Boosting international trade by improving the Sanitary and Phytosanitary system for horticulture in Uganda
In Uganda, the export of horticultural produce to global markets is significant to the economy, food security and livelihoods. In 2023, 60% of exports, which included fresh fruit and vegetables, were to the EU, worth 58 million euros. However, despite the notable exports, Uganda has a limited share of the EU market. This is due to produce being intercepted and rejected because it does not meeting the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards. CABI is working in collaboration with partners to strengthen the capacity of Ugandan authorities and private sector organizations to comply with SPS measures for domestic and export markets with the aim of increasing trade, safeguarding health and increasing income and employment opportunities.
Strengthening phytosanitary research programming and collaboration: from European to global phytosanitary research coordination
As a result of increased global trade and transport and climate change, the likelihood of pest introductions has grown. However, public resources and budgets to invest in research, including national phytosanitary research budgets, have typically declined. Combining resources to investigate challenges that countries share and develop solutions of mutual benefit can address some of the difficulties researchers and their funders face. In this project, CABI will be working as part of the European Phytosanitary Research Coordination (EUPHRESCO) network to help guide national, regional and global research funding. CABI will use its African knowledge and expertise to develop a regional phytosanitary research agenda for Africa.
EU-China joint action to increase the development and adoption of IPM tools
The persistent threat of invasive agricultural pests and their chronic re-emergence underlines the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools and their implementation. Pest management typically relies largely on chemical pesticides, increasing the risks to humans and wildlife. Despite European Union and Chinese policies promoting the use of IPM, widespread adoption by farmers is limited. This project will utilize existing knowledge and techniques to adapt and optimize future IPM tools and practices. The project will further develop high-potential IPM tools and design cost-effective, environmentally safe IPM packages for economically important crops. Together with partners, CABI will lead the development of a web-based IPM tool performance demonstrator. CABI will also make valuable contributions to the development and efficacy of IPM tools against fall armyworm and develop a biocontrol agent for common ragweed.