{Some agricultural products from Africa are likely to be banned on European markets if no measures are taken to ensure clear observation of standards required by European standards enforcement institutions, experts on international trade, Agriconsulting Europe have revealed.}
Working with Trade Mark East Africa(TMEA), the experts made the revelation during a meet with staff of Rwanda’s Agriculture and Livestock Inspection Services (RALIS), under MINAGRI, where they discussed the best ways of processing quality agricultural and dairy products before they are exported to international markets.
During the meeting, it was observed that there are crop diseases that go untreated which affect the quality of produce and access to international markets.
Olafur Valsson, one of the experts, told IGIHE that their company trains Rwandans to increase their capacity in how to deliver good quality produce, observe standards and follow the regulations before taking them to international markets, specifically in Europe.
He further stressed that Rwandans need to take a leaf from other countries’ performance so that their products continue to be accepted on international markets.
Produce from countries such as Ghana have been banned on European market over supplying fruits and vegetables that fall below accepted standards.
Uwumukiza Beatrice, the Director General of RALIS, says the organization will continue with accentuating observation of standards through constant training and building skills of farmers and agri-processors.
“Building knowledge needs constant interaction with experts and following the established regulations, that is why we are training them in the observation of standards,” she said.
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