Standards body for EU intensifies operations
Jan 07, 2008
EUROGAP, a certifying body for companies exporting agricultural products to European markets, has intensified its operations in Uganda. Caleb Momanyi, an auditor of Africert, a certifying company to EuroGap based in Kenya, said restrictions had been imposed on agricultural products to European marke
By Samuel Balagadde
EUROGAP, a certifying body for companies exporting agricultural products to European markets, has intensified its operations in Uganda. Caleb Momanyi, an auditor of Africert, a certifying company to EuroGap based in Kenya, said restrictions had been imposed on agricultural products to European markets to ensure they conform to the required standards.
“We issued guidelines for farming, handling of the produce and pesticide application that have to followed by the farmers before they are certified,†Momanyi explained recently.
He said for any a company to be certified, it must have consistently met the minimum requirements and be regularly inspected.
“With the global competition, exporters should meet the required standards if they are to remain in business. Consumers of products in recipient countries are sensitive.â€
Momanyi said all agricultural exports must be labelled with the country of origin plus the sources and nature of seeds and pesticide applied among others.
“Few export companies in Uganda have applied for certification compared to Kenya where over 200 have already been inspected and certified.â€
EUROGAP, a certifying body for companies exporting agricultural products to European markets, has intensified its operations in Uganda. Caleb Momanyi, an auditor of Africert, a certifying company to EuroGap based in Kenya, said restrictions had been imposed on agricultural products to European markets to ensure they conform to the required standards.
“We issued guidelines for farming, handling of the produce and pesticide application that have to followed by the farmers before they are certified,†Momanyi explained recently.
He said for any a company to be certified, it must have consistently met the minimum requirements and be regularly inspected.
“With the global competition, exporters should meet the required standards if they are to remain in business. Consumers of products in recipient countries are sensitive.â€
Momanyi said all agricultural exports must be labelled with the country of origin plus the sources and nature of seeds and pesticide applied among others.
“Few export companies in Uganda have applied for certification compared to Kenya where over 200 have already been inspected and certified.â€