Maintaining the export pathway for our fruits and vegetables into the overseas markets is essential.

This was the message to 25 participants attending the Quality Controller training for exporter workers at the Sigatoka Research Station in Nacocolevu.

The training, which was facilitated by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) aimed to update exporters and Crop and Extension officers in the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways on the various processes that exporters must maintain at their pack house during the processing of produce for the export market.

Ronald Prasad, Team Leader Trade Facilitation and Compliance with BAF, says that Quality Control is necessary when exporting fruits and vegetables abroad.

“A pathway was created years ago and this ensures that no pests and diseases from our shores enter the export markets through the produce that we send. So quality control must be maintained at all levels, beginning from the farm during planting and harvesting, washing and packing of the produce till it reaches the consumer’s plate,” explained Mr. Prasad.

The participants also received refresher lessons on grower registration and field hygiene.

“We all have a role to play as responsible players in the value chain, so the training is necessary to ensure that we do not fail in our duties. We have to continue the good relations that we have with the importing countries and we need to tie up every loose end that we can to ensure we safeguard our farmers, markets and economy and sustainability of existing pathways,” added Mr. Prasad.

The two-day training, which ended today, has also taken place in Nadi and will move to the Central Division next week.

Meanwhile, Sigatoka has around nine exporters that supply fruits and vegetables to New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Canada and other Pacific Islands Countries with approved pathways. 

-ENDS-

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