The Indo-German Agricultural Market Development (AMD) Project completed it second Study Tour to Germany and the Netherlands from the period of 3 to 9 September 2023. Ten Indian Delegation comprising of representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Spices Board of India, Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and AMD team participated in different schedule meetings with the German and the Netherlands based organizations. The study tour delegation was led by Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary (Marketing), Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The objective of the study tour were –
– To better understand the official control and market safety requirements and mechanisms (especially for contamination, hygiene and traceability) for selected Indian spices and fruit (Mango & Green Chilli, Cumin & Coriander Turmeric & Ginger) intended for import into the EU, based on the examples of Germany and the Netherlands;
– Learn from the practical operation of –
-Official Food safety control of spice imports at ports at Germany and Netherlands – Food safety standards and certification for spice imports into EU (e.g. Germany and Netherlands – in particular IFC and FSSC 22000)
– Develop detailed understanding on lessons of promoting Famers Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Germany/EU
During the study tour, meeting and visits were conducted at Federal Association of Producer Organisations for Fruit and Vegetables (BVEO), EDEKA, Centre of excellence for fruit growing in northern Germany in Jork, QS certification scheme system, and Vrugteboom International B.V. Visit to the Port of Rotterdam was organized and meetings with Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Dutch Food and Safety Department (NVWA), and Lineage logistics were organized.
