RP nixes Japan’s request for genetic materials of small banana varieties

The Philippines turned down Japan’s request for samples of genetic materials of small banana varieties intended for the Japanese market.

"Japan has asked for genetic materials of the crop but it is a demand that is beyond the bounds of customary trade transactions. It is not possible to give out DNA samples of our bananas. It is the right of every trading country to protect and preserve their endemic crops. We hope the Japanese government agrees with us on this," said Lealyn Ramos, director of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

The BPI and Japanese agriculture and trade officials are working out a government-to-government export deal involving small banana varieties from the Philippines,

Some of the small banana varieties being eyed for export are the Señorita variety, Latundan and the so-called forty days (cuarenta dias). Japan has also expressed interest in buying bananas of the cooking variety from the Philippines.

Ramos said that except for the genetic materials, the BPI has complied with the other requirements being imposed by Japan, like the in-depth agronomic description of the various small banana species.

She said banana producers are pushing for the shipment of these small banana varieties and take advantage of the growing demand among calorie and health conscious consumers.

Instead of turning over genetic materials, the BPI will ask Japanese officials to inspect and evaluate the sampling materials in Manila.

The Philippines‚ is second largest banana producer and exporter in the world.