The annual Workshop on application of Commercial Quality Standards for Fruits and Vegetables in Eastern Africa

23^rd to 27^th April, 2012 at KEPHIS Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya

The annual Workshop on application of Commercial Quality Standards for Fruits and Vegetables in Eastern Africa was held from 23^rd to 27^th April, 2012 at KEPHIS Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop shedded light on the consumption trends for fruits and vegetables in Kenya in the last one year (2011/2012); it increased knowledge of fruits and vegetables quality standards; it stressed the importance of strengthening the institutional and technical infrastructure for their implementation and use, and of establishing related systems of conformity assessment; and it gave participants opportunities to strengthen networks of national and international counterparts involved in the development and implementation of commercial agricultural quality standards. There were in total 62 participants from Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, DRC, Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda. Trainers and resource persons included experts from The Netherlands, United States of America, South Africa and Kenya. The workshop was opened by the agriculture Secretary, Dr. Wilson Songa on 23^rd April 2012. Participants were able to receive theory classes on quality standards, hands-on training and visited a greenhouse farmer, supermarket, packhouse unit for export produce and KEPHIS inspection system at the airport. As an outcome of the workshop, participants resolved to continue holding such workshops to exchange ideas and build capacity within the region, suggested to the organizing committee to consider holding the workshop in other countries. The US, South Africa and Netherlands offered to continue supporting countries implementing OECD scheme initiatives by providing expertise on standards and exchange of information.

For more information on the workshop contact:

Managing Director,

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)

P.O. Box 49592-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel.: +254-20-3536171/2

Fax: + 254-20-3536175

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.kephis.org

For detailed presentations and pictures on the workshop, open the links below:

1. PRESENTATIONS ON: OECD Workshop 23rd-27th April 2012 KEPHIS HQS.zip

    

2. PICTURES :Pictures.zip