EU demands more fresh produce
The engagement and re-engagement policy continues to bear fruit, with the European
Union calling on Zimbabwe to export more fresh produce to the bloc.
In his address during the launch of the ‘Team Europe Initiative on Greener and ClimateSmart Agriculture’ yesterday, the EU delegation led by EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchamann said there was a growing demand for fresh produce in Europe that Zimbabwean farmers can meet.
The launch came after coordination at the political level to ensure that Zimbabwe and the
EU achieve the greatest sustainable impact and transformational change in line with the
country’s strategic priorities.
“We do want to see more fresh produce exports to EU as farmers shift towards market
and value-driven agriculture production.
“We have been working with farmers in Chipinge district by facilitating organic produce
certification and export capacity building,” said Ambassador Von Kirchamann.
The development comes as the Government paces up efforts to transform small-scale
farms into production hubs for export produce to accelerate the attainment of an uppermiddle income economy and rural development.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious
Masuka, said as the country aims at growing the export bill through various Government
led export strategies, the European market presents an opportunity that local smallscale farmers can explore for increased profitability.
The ministry is developing robust market systems that address the dictates of exports and domestic uptake.
Recently, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr John Basera, said they
were developing and revitalising horticulture-related infrastructure including agroprocessing to establish sustainable and effective funding mechanisms and to attract
foreign investment in horticulture production.
Government is working on safeguarding that a sustainable business environment is
created through legislative amendments so farmers can be able to sell and benefit from
their produce.
The Team Europe Initiative on Greener and Climate-Smart Agriculture initiative will also
support young people and farmers through agri-business support services.
The initiative, which includes all member States and Switzerland, will contribute over
€207 million in support of the Government’s strategy for a more productive, resilient
and greener agricultural sector.
The re-engagement between Zimbabwe and the EU allows all partners to exchange and
mutually understand their visions and priorities.
It will take place every three months, in order to ensure the initiative remains fully
aligned with the National Development Strategy (NDS 1).-The Herald
