Stakeholders, Biosecurity, Extension and Research officers have successfully completed their 2 days training last week on System Approach, Fresh Produce Export. The Training was conducted for 2 days from 20th to 21st April 2023.
A total of 35 participants attended the training. Including Stakeholders from Chotto’s Guadalcanal Product, Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour, and Immigration, Maraghoto Holdings, SAPE farm, Varivao, JEDOM organic Foods, PHAMA Plus and Selected MAL Officers from Biosecurity, Research and Extension Department.
The training was facilitated by the Biosecurity Solomon Islands through the Solomon Islands Biosecurity Development Program (SIBDP) with the assistance from the DAFF, and South Pacific Community, (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD) Funded under the Safe Agricultural trade facilitation through economic integration in the Pacific (Safe Pacific)
The purpose of a ‘System Approach’ in the context of exports is to provide where appropriate, and equivalent alternative to procedures that are trade restrictive, such as de-infestation treatments or prohibitions.
In principle, a system approach should be composed of a combination of the phytosanitary measures that can be implemented within the exporting country, such as field treatment, post-harvest disinfestations and inspection, existing cultural practices, such as crop production, harvest and distribution methods.
Luke Kiriau, Chief Biosecurity officer for market access and trade, in his statement said, the system approach is based on management of the risks posed by pest associated with a product-pest risk management. Pest risk management is the process of identifying ways to react to a perceived risk, evaluating the effectiveness of the procedures and recommending the most appropriate options.
The Advantage of the system approach is its ability to address variability to and uncertainty by modifying the number and strength of measures to meet the appropriate level of phytosanitary protection and confidence.
Participants were keen to learn the significance of System Approach, and export pathway system for potential agriculture commodities to export. The training provides the pathway system that regulates the export products for international markets. And a system that select a commodity is treated and certified, enforcing the essential SPS-WTO standards and regulations.
The training was really enlightening for most of the participants, especially on the important of system Approach that farmers, Exporters, Biosecurity, Extension and Research officers need to understand the requirement and meet the international standards prior to export.
Luke Kiriau, in his final remarks expressed his gratitude to the South Pacific Community (SPC/LRD) and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for funding and facilitating the training.
MAL Press Release//