Zimbabwe's producers are to get the PIP.

Zimbabwe's producers are to get the PIP.

With nearly 50,000 tonnes exported a year, Zimbabwe is one of the top 10 ACP exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables to the European Union. The bulk of its exports (excluding citrus fruits) consists of mangetout and green beans (3,750t in 2003), followed by avocados (770t), mangoes and passion fruit.

Around 10 producers and exporters have already submitted intervention applications to the PIP, following two visits by PIP experts to Zimbabwe (in March and June 2004). The firms mostly produce mangetout and green beans, as well as different types of fruit.

The needs identified by the companies are essentially linked to staff training and the introduction of food safety and traceability systems. Capacity building activities will be developed in terms of the needs expressed by the sector. A regional approach - involving resources based in Zambia and Mozambique - might be considered.

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