In a sweet triumph for both countries, Japan’s luscious strawberries are sold again in markets in the Philippines. The Japanese Embassy in Manila said fresh strawberries from Japan arrived Sunday following a landmark agreement between Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Philippine quarantine authorities.
The move marks the end of a previous export ban, which had been in place due to concerns over potential pests associated with fresh strawberry shipments from Japan. However, after extensive technical discussions between MAFF and Philippine authorities, the two sides have reached a resolution, ensuring that Japan’s berry exports meet the necessary phytosanitary standards for the Philippines.
This milestone is the result of tireless negotiations, prompted by requests from Japanese strawberry growers eager to share their high-quality, sweet and juicy produce with Filipino consumers. With the lifting of the ban, Philippine strawberry lovers can now enjoy these premium berries, famed for their rich flavor and top-tier quality, just in time for the holiday season.
Both countries celebrate this positive development as a win for agricultural trade and a testament to their growing bilateral cooperation. The agreement not only strengthens the bond between Japan and the Philippines but also opens up new opportunities for the exchange of fresh produce, benefitting both local farmers and consumers.
