Govt, EU warn on honey quality
May 08, 2005
UGANDA’s honey entry to the European Union (EU) has been launched with a warning to all dealers in honey and other bee products against abusing quality standards since this would threaten the opportunity to export in the vast market.
By Kiganda Ssonko
UGANDA’s honey entry to the European Union (EU) has been launched with a warning to all dealers in honey and other bee products against abusing quality standards since this would threaten the opportunity to export in the vast market.
The warning was made by the Premier, Prof Apollo Nsibambi, who was represented by minister Prof. Mondo Kagonyera and EU delegation head in Uganda Sigurd Illing at the launching of the market opportunity at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Friday.
“We Africans are fond of breaking rules for selfish gains, but for honey, follow the rules set by the EU so that we do not risk suspension.
“You remember well what happened to our fish some years ago. Let it not happen to this market of honey that we have lobbied for a long time. Quality should be observed to sustain the market for continuous returns,†Nsibambi said.
Illing said, “EU has a reputation for having stringent standards, particularly for food products. These standards are not designed to lock out products from poorer countries but a result of growing health concerns among consumers.
“While compliance with standards is unnecessarily burdensome, it delivers benefits to both the exporters and regulatory authorities.â€
He said since Uganda had got EU approval, it would penetrate other markets more easily because their requirements were in line with the EU market.
The chairperson of The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO), Maria Odido, said the EU market now sets a challenge to Uganda in promoting bee- keeping to meet the required quantities.
“The market is open but how prepared are we in satisfying its demands? At the moment, those in bee-keeping should work tirelessly to increase production whereas others should join the industry since there is assured market.
“Investment in the bee sector is now a necessity,†Odido said.
UGANDA’s honey entry to the European Union (EU) has been launched with a warning to all dealers in honey and other bee products against abusing quality standards since this would threaten the opportunity to export in the vast market.
The warning was made by the Premier, Prof Apollo Nsibambi, who was represented by minister Prof. Mondo Kagonyera and EU delegation head in Uganda Sigurd Illing at the launching of the market opportunity at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Friday.
“We Africans are fond of breaking rules for selfish gains, but for honey, follow the rules set by the EU so that we do not risk suspension.
“You remember well what happened to our fish some years ago. Let it not happen to this market of honey that we have lobbied for a long time. Quality should be observed to sustain the market for continuous returns,†Nsibambi said.
Illing said, “EU has a reputation for having stringent standards, particularly for food products. These standards are not designed to lock out products from poorer countries but a result of growing health concerns among consumers.
“While compliance with standards is unnecessarily burdensome, it delivers benefits to both the exporters and regulatory authorities.â€
He said since Uganda had got EU approval, it would penetrate other markets more easily because their requirements were in line with the EU market.
The chairperson of The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO), Maria Odido, said the EU market now sets a challenge to Uganda in promoting bee- keeping to meet the required quantities.
“The market is open but how prepared are we in satisfying its demands? At the moment, those in bee-keeping should work tirelessly to increase production whereas others should join the industry since there is assured market.
“Investment in the bee sector is now a necessity,†Odido said.