HOST COUNTRY GOVERNMENTS

The advent of the World Trade Organization has opened the door to international commerce in fruits and vegetables as never before, thereby providing enormous potential for enhancing the incomes of small farmers, processes and exporters and increasing foreign exchange earnings for the nation as a whole. Yet participation in the expanded market is possible only to the extent that national standards for food products conform to international Grades and Standards; and that governments apply standards strategically to access the domestic, regional and global marketplace.

PFID—F&V assists host country governments to strengthen their capacity to implement standards effectively. Experts from across the supply chain work with host governments to:

• Provide training to government officials on international food standards, laws and regulations, advising on market-driven issues and improving food quality and safety;
• Demonstrate how standards can be used strategically in marketing;
• Ensure that small-scale farmers participate in the income streams generated by improved F&V production. Adjust to category management opportunities through partnerships on global basis;
• Advise on reducing obstacles in the supply chains, streamline packaging, handling and identifying alternative processes; and
• Establish certification systems to ensure that safety and quality standards are applied fairly, effectively and promptly.