PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN PHYTOSANITARY INSPECTION AND SPS

TRAINING IN ZAMBIA

4 – 6 OCTOBER 2010

ISAAC C. NKHUNGULUZambia Export Growers Association

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

IntroductionObjectivesProject ManagementProject Activities and ProgressWay forward

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INTRODUCTION

The PartnersMinistry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) Public Sector OrganisationZambia Export Growers Association (ZEGA) –Private Sector OrganisationBasis of Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding

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INTRODUCTION

1. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives[Plant Quarantine Phytosanitary Services

(PQPS)]Plant Inspectors: (PIs)

Farm inspectionsCrop scouting in the field and Green houses

On-farm Export InspectionsInspect products in pack-sheds

Exit InspectionsInspect crop products at the Airport Cold rooms

Airport Terminal inspectionsInspect plants and plant materials

INTRODUCTION

2. Zambia Export Growers Association (ZEGA ) –[Private Sector Organization]Established in 1984 as non–profit making org to promote interests of all growers wishing to export fresh horticultural produce Professional, private and independent bodyPresently has 15 registered exporters comprising family businesses and companies Most farms within 60 km radius of Lusaka International AirportExports to EU market (based on duty-free, quota-free market access), and South Africa

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EXPORT MARKETS

Breakdown of markets:A. FLOWERS

20% to Holland-Auction & Direct markets80% to UK super markets and South AfricaFor the EU market quarantine pest is Thrips Palmi

B. VEGETABLES80% to UK – Tescos, Sainsbury, M&S, etc20% South Africa, Holland, France, Australia, New Zealand

All produce subject to phytosanitary inspection for pests and other diseases

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BACKGROUND

Prior to 2007, PQPS had no office at the Lusaka International Airport although was point of exit for all fresh produce exports.Plant inspections done by PIs when invited either at farm or airport.

Inspections schedules were not observed.2003 – Plant inspections introduced for roses for Thrips Palmi (Quarantine Pest). EU directive.2005 - Introduction of inspections from 0% to100% inspection rate for rose flowers

Significant increases in plant inspection fees based on increased inspection rate zega

BACKGROUND (Cont’d)

Plant inspection fees paid by Zambian exporters both locally and abroad2005 – SPS Project initiated between MACO and ZEGA through a Memorandum of UnderstandingSeveral Cooperating partners (Government of Zambia, Netherlands government, USAID, etc)Project Coordinating Group (PQPS, ZEGA, NRDC/ZEGA Training Trust, Farmer Representative, ZEGA Ltd, Netherlands Embassy Official)NRDC/ZEGA Training Trust provided the Secretariat Project backstopping provided by the International Agriculture Centre of the Wageningen University

OBJECTIVES

Human capacity development

Phytosanitary export inspections

Provision of necessary equipment

Monitoring and surveillance

Preventive measures

Information flows on phytosanitary regulations

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PQPS INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRAINING

Construction of Phytosanitary office and laboratory at Lusaka International Airport and PQPS head officeProcurement of vehicles and Office equipment Procurement of laboratory equipmentStudy tours for PIs to HollandWorkshops and trainingConsultant on Export Inspections SystemsSyllabus on Phytosanitary Regulations and Inspections prepared for Diploma Students

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MONITORING, SURVEILLANCE AND  PREVENTIVE MEASURES

PQPS produced an Pest Status and Early Detection Monitoring Programme for pests and diseasesPest surveillance survey carried out since 2007Cold chain improvement – refrigerated trolleysCrop scouting courses for farm workersConsultant on Pest monitoring and managementConsultant trained Plant Inspectors and farm workers on Monitoring and Surveillance programmes

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INFORMATION FLOWS ON PHYTOSANITARY REGULATIONS

Website developed with assistance of Backstopping officerElectronic information exchange of CertificationCertification manual producedInternet connections between LIA office, borders and Head office

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RESULTS OF PARTNERSHIP

Inspection costs under reduced frequency (rf) for cut flowersFlower inspection rate now at 10% from 100%Reduction in Charges from Eu1.13 to Eu0.11/ 1000 stems inspectedConsignment interceptions negligible - about 2 to 3 per yearPlant Inspectors highly committed and motivated

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CHALLENGES

Transport for PIs to farmsLimited disbursements from Govt for inspectionsInadequate manpowerPIs trained in first line inspectionsLocal inspection fee not directly accessedHigh Cost of air freight Website not updated regularlyIncreasingly stringent SPS measures –Europe, SA

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CHALLENGES (con’t)

US Market subject to Pest Risk Assessments (PRAs) – protect marketMultiplicity of market standards – BRC, Nature Choice, MPS, GLOBALGAP, MRLs, HACCP, Traceability, Packaging, LabellingCarbon/Food Miles issue – ThreatHigh cost of training and certification - small growers marginalizedBorder clearance delays, high costs of doing business

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WAY FORWARD

Strengthen capacity of Plant Quarantine and Plant Inspection Service – Establishment of Plant Regulatory BoardDevelopment of National Standards in Food Safety and HygieneProvision of technical assistance to producer associations with export goodsEstablishment of the regional Horticultural Council for Eastern and Southern Africa (HCESA) –Regional ClusterNeed for Government support in trade integration –PPP: To enhance our competitiveness in regional and international markets – infrastructure Development zega

THANK YOU

PLANT QUARANTINE AND PHYTOSANITARY SERVICES OFFICE LUSAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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