Accra, Aug 22, GNA – A regional workshop on the on the Draft International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures to deal with the protection and control of pests has opened in Accra. The workshop, which ends on August 26, year is being attended by 24 French speaking African countries while English speaking countries would have theirs next week in Accra.
In a speech, Mr Oloche Anebi Edache, Assistant Director-General, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Regional Director for Africa, said it was most important that all countries in the standard-setting activities relating to trade and public health, participated actively to make binding diagnostic protocols on pest control.
He noted that another vital and beneficial factor was the close relationship between the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Agreement of the World Trade Organization. The Regional Director said realistic and objective methods would protect the health of consumers and promote trade with the control pests.
Mr Edache noted that active participation of all African countries in standard setting was essential for the Region as a whole saying: “We are delighted to take part actively in international cooperation in this area.”
The workshop is to review the international standards for Phyto-sanitary measures.
Source: GhanaWeb
