Makerere University Agriculture Students’ Train on SPS Issues, FFV Export Standards and Regulation.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), in partnership with HortiFresh, GIZ, and Makerere University, conducted a training session on issues relating to Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of Makerere University.
The training was attended by over 100 agriculture students, inspectors from MAAIF, and Dr. Akello Robert, a lecturer at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the university. The primary focus of the training was to equip students with agricultural skills, expose them to the horticultural sector, and teach them how to improve the export and import business of agricultural produce in Uganda.
During the training, Dr. Ssamula Alexander, a senior inspector at MAAIF, explained that SPS measures are sanitary and non-sanitary regulations applied to protect human or animal life from risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins, or disease-causing organisms in their food.
He added that SPS measures include zero tolerance/limits for residues and restricted use of substances in plants and fresh produce. He also discussed pest status in trade, which includes quarantine pests (absent from the area or present but under control) and regulated non-quarantine pests, such as the fall armyworm, false codling moth, and tomato pinworm.
Furthermore, Mr. Alex Otut, a senior inspector from MAAIF, talked about regulating agricultural chemicals. This includes registering agricultural chemical dealers and premises, inspecting commercial farms, and accrediting scientists to conduct trials.
Kisuule Ismael, a student leader at Makerere University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Rural Innovation, stated that students have been equipped with skills, knowledge, and exposure to farm practices, which will help them guide farmers in improving their agricultural products.
The training was organized by HortiFresh, the umbrella association of growers, exporters, and input service providers of fresh fruits and vegetables in Uganda, under the SEAMPEC Project funded by GIZ, intending to reduce interceptions and boost food safety in Uganda.
Richard Ssebulime
