The Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA) has continued to step up efforts of committed interventions in combating the False Codling Moth (FCM), a major threat to Ethiopia’s cut-flower export.

Enhancing capacity through intensive training is one of EHPEA’s prime partnership interventions to address FCM risks and maintain compliance with EU export requirements while ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Ethiopia’s floriculture industry.

Accordingly, a three-day advanced training on FCM identification and management was held from 3-5 March, with the participation of trainers and inspectors from EHPEA and the Ethiopian Agriculture Authority (EAA) respectively.

As part of the implementation of EHPEA and CABI joint project supported by Trademark Africa (TMA), the training was delivered by CABI aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of experts as well as improving the systems approach implementation for compliant cut-flower roses exported to EU markets.

The theoretical sessions were accompanied by a practical field tour to Friendship Flower Farm with on-site activities including, scouting for different life stages of FCM, pheromone trap placement, agrobacterium removing, inspection at critical control points, traceability procedures and farm-level systems for risk profiling and communication.

The classroom sessions covered topics including, FCM identification, FCM management using IPM approach, EU phytosanitary requirements and systems approach implementation, risk communication and report writing among others.