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Project Information

Rationale

Fruits, with their diverse array of vitamins, colors, flavors, and tastes, not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute to disease prevention and sensory pleasure for humans. The daily consumption of at least 200-300 grams of fruits is recommended for health benefits. Unfortunately, over half of the global population struggles to meet this guideline. Global fruit production is on the rise, primarily driven by the growth of tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, papaya, lychee, and dragon fruits. Small-holder farmers in low- and middle-income countries are the backbone of tropical fruit production, contributing significantly to rural development and income generation.

However, the looming threat of climate change presents significant challenges to agricultural systems worldwide, with the tropics and small-holder farmers being particularly vulnerable. This vulnerability arises from complex factors, including economic limitations, heavy reliance on natural resources and ecosystem services, and the region's sensitivity to temperature fluctuations.

Tropical fruits thrive in warm weather, with specific temperature ranges being critical for optimal growth and quality at various stages of development. Any deviation from these ideal conditions can significantly impact production and fruit quality. Climate variables, such as shifting temperatures, water availability, pests, diseases, and farming practices, all exert influence on tropical fruit production. Consequently, fruit crops grown in areas with historically high temperatures may need to consider relocating due to changing climate patterns.

Urgent mitigation strategies are required to enhance adaptive capacity and minimize climate change's adverse effects. These strategies include the adoption of suitable and improved cultivars, alterations in cultural practices, improved water management, microclimate modifications, and soil organic carbon enhancement. Additionally, shifting tropical fruit cultivation to new areas is a viable adaptation option. Leveraging historical climate data, ensemble modeling, spatial analysis, and agro-climatic zoning can help identify climate-related risks and landscape indicators, guiding future strategy development and planning.

To mitigate the impact of climate change on tropical fruit production, growers may consider several strategies:

• Varietal Selection: Choosing fruit varieties resilient to changing climate conditions, such as heat-tolerant or drought-resistant varieties.
• Improved Irrigation: Investing in efficient irrigation systems to maintain consistent moisture levels, especially during dry periods.
• Pest and Disease Management: Implementing integrated pest management practices to combat increased pest and disease pressures.
• Adaptive Farming Practices: Adjusting planting dates, pruning methods, and other cultural practices to align with changing climate patterns.
• Climate Monitoring: Regularly monitoring weather and climate conditions to make informed decisions and adapt farming practices accordingly.
• Shifts in Growing Zones: Recognizing that optimal growing areas for certain tropical fruit crops may shift due to global warming, growers may need to adapt by relocating their orchards or selecting different fruit varieties.

Government agencies, agricultural researchers, and extension services play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting tropical fruit growers in adapting to climate change and implementing sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of tropical fruit production.

Hence, the third phase of the DFNet Project aims to establish an international network of experts dedicated to addressing the impact of climate change on tropical fruit production and contributing to mitigation strategies for smallholder farmers in the Asia-Pacific region. International collaboration and information sharing are essential to tackle climate change and food security challenges. This will be achieved through project workshops and information platform that enable stakeholders to learn from one another, strengthen regional and international partnerships, and collectively develop innovative solutions. By facilitating cross-border cooperation, the project can leverage diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives, ultimately fostering more effective responses to climate change impacts on tropical fruit production. The information platform of the 3rd phase DFNet will highlight the climate change impacts on tropical fruit production and continue to collect and disseminate the priority themes included in Phase I and II.

Objectives

• Discuss and identify mitigation strategies for addressing the impact of climate change on smallholders in tropical fruit production.
• Compile best practices tailored for farmers in the Asia Pacific Region and formulate recommendations for promotion and dissemination.

Themes

Field visits: 
    •    Wax apple, mango, sugar apple and atemoya orchards, and citrus seedlings
Forum
    •    Overview of the Fruit Industry in your Country/ Region 
    •    Specific Climate Change Challenges Faced in your Country/ Region
    •    Major Impacts on Fruit Production and Supply Chains
    •    Adaptation/ Mitigation Strategy and Policy
    •    Best Adaptive Practices Developed for Smallholders

Workshop Highlights

The DFNet 2024 Project organized two workshops with similar formats and objectives: one in Thailand in March and another in Taiwan in May. The Taiwan workshop included two days of field visits to mango, wax apple, sugar apple, and atemoya orchards in Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung, followed by a half-day forum at the Taitung Art and Culture Center to discuss thematic topics. Approximately 73 participants attended, including 22 DFNet Consortium members from nine countries, eight FFTC staff, 10 representatives from Taitung DARES, eight guests from the Diplomatic Offices in Taiwan, and 20 representatives from various Taiwanese organizations such as the Taiwan Agriculture Research Institute (TARI), District Agricultural Research and Extension Stations (DARES), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), National Training Institute for Farmers' Organizations (NTIFO), and Taiwan Banana Research Institute (TBRI). FFTC also collaborated with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), making this DFNet field trip and forum a three-day training program in Agrology for about 25 ICDF trainees from around 15 countries across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

Field visits:

On the first day of the field trip, we traveled by bus to a wax apple orchard in Liugui, Kaohsiung, where we observed grass cover cropping and organic or environmentally friendly practices. We also tasted a new variety of wax apple with large fruit size and a fresh, sweet flavor. Afterward, we visited a net house mango production facility equipped with sensors for light, pest imaging, temperature, and humidity, as well as automatic irrigation, watering, and shading systems. On the second day, we traveled to Taitung along the scenic southeast coast facing the Asia-Pacific Ocean. This region, frequently affected by typhoons, experiences strong winds and heavy rainfall each year, impacting agricultural production. We visited sugar apple and atemoya orchards to observe how farmers cope with these challenges using typhoon-resistant facilities. Our final visit was to a site cultivating Huanglongbing-free grafted citrus seedlings, where we observed grafting techniques and the use of various scions and rootstocks.

Wax apple orchard 

The wax apple industry in Taiwan often faces adverse weather conditions such as typhoons, cold damage, flooding, heavy rain, and extreme temperature fluctuations, leading to unstable production. Additionally, the aging farming population and labor shortages have contributed to a yearly decline in the production area. Wax apples are a primary crop in Liugui District, Kaohsiung City. Liugui District, with its hilly geography, well-drained soil, low incidence of typhoons, and moderate temperature differences between day and night, offers ideal growing conditions for high-quality wax apples, which have generated significant economic revenue for growers. 

The wax apple orchard, covering 2 hectares, cultivates four mainstream varieties, with an annual production of 27-30 tons. The owner, Mr. Huang, has over 30 years of cultivation experience and is continually committed to improving the orchard's growing environment. Based on seasonal climate and the characteristics of each variety, he selects the most suitable variety to grow each month, resulting in 10 batches of fruit and a 10-month-long fruit-picking period throughout the year. Mr. Huang allocates 60% of the harvest directly to consumers and 40% to the auction market, aiming to produce high-quality fruit as a successful model for other small farmers.

Protective Mango Production
Facility cultivation is increasingly used in tropical fruit production, leveraging its protective benefits and advances in information and communication technology (ICT). This method provides a controlled environment that enhances fruit quality and uniformity, making it a promising trend for the future of high-value tropical fruit production. It requires sophisticated integration of hardware and software, applying various technical solutions such as facility production cultivation, pruning, adjusting crop varieties and growth periods, monitoring and preventing pests and diseases, and managing tip-blossom control and pollination. 
Facility cultivation improves the efficiency of fertilizer and pesticide use, enables precise water supply, prevents fertilizer overuse, and supports healthy crop development through accurate nutrient delivery. It also reduces challenges from weeds, pests, and diseases. Being rain-proof, facility cultivation significantly lowers the incidence of fruit anthracnose. Additionally, the controlled internal environment is favorable to pollinating insects, thereby increasing the fruiting rate. Although facility cultivation involves higher costs, it substantially improves fruit quality and yield, increasing the overall unit price and potentially yielding higher profits for growers.

Easyhome Orchard – Sugar apple
Easyhome Orchard was founded by Mr. Chuan-Chi Yee, the winner of the 2018 Excellent Sugar Apple Quality Orchard award. The orchard's main sugar apple variety, ‘Taitung No. 2,’ is known for its exceptional fruit quality. Mr. Yee employs smart fertilizer application, safe pesticide spraying, grass-cover-crop cultivation, and prohibits herbicide use to create an ecologically sound environment. To convey the concept of “happy fruits” to end-consumers, Mr. Yee has shifted from traditional wholesale channels to e-commerce, utilizes Traceable Agricultural Products (TAP) certification, records the production process, and voluntarily conducts pesticide residue testing to ensure consumer health. These practices have successfully resulted in a high customer repurchase rate. 
In Taitung, the sugar apple industry has attracted many young people to return to their hometowns, including Mr. Cheng-Kai Yee, the son of Mr. Chuan-Chi Yee. As a second-generation farmer, he is eager to integrate new, creative ideas to enhance the brand's development and increase public awareness.

Goodtime Fruits Orchard 

In earlier times, Taitung was a major production area for Tankan and Valencia oranges, but the growing area drastically shrank due to severe damage caused by Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). Mr. Hsu-Ping Chang discovered that the varied quality of citrus seedlings and their susceptibility to HLB might be closely related to the short lifespan of the plants in his orchard. In 1999, he decided to establish the Healthy Citrus Seedlings Center in Chenggong Township, Taitung County, with the goal of producing and supplying healthy citrus seedlings. This center is one of the few seedling farms in Taiwan that can supply healthy citrus seedlings, including varieties such as Honey Tangerine, Valencia Orange, Navel Orange, and Fremont.

The Center grows grafted seedlings in pots and cultivates scions using healthy citrus seeds provided by the TARI-Chiayi Branch. By using a mix of peat, vermiculite, and perlite for rootstock propagation, the Center has completely eliminated the need for bare-root seedlings cultivated in open fields, which was common in earlier years. 
The current seedling production system used at the Center can significantly reduce the occurrence of most citrus-related diseases, maintain an intact root system, and ensure a high survival rate after transplanting.

Healthy Citrus Seedling Center 

In earlier times, Taitung was a major production area for Tankan and Valencia oranges, but the growing area drastically shrank due to severe damage caused by Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). Mr. Hsu-Ping Chang discovered that the varied quality of citrus seedlings and their susceptibility to HLB might be closely related to the short lifespan of the plants in his orchard. In 1999, he decided to establish the Healthy Citrus Seedlings Center in Chenggong Township, Taitung County, with the goal of producing and supplying healthy citrus seedlings. This center is one of the few seedling farms in Taiwan that can supply healthy citrus seedlings, including varieties such as Honey Tangerine, Valencia Orange, Navel Orange, and Fremont.

The Center grows grafted seedlings in pots and cultivates scions using healthy citrus seeds provided by the TARI-Chiayi Branch. By using a mix of peat, vermiculite, and perlite for rootstock propagation, the Center has completely eliminated the need for bare-root seedlings cultivated in open fields, which was common in earlier years. 
The current seedling production system used at the Center can significantly reduce the occurrence of most citrus-related diseases, maintain an intact root system, and ensure a high survival rate after transplanting.

DFNet Consortium Forum
The DFNet 2024 Project invited 22 experts, primarily nominated by the FFTC Technical Advisory Committee, to participate in the project and contribute to the post-field visit forum. These experts were asked to share country-specific information and discuss topics related to the five thematic areas.

• Overview of the fruit industry in your country/ region
• Specific climate change challenges faced in your country/ region
• Major impacts on fruit production and supply chains
• Adaptation/ mitigation strategy and policy
• Best adaptive practices developed for smallholders

About eight members presented their reports at the Thailand workshop in March, while the remaining 14 DFNet members delivered country reports at the Taiwan workshop. A comprehensive report summarizing the key messages related to each of the five thematic topics from these presentations has been prepared. After members’ review, the full report will be available on the workshop website for open access. This report includes a summary of each presentation.

Dr. Ellina Mansyah, BAPANAS, and Ms. Rinna Syawal, NFA, Indonesia (01)

Ellina Mansyah and Rinna Syawal presented on the significant climate change challenges faced by Indonesia's tropical fruit industry, focusing on fruits such as mango, citrus, banana, durian, mangosteen, and pineapple. Key regions like Java and Lampung play a crucial role in production. However, the industry faces increasing threats due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and natural disasters like floods and forest fires. These factors disrupt flowering and fruiting cycles, reduce crop yields, and increase pest and disease pressures.

To mitigate these impacts, Indonesia has implemented various strategies, including the Climate Village Program (PROKLIM) to strengthen local conservation efforts, optimizing land use, and promoting sustainable forest management. The government also focuses on distributing climate-resilient seedlings and enhancing human resource capacity through trainings. Smallholders are encouraged to adopt adaptive practices such as intercropping, integrated pest management, and using technology like IoT-based irrigation systems. These efforts aim to build resilience and ensure the sustainability of Indonesia's fruit industry amidst climate challenges.

Dr. Seong-Cheol Kim, NIHH, RDA, Korea (03)

Seong-Cheol Kim from the National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science discussed the impacts of climate change on Korea's fruit industry and the adaptation strategies being implemented. Over the past two decades, the cultivated area for major fruits like apples, pears, and mandarins has significantly decreased, while imports of tropical fruits such as bananas and mangoes have increased. Projections indicate that Korea's average temperature will rise by 7°C by 2071, leading to an expansion of the subtropical climate zone, which will cover nearly half of the country. This shift is expected to alter cultivable regions and increase the incidence of pests and diseases, posing challenges to fruit quality and yield.

To adapt, Korea is developing pest monitoring systems, cultivating stress-resistant fruit varieties, and implementing water and sunlight management techniques. Research focuses on expanding tropical fruit cultivation, with new fruits like mango, passion fruit, and dragon fruit being introduced. The presentation emphasized the importance of ongoing research and development to ensure the sustainability of Korea's fruit industry in the face of climate change.

Mr. Shinji Ohta, Creative House, Japan (05)

Shinji Ohta from Creative House Corporation discussed the challenges posed by climate change on Japan's fruit industry and outlined various strategies to mitigate these effects. Japan has experienced a long-term warming trend of 1.35°C per century, leading to issues such as quality degradation, sunburn, skin separation in fruits like mandarin oranges and apples, and unstable coloring in grapes. These changes impact both fruit production and supply chains, posing significant challenges to maintaining crop quality and growers' incomes.

To address these challenges, Japan is implementing several best practices, including using sunshine protection shields, girdling techniques, and cultivating better-coloring fruit varieties. Specific solutions for apples involve using frost fans, protective paints, and temperature-resistant varieties. For grapes, shading nets and mist control help manage sunburn and unstable coloring, while for mandarin oranges, mist cooling and soil moisture control are essential. The presentation emphasized the importance of portfolio management and using government support to adopt new varieties and techniques to ensure the sustainability of fruit production in Japan under changing climatic conditions.

Mr. Zul Helmey Bin Mohamad Sabdin, MARDI, Malaysia (07)

Zul Helmey Bin Mohamad Sabdin from the Horticulture Research Centre at MARDI presented the impacts of climate change on Malaysia's fruit industry and outlined adaptive strategies. Malaysia's fruit production, which has remained relatively stable in terms of cultivated area, faces challenges from inconsistent rainfall, extended dry seasons, and high temperatures. These climate factors disrupt critical phases such as flowering and pollination, reducing fruit productivity, especially in crops like mango, durian, and papaya.

To mitigate these impacts, Malaysia is implementing several strategies. For mangoes, the use of hormones like Paclobutrazol helps manipulate flowering and fruiting seasons. In papayas, applications of boron improve fruit setting under heat stress. For durians, the use of stingless bees as alternative pollinators is being explored. In pineapple cultivation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands is a focus. The integration of smart agriculture technologies, including sensors and cloud-based systems for irrigation, is also promoted to optimize production under changing climate conditions. Malaysia's ongoing research and international collaboration aim to develop practical solutions to ensure the sustainability of fruit production.

Dr. John Benrich M. Zuñiga, DOSYT-PCAARRD, the Philippines (09)

John Benrich M. Zuñiga from the DOST-PCAARRD highlighted the significant impacts of climate change on the Philippine fruit industry, focusing on key crops like coconut, banana, pineapple, and mango. The country faces challenges such as heat stress, drought, excessive rainfall, and typhoons, leading to reduced yields, lower fruit quality, increased pest and disease pressures, and economic losses. With the agriculture sector facing production losses valued at over Php 290 billion, the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos working in agriculture are at risk.

To address these challenges, the Philippines is implementing a range of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Technologies like the Drought and Crop Assessment and Forecasting (DCAF) system and the Water Advisory for Irrigation Scheduling System (WAISS) optimize irrigation and manage drought. The development of climate-resilient crop varieties, such as dwarf banana cultivars, and the use of smart agriculture tools like Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and UAVs are also emphasized. Initiatives like AMIA Villages focus on building climate-resilient farming communities, integrating both traditional practices and modern technologies to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the Philippine fruit industry.

Dr. Chinnapan Thanarut, MJU, Thailand (10)

Chinnapan Thanarut from Maejo University discussed the impacts of climate change on Thailand's fruit industry, highlighting challenges such as El Niño-induced droughts, extreme weather events, and temperature fluctuations. These climatic changes cause water scarcity, flower and fruit drop, and increased pest pressures, significantly affecting crops like durian, mangosteen, and passion fruit. Despite these challenges, Thailand's fruit export market is growing, with fresh fruit exports expected to reach 2.1 million tons in 2024, primarily to China.

To address these issues, Thailand is implementing various adaptation and mitigation strategies. These include Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices such as using drought-resistant varieties, efficient irrigation systems, and agroforestry to enhance biodiversity. Advanced planting techniques, off-season production, and canopy management are also promoted to optimize yield and quality. The use of big data for early warning systems and ongoing capacity building and training for farmers are crucial components of Thailand's strategy to build resilience and ensure the sustainability of its fruit industry in the face of climate change.

Dr. Orapin Saritnum, MJU, Thailand (11)

Orapin Saritnum from Maejo University discussed the impacts of climate change on Thailand's fruit industry and the strategies to mitigate these effects. Thailand's fruit exports are projected to grow by 4% in 2024, with China being the largest market. However, the industry faces significant challenges from climate change, including extreme temperature, water scarcity, and severe weather events. These factors lead to issues like flower and fruit drop, reduced fruit size and quality, and increased pest pressures, particularly affecting crops such as durian, mangosteen, and passion fruit.

To address these challenges, Thailand is promoting sustainable agriculture practices, including organic farming and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to enhance biodiversity and soil health. Advanced agricultural technologies for soil and water conservation, canopy management, and off-season production are being implemented. Capacity building through workshops and trainings for farmers on climate-smart practices is crucial, alongside utilizing big data for early warning systems. These strategies aim to build resilience, ensure the sustainability of Thailand's fruit industry, and maintain its competitiveness in global markets.

Dr. Kuo-Dung Chiou and Dr. Wen-Li Lee, TARI-Fengshan, Taiwan (14)

Wen-Li Lee and Kuo-Dung Chiou from the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute discussed the effects of climate change on mango production in Taiwan, focusing on key regions like Tainan, Pingtung, and Kaohsiung. Mango production faces significant challenges from both biotic (pests and diseases) and abiotic (temperature fluctuations, wind, and water availability) stresses. High temperature during the flowering stage reduce pollen viability and pollinator activity, leading to poor fruit set. Conversely, low temperature and excessive rainfall can impact flowering and fruit quality, increasing the risk of diseases like anthracnose.

To mitigate these challenges, the presentation outlined several strategies. Developing heat- and cold-tolerant mango varieties, using shade netting, and adjusting planting times are crucial for managing temperature-related stresses. Effective water management, including rainwater harvesting and soil moisture conservation, helps address drought and excessive rainfall. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and supporting pollinator habitats are essential to maintaining mango quality and yield. These approaches aim to enhance the sustainability and resilience of mango farming in Taiwan amid the impacts of climate change.

Mr. Meng-Sung Chen, Taichung DARES, Taiwan (16)

Meng-Sung Chen from the Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station highlighted the challenges faced by Taiwan's dragon fruit industry due to climate change and the strategies to mitigate these effects. The industry, which has seen steady growth in both cultivation area and production, faces significant threats from typhoons, heavy rainfall, and high summer temperature. These conditions lead to physical damage, reduced yield, and quality issues such as sunburn and fruit drop.

To address these challenges, Taiwan is implementing various mitigation strategies. Farmers use organic fertilizers to strengthen root systems and secure branches with protective nets to minimize typhoon damage. The use of shade nets and smart irrigation systems helps manage heat stress and save water. Technology plays a crucial role, with tools like meteorological information platforms and smart sprinkler systems enabling farmers to respond effectively to climate threats. These adaptive practices are essential for sustaining Taiwan's dragon fruit industry amid the impacts of climate change.

Dr. Chin-Hsing Chang, Tainan DARES, Taiwan (17)

Chin-Hsing Chang from the Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station addressed the impact of climate change on Taiwan's fruit crops, specifically mango, pomelo, and papaya. Key challenges include rising temperature, prolonged drought, and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which disrupt flowering, fruit set, and yield. These changes lead to increased pest and disease pressures, water stress, and quality issues for crops.

To mitigate these impacts, various strategies are being implemented. For mango, techniques such as panicle pruning, controlled water management, and facility protection help stabilize flowering and fruit set. Pomelo growers focus on improved pruning, flower thinning, and enhanced drainage to manage waterlogging. In papaya, climate-resilient practices include using net houses for virus protection, artificial pollination, and developing heat-resistant varieties. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), manual pollination, and soil and water conservation practices are emphasized across all crops to ensure sustainable fruit production under changing climatic conditions.

Mr. Jung-Mao Lai, Kaohsiung DARES, Taiwan (19)

Jung-Mao Lai from the Kaohsiung Agricultural Research and Extension Station discussed the challenges faced by Taiwan's wax apple industry due to climate change and the strategies to mitigate these effects. Wax apple, a significant crop in southern Taiwan, faces threats from typhoons, heavy rain, cold spells, and large temperature fluctuations. These conditions cause physical damage, root system degradation, fruit drop, and quality issues, affecting both yield and marketability.

To address these challenges, various mitigation strategies are employed. Carbohydrate-Rich Cultivation Methods (CRCM) enhance resilience to low temperatures by optimizing tree structure and leaf lifespan. Using 25°C groundwater for irrigation during cold spells helps stabilize orchard temperature. Structural supports like steel or iron bars protect trees from typhoon damage, while improved drainage systems prevent waterlogging. Selecting suitable wax apple varieties for different seasons and implementing enhanced orchard management practices are also crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of Taiwan's wax apple production amid climate challenges.

Dr. Ngo Duc Minh, VAAS, Vietnam (20)

Ngo Duc Minh from the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on Vietnam's fruit industry and the strategies being implemented to address these challenges. Vietnam's fruit export turnover has grown significantly, reaching $5.7 billion in 2023, but the country faces high vulnerability to climate change, with increased temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and frequent extreme weather events like cyclones and floods affecting fruit production. These conditions lead to disrupted flowering, poor fruit set, and physical damage to fruit trees, impacting both yield and quality.

To mitigate these challenges, Vietnam has adopted several strategies. National projects like the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy focus on climate resilience, while the Key Fruit Tree Development Project promotes the cultivation of climate-adapted varieties. Improved water management, climate monitoring, and early warning systems are critical for adjusting farming practices. Smallholders are supported with resources like technical guides on climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing resilient varieties, water-saving irrigation, and soil conservation techniques to enhance sustainability and productivity amidst changing climatic conditions.

Conclusion

The DFNet 2024 Project's Taiwan workshop successfully provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts, researchers, and practitioners from the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop featured 2 days of field visits to orchards in Kaohsiung, Pingtung and Taitung, offering participants valuable insights into the practical aspects of mango, wax apple, sugar apple and atemoya cultivation. These visits highlighted coping climate challenges with protected, smart and typhoon-resistant facilities and environmentally friendly practices, emphasizing the adaptability of local farmers to changing environmental conditions.

The forum held at the Taitung and Art Center in Taitung facilitated in-depth discussions on key topics related to the challenges and opportunities in tropical fruit production under the influence of climate change. Experts from nine countries shared country-specific information and strategies, focusing on the five thematic areas: an overview of the fruit industry, specific climate change challenges, impacts on fruit production and supply chains, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and best adaptive practices for smallholders. These discussions underscored the importance of climate-smart agriculture and the need for collaborative efforts to develop and implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.

At the end of the forum, in-country working group meetings were suggested to develop the framework interlinked challenges of tropical fruit production and climate change using the FAO publication on avocado as a reference. The DFNet Consortium recognized the importance and urgency of compiling and promoting best practices for fruit farmers across the Asia-Pacific region to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change on fruit production and agreed to conduct in-country meeting to develop the framework. Furthermore, DFNet members from Malaysia and Vietnam also volunteered to host next year’s workshops.   

The success of the DFNet project including the consortium is well supported by the FFTC Director and financially backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan, demonstrating strong institutional support for these initiatives. By fostering regional cooperation and focusing on practical solutions, the DFNet Consortium is playing a critical role in promoting sustainable fruit production practices in the Asia-Pacific region.

Outcomes

A total of 73 participants from the DFNet Project, diplomatic offices, and various institutes in Taiwan, along with 25 ICDF trainees, attended the DFNet 2024 Taiwan workshop, which was both educational and enjoyable. The workshop's outcomes, including the 12-country report presentations and the comprehensive report summarizing key messages, will be instrumental in developing a guidebook to help tropical fruit farmers adapt to climate change. The insights gathered will also inform the next year’s workshops in Maylasia and Vietnam, where further discussions and knowledge-sharing will continue. By fostering regional cooperation and focusing on practical solutions, the DFNet Consortium is playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable fruit production practices in the Asia-Pacific region. More information can be found on the workshop website: https://km.fftc.org.tw/workshop/26.