Worldwide, consumers increasingly demand evidence that agricultural products meet specific quality standards and are grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. Certifications communicate to consumers that agricultural products meet independent standards including food safety, methods of production, quality, environmental protection, etc. In addition, to satisfy buyers and promote food safety, there are growing governmental requirements to ensure that agricultural products can be effectively traced along supply chains. Obtaining and maintaining certifications and implementing traceability are critical for agribusinesses and exporting countries to remain competitive in increasingly regulated and specialized markets.

CNFA works alongside both private and public sector stakeholders to improve certification and traceability – thereby expanding market opportunities and improving international competitiveness of developing countries. We employ a wide range of tools and approaches to help farmers and agribusinesses obtain and maintain certifications that facilitate market access, including: promoting awareness of quality standards and certification processes, upgrading infrastructure and technology to meet quality standards, facilitating exposure visits to certified farms and agribusinesses, and coaching on best management practices.

We improve the competitiveness of agricultural industries through development of comprehensive traceability systems that are responsive to market demand. Critical to these efforts are formulation of sustainable public-private partnerships where both the government and private sector work toward and benefit from a traceability system. In support of traceability, CNFA advises on policy reform, develops management plans, and assists in development of the ICT and physical infrastructure required for implementation of a traceability system.

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