Established an SPS multi-stakeholder platform and apex association

• The project successfully promoted public-private collaboration by establishing an SPS multi-stakeholder platform to connect government authorities, horticulture producers and industry associations. By the time the project concluded, more than 168 stakeholders were using the platform, which has become a hub for information-sharing and joint learning.
• The formation of HortiFresh, an apex industry association, will enable small producer and exporter groups to improve collaboration and communication with the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification.

Strengthened phytosanitary capacity

• Stakeholder capacity was built in line with a systems approach to meet EU SPS export requirements. Producers were trained in good agricultural practices, integrated pest management, and methods of producing chilies. This was informed by a capsicum dossier that was developed with the support of COLEAD.
• Technical reference materials, including standard operating procedures, were produced for inspecting and monitoring five priority fresh fruit and vegetable quarantine pests.
• More than 1,400 stakeholders – including producers and government staff – were trained in pest and disease management, food safety and SPS export requirements.
• NPPO staff were issued with personal protective equipment. 

Streamlined inspection and export certification system

• To speed up processes and improve accuracy and transparency, 25 plant health inspectors received tablets and computers to process electronic phytosanitary certificates (e-Phyto solutions). As a result, the percentage of incorrect or incomplete documents submitted for certification during the project decreased by 66%.
• Efficiencies derived from digitization resulted in streamlined and transparent processes, enabling an increase in the number of exporters accredited from 67 in 2017 to 150 in 2022.

Established phytosanitary survey and monitoring systems in the fruit and vegetable value chain based on public-private partnership

• A training curriculum for five priority pests – Thaumatotibia leucotreta (false codling moth), potato virus Y(PVY), Dacus spp, Bactrocera spp and fruit flies was established.
• Five standard operating procedures for specific survey and monitoring systems of the priority pests were developed and 50 people trained to implement system. Participants representing the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification, producer and exporter associations, scouts from production entities, district extension staff, and crop protection and production departments received training.

Improved awareness and support at the national level

• The project raised the awareness of inspection and certification requirements and procedures among stakeholders in the fresh fruit and vegetable export sector. Communication with senior government officials and executives of exporter and producer associations was sustained through targeted briefing sessions.
•  An SPS communications strategy was developed and used to guide stakeholder communication.
• Detailed technical briefs and communication materials covering capsicum, garden eggs and bitter gourd were produced along general agricultural practices, pest and disease management, and the certification process.

Reduced interceptions and additional funding sourced for the fruits and vegetable sector 

• Capsicum interceptions decreased by more than 90%, from 72 in 2018 to three in 2022. These positive results catalysed an additional EUR8 million in EU investment to build capacity in Uganda's fresh fruit and vegetable sector.