A successful National Phytosanitary Conference, themed “Shaping Present and Future Directions,” took place today at the Haile Grand Hotel in Addis Ababa. The event, co-organized by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) and the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), addressed critical phytosanitary concerns impacting Ethiopia’s major exports, including coffee, cut flowers, and cuttings.

The conference highlighted the importance of implementing International Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to ensure national and global food security, facilitate safe trade, and protect the environment.

H.E. Ambassador Deriba Kuma stressed the need for collaboration and cooperation in establishing a robust national phytosanitary system urging active participation from all stakeholders.

Mr. Wondale Habtamu, the NPPO, delivered a keynote address on the technical aspects of phytosanitary measures and their role in international trade, plant resource protection, biodiversity, and Ethiopia’s ecosystem underlining the evolving requirements of importing countries.

Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of EHPEA, echoed the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies, private sectors, and various stakeholders to implement international plant health standards. He also highlighted joint efforts by EAA, EHPEA, and others to bolster capacity in phytosanitary compliance, resulting in a significant reduction of False Codling Moth (FCM) interceptions, a major concern for European plant health regulations.

The event featured insightful presentations by subject matter experts on; EU plant health regulations, Emerging phytosanitary trends and their implications for East African countries, Challenges of False Codling Moth, as well as The role of public and private sectors in smooth export trade.

This vital conference paves the way for a more secure and sustainable future for Ethiopia’s export industry.