Trade in agricultural commodities across East Africa could become faster, cheaper and more predictable following a unified move by the East African Community (EAC) to harmonise plant inspection procedures for some of the region’s most heavily traded crops.
Agricultural experts from the eight EAC partner states have completed harmonised Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) frameworks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for four priority commodities – soybeans, groundnuts, pineapples and avocado – in a move aimed at reducing non-tariff barriers while protecting the region from destructive pests and diseases.
