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Companies unite to prevent TR4
At the GLOBALG.A.P. SUMMIT in Lima, Peru, GLOBALG.A.P. and the World Banana Forum (WBF) presented a global action plan to save bananas from the threat of Tropical Race 4 (TR4). The REWE Group was the first grocery retailer to sign up and has committed to take measures against the highly destructive pathogen.
Measures required to prevent TR4 from destroying banana plantations around the globe cannot be achieved by one individual actor. A concerted international effort of the relevant stakeholders and institutions is required to cope with the spread of Fusarium wilt TR4. The “TR4 Call to Action” was developed by GLOBALG.A.P. and the World Banana Forum as a global initiative to raise awareness and to focus attention on six key areas in which stakeholders can act to prevent TR4 from destroying banana plantations around the globe. By signing the “TR4 Call to Action”, stakeholders can make their commitment public.
“I appreciate the leadership of REWE to spearhead the global Call to Action to save the banana,” said Dr Kristian Moeller, CEO of GLOBALG.A.P. “This private-public initiative needs many more of such leaders to have a real impact.”
“The new strain of the Fusarium oxysporum (TR4) fungus represents a global threat for the banana supply chain. The REWE Group is supporting the implementation of the GLOBALG.A.P. TR4 Bio-Security Add-on and is requesting the company’s suppliers and the global retail sector to promote strong and effective action against the spread of the pathogen. As an active member both of the World Banana Forum Steering Committee and of GLOBALG.A.P. we are making our contribution to securing the future of banana production and the livelihoods of the many people who produce them,” said Eugenio Guidoccio, Senior Manager Ultrafresh Produce, REWE Group.
"Call to Action" documents (English/ Spanish)
More information on the „TR4 Call to Action”
About the World Banana Forum
The World Banana Forum (WBF) brings together retailers, importers, producers, exporters, consumer associations, governments, research institutions, trade unions, and civil society organizations. The World Banana Forum (WBF) is a space where the main stakeholders of the global banana supply chain work together to achieve consensus on best practices for sustainable production and trade. Collaboration is the key for progress.
About the REWE Group
The cooperative REWE Group is one of the leading trade and tourism groups in Germany and Europe. In 2017, the company achieved total external sales of around 58 billion euros. The REWE Group, founded in 1927, has over 345,000 employees and 15,300 stores in 22 European countries.
About GLOBALG.A.P.
GLOBALG.A.P. is a leading global certification program whose mission is to bring farmers and retailers together to produce and market safe food to protect scarce resources and build a sustainable future.
Contact:
GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH
Claudia Meifert
Public Relations
T: +49 (0) 221-57776-997
Email: meifert@globalgap.org
Photo: GLOBALG.A.P.
