaningful impact on the local agriculture sector; grow organic food, fiber and other crops; protect the environment; recycle natural resources; increase local food production; support rural communities; and illuminate, for consumers, the connection between healthy and responsibly-grown food, environmentally-sound farming practices, and the socio-economic consequences of food demand and consumption.
What do we want to achieve?The TPFA is willing to support collaboration within the agricultural community to identify and create a food system that is not only safe, but also allows farmers to meet the demand for local foods without excessive Government regulation and expenditure. This position is intended to demonstrate that our farmers are committed to providing safe and affordable food and nutrition security in T&T.
Why do we have this passion?Supporting local food production has been one of TPFA’s priorities since we were formally established in 2004. We are committed to educational opportunities for farmers and the public in the areas of organic and sustainable farming systems as well as in the adoption and use of safe new, innovative and emerging technologies in food and agriculture. We believe that public education and awareness, especially for the nation’s youth, on the importance of consuming and supporting local agricultural output is a useful strategy. Farmers need assistance in expanding their markets and marketing, and so, food safety training and other issues should become part of basic educational programmes in agriculture.
Importantly, Government support should be made available to private and non-profit sectors to maintain and expand consumer education on food safety, oversight for food safety, and potential risks associated with the manner in which food is processed before sale. There is also the imperative to reduce our TT$ 4billion per year food import bill; alternatively, to “eat what we grow and grow what we eat.” Consumer education is a public good that helps consumers make informed choices about their food and nutrition intake.
What is the National Fruit Festival?In commemorating our country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence, the TPFA hosted its first Fruit Festival on the 15th and 16th of June, 2012. This event was a great success with the theme “Win with Fruits” creating vast public interest. Senator Vasant Bharath proposed that it should be a National Fruit Festival for the year 2013 and beyond. Throughout this 3-day event, there will be an exhibition which is comprised of: presentations from various farmers’ groups, agro-processors, input suppliers and other institutional stakeholders; educational booths with information and literature about fruits and extension agriculture; sale and sampling of food, fruits, vegetables, including an array of plants. Other activities scheduled to take place are targeted lecture series, displays of rare and exotic fruits, agricultural estate tours, and a play area for kids. A variety of competitions will be held including most innovative fruit dish, best fruit display, best chow, and best fruit carving.
Summarily, the
3rd National Fruit Festival is an exciting event designed by the farming community for T&T in a family-centered learning environment.
Ramash Ramsumair
Chairman
Contact: 771-2473 /
ramashramsumair@hotmail.com
