By Kenneth Marcos 
Bright morning sunlight filtered through banana leaves as farmers and traders prepared for a new opportunity to shape the industry’s future. The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) is inviting commercial banana growers, producers, traders, researchers, and other stakeholders to participate in a consultation meeting on February 18, 2026, aimed at updating the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for table bananas.
The online consultation, set to begin at 9:00 a.m. via Google Meet, will focus on the amendment of the PNS on Table Bananas — Product Standard — Grading and Classification. This review aims to reflect current market trends, improve grading practices, and ensure that Filipino bananas meet both local and international quality expectations.
BAFS emphasized that the input of stakeholders is crucial. Growers and traders can provide practical insights on production challenges, grading accuracy, and export requirements. Researchers and technical experts are expected to contribute scientific knowledge that can strengthen the standards and promote sustainability in banana production.
To participate, interested stakeholders may register online through the provided link. Access to the working draft of the standard and the full activity program is also available, allowing participants to review the documents ahead of the meeting. For inquiries, BAFS can be reached via email at sdd.crops@gmail.com.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernize agricultural standards, protect consumers, and support farmers’ competitiveness. By updating the table banana grading system, BAFS hopes to ensure that bananas produced in the Philippines maintain high quality, increase market value, and remain competitive in global trade.
Stakeholders’ participation in this consultation is a step toward a more organized and profitable banana industry, reflecting the collaborative approach the government encourages between regulators and the farming community.
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