AHFS assistance to continue

IICA will continue to assist the countries of the region in the field of agricultural health and food safety (AHFS).

This assurance has been given by the organisation, which says this assistance will be made particularly with the development of policy instruments and modern, harmonised standards, the modernisation of
national services, the implementation of hemispheric and regional mechanisms for co-operation and information on the subject, the adoption by the countries of international standards, and the establishment of public-private collaboration mechanisms as part of the collaboration with the specialised international agencies.

It was explained that countries increasingly regard animal and plant health as a key factor in determining whether producers can balance cost and quality.

“However, the issue has become very complex, given the variety of ways in which it affects agriculture, and its implications vis-à-vis methods of control and their environmental impact.

“Food safety has also become a requirement for accessing markets, involving processes like traceability to identify and establish quality control mechanisms from primary production through to the consumer.”

The impact of climate change was also highlighted, and it was noted that this is making it increasingly difficult to manage health and safety issues in agrifood chains.

“Specialised government agencies, private sector organisations, producers and agroindustires all have to shoulder growing responsibilities in this area.”

Food safety

Sanitary and phytosanitary measures will be focused on, with the objective of promoting capacity building for the effective implementation of the WTO-SPS Agreement and the active participation of member countries in international forums on sanitary and phytosanitary measures for their benefit.

Additionally, it will focus on modernisation of the national and phytosanitary services. The objective is to support governments in their efforts to modernise their AHFS services, so that they develop the necessary capacity to respond to market demand, to the needs of consumers and to the need to adequately protect animal and plant health, and effectively and efficiently address emerging AHFS issues and emergencies in accordance with national and international regulations.

As it relates to food safety, the objective going forward will be to support member countries in their efforts to develop technical capacities and leadership in food safety. (JH)