As global markets, and the European Union in particular, become more demanding about the calibre and conformity of goods sold in their territory, improving quality and ensuring compliance with technical requirements become increasingly critical to sustain exports of agricultural products. Within the framework of the NTF II project in Senegal, the ITC Quality component helps mango exporters access the EU market and enhance their competitiveness.
With the support of local trade institutions, ITC is assisting selected producers and exporters to obtain certification for GlobalGAP and organic farming. A Senegalese laboratory will analyse pesticide residue to monitor the sanitary compliance of mango with the EU regulation on Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and short training and communication courses will be held along the supply chain. These workshops will teach producers to prevent and treat fruit-fly infestation and implement good agricultural practices, instruct exporters on good cold-chain practice, and help key operators understand mandatory and voluntary requirements. A synopsis of quality and phytosanitary controls will be added to the ASEPEX marketing guide so the methods to improve quality and food safety of mango for export can be broadly disseminated.