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Manuals focus on regulations, standards and certification requirements for agricultural producers and exporters
Series of manuals produced by the FAO outlines voluntary and regulatory requirements for producers and exporters in East and West Africa, Asia, and Central and South America
Many producers and exporters feel that the market for certified agricultural products is very complex and that the opportunities and requirements associated with certification programs are not always clear. In addition, producers do not always know if the requirements are compulsory or voluntary. To assist stakeholders from the private and public sectors these manuals help local producers and exporters understand the requirements for export to the United States of America, the European Union, Japan and other selected countries. The manuals are designed for producer organizations, trainers, extension agents and exporters. They describe the import regulations of the main export markets, and the major private standards and voluntary certification programs required for export markets. Manuals have been developed specifically for West Africa, East Africa, Central America, South America, and Asia.
The language of each manual is presented in an easily accessible format that stresses the main voluntary certification schemes, their importance, the differences between them, as well as their advantages and limitations. As voluntary certification schemes are not the only requirement for export each manual also address conformance with the regulations of importing countries. Owing to the changing nature of regulations and the diversity of products and their characteristics, numerous Internet addresses have also been provided in each of the following manuals where up-to-date, detailed information can be found.
Further information on these manuals and other relevant initiatives by the FAO can be found on their web page on Manuals for Certification for Agricultural Exports.
by
Pascal Liu