With the objective of assessing progress in policy framework on Integrated Pest Management the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) and key stakeholders held a validation workshop in Adama late last week.

Agriculture State Minister Sani Redi said during the workshop that all necessary support would be provided in order to accelerate completion of the regulation which is due to be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval.

The State Minister also noted that once the regulation is finalized and approved, the Ministry will give attention to devising a directive which suits the interests and priorities of the horticulture sector.

Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association Executive Director Tewodros Zewdie remarked on the occasion that EHPEA’s collaborative effort with the Ministry and other relevant governmental offices will be upheld even after the regulation is approved. “EHPEA will contribute to the effort being made to improving agricultural production and productivity through giving due emphasis to quality export in the horticulture sector. “

EHPEA, being a signatory of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPCC), is expected to have a comprehensive quarantine regulation which encompasses a wide ranging points mainly issues related with bio-agent.

Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional State Agricultural Bureaus, Regional Agricultural Institutions, Regional Quarantine Offices, Universities, Input suppliers and Commercial farms were in attendance.