Egyptian agricultural exports work to meet yet another stringent standard for entry into the EU, reports Eman Youssef Agricultural exports vying to enter into the EU are working towards complying with the WTO- ordained standards on traceability. This requires that commodities have labelled on them information on the different elements involved in the production, preparation and distribution of the product like storage, and pesticides utilised. The implementation of a technique linking different stages of the supply chain is being encouraged, not only to ensure that Egyptian agricultural products meet the EU's quality standards. Meeting traceability standards also hold benefits for the national economy, according to Mohie El-Batanouni, the national project manager for the Egyptian Traceability Centre for Agro-Industrial Exports (ETRACE). "It helps minimise the spread of contagious disease and protects the food chain," El-Batanouni said. Traceability regulations started being implemented in January 2005. Despite the positive reception by growers and exporters to applying traceability standards to their products, financial and technical problems hinder their actual application. National as well as international agencies are consequently trying to help fresh produce exporters, NGOs, farm associations, and public institutions comply with the prerequisite standards of quality and safety of fresh produce. To better acquaint producers with the technologies needed to apply traceability, ETRACE and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) held a seminar in coordination with the Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC). According to Massimo Garzelli, head of UNIDO's regional office based in Cairo," There is even more potential for expanding Egypt's agricultural exports to Europe, based on the different growing seasons. But they still cannot (access) the global marketplace if (they are not competitive)." Garzelli says that Egypt in addition to eight other countries have been chosen by UNIDO and WTO as sites for a test location which will identify the key areas and sectors that could potentially benefit from future technical assistance and support." Technical assistance is already being provided by the Italian Debt for Development. Egypt was chosen because of its "large and dynamic economy as well as its regional influence. The funds are part of a broader plan to help developing countries benefit from international trade systems," Garzelli says. By virtue of an agreement signed between the Italian and Egyptian governments ETRACE, which has been operative in Egypt for over 18 months, is currently funded with a sum of LE45 million through the Italian Debt Swap mechanism. ETRACE is subsequently providing a wide range of technical assistance to growers and exporters comprised of field visits, study tours, and traceability awareness sessions.
