FAO Helps Farmers Export Specialty Crops

Specialty crops like garlic, ginger, mango, pineapple and chili, have been traditionally produced in smaller amounts compared to field crops such as corn, wheat and rice. Because of this, proper use of pesticides for their cultivation has not been as widely established as they have been for cash crops. The lack of pesticide data poses problems for growers, most of whom are from developing countries, to export their crops to overseas markets. Strict standards imposed by importing countries require monitoring of the pesticide residue present in imported crops.

Experts from around the world met at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and discussed challenges associated with pesticide use on these crops. Director of FAO‘s Plant Protection Division, Shivaji Pandey, said that they are trying to look for ways to come up with more harmonized protection measures for non traditional crops that will efficiently facilitate trade, suit the needs of farmers, ensure food and environmental safety, and benefit consumers. FAO data shows that specialty crop exports are worth more than US$30 billion a year.

At the end of the meeting, FAO hopes to see more maximum residue limits (MRLs, maximum amount of pesticide residue level allowed to be present in goods) established at the international Codex Alimentarius level. The Codex, a joint FAO-World Health Organization body, sets the international standards for food safety.

For more information, including links to related articles, visit http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000718/index.html