The International Symposium on Tropical Fruits (ISTF2025) took place from 23 to 25 September at the Danala Education and Community Precinct, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.
The event was organized by the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Northern Territory Government, with co-organization by the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Northern Territory Farmers Association (NT Farmers), and Charles Darwin University – Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (CDU RINA). Support was also provided by Agri Malaysia and the Consulate of Malaysia in Sydney.
© International Tropical Fruits Network
Theme and participation
Under the theme Advancing the global production and trade of minor tropical fruits for sustainable markets, the symposium addressed production, post-harvest management, and trade of minor tropical fruits, while highlighting innovative farming techniques, sustainable practices, and value addition.
A total of 71 participants, including 40 in-person and 31 online, joined from 11 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Stakeholders included farmers, researchers, policymakers, government officials, and development agencies.
Twenty-nine presentations were delivered across areas such as research and development, pest and disease management, market and trade, and production practices.
Opening and discussions
In his opening address, Datuk Seri Isham bin Ishak, Secretary General of Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Chairperson of the TFNet Board of Trustees, noted that minor tropical fruits such as jackfruit, rambutan, longan, guava, dragon fruit, and passion fruit contribute to diet diversification, rural livelihoods, and agricultural resilience.
© International Tropical Fruits Network
Jed Matz, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Northern Territory Government, emphasized the need for collaboration to address challenges, including inconsistent quality, lack of standardized protocols, short shelf life, and fragmented logistics.
During a panel session, participants discussed aligning research more closely with farmer needs. Andrew Bourne, Chief Executive Officer of NT Farmers, underlined the importance of research that is demand-driven and accounts for the commercial realities faced by farmers. The session also examined ways to expand the market for minor tropical fruits, including partnerships with processors and retailers.
Closing session and technical workshop
TFNet Chief Executive Officer Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali concluded the symposium by noting the importance of carrying forward knowledge and ideas into practical use in participants' home countries.
© International Tropical Fruits Network
Following the symposium, a workshop was held on the LI-6800 portable photosynthesis system, led by Eric Price of Li-COR and supported by Dr. Stephen Xu from CDU RINA, who demonstrated field research applications under Northern Territory conditions. The workshop included presentations on product use and a hands-on session.
A field trip on the final day included visits to research facilities, training sessions, and a commercial rambutan farm.
© International Tropical Fruits NetworkFor more information:
International Tropical Fruits Network
Tel: +6017 234 1270
Email: [email protected]
www.itfnet.org
