Under the Bouzour Project, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has been supporting Lebanese cherry exporters in exploring export opportunities while aligning with international market standards. The European Union (EU) market was identified as a priority for late cherry varieties due to its market potential. However, several challenges prevented exports this season, primarily due to insufficient preparation and lack of awareness regarding compliance with EU phytosanitary standards for cherry fly infestation.
Key challenges included:
- Insufficient Awareness: Exporters and stakeholders were unaware of the need for a three-month monitoring and control period for cherry fly infestations prior to export.
- Regulatory Gaps: The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) had not issued specific export procedures to comply with EU standards.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Limited collaboration among exporters, farmers, and regulatory bodies hindered compliance efforts.
The primary objective of this assignment is to enable CCIAZ to support the MoA in designing and implementing an Export Certification Program for Cherries. This program will:
- Ensure cherries meet EU quality and phytosanitary standards.
- Establish a sustainable framework for monitoring and managing cherry fly infestations.
- Strengthen Lebanon's export capacity and boost economic growth through market access.
The expected outcomes include:
- Developed Certification Guidelines for cherry exports to the EU.
- Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement to foster collaboration among farmers, exporters, and government agencies.
- Training and Capacity Building to ensure compliance with EU standards.
- Established Market Information Functions to provide sustainable market intelligence and export support.
TO download the cherry export guideline: Click here
To download the the Investment Analysis for 2 Post Harvest Facilites : Click here
