With the fast growth of the export-oriented horticultural sector in Ethiopia the demands for a well-functioning phytosanitary inspection and control system have gained in importance. As a precondition for sustained market access and export growth it is essential that the Ethiopian phytosanitary services are in compliance with the international standards and regulations. Under the umbrella of the Ethiopian-Dutch Partnership for the horticultural sector development an assessment was made of the current performance of the phytosanitary services in the export-oriented horticultural sector. On the basis of the assessment undertaken in November/December 2006 a number of recommendations were formulated, aimed at strengthening the phytosanitary services in the context of export-oriented production and horticultural development.

The responsibility for phytosanitary inspection, certification and control in Ethiopia lies with the Crop Protection Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This department is furthermore responsible for pesticide registration and control and issuing general crop protection advice and monitoring of migratory pests.

A Dutch project team comprising experts of Wageningen University & Research, the Plant Protection Services and Advance Consulting is responsible for developing the capacity of the Ethiopian Crop Protection Department. The project aims to develop the Ethiopian phytosanitary services so that these will comply with international phytosanitary standards for production and export of flowers and vegetables for the European market. The project will deal with improving a number of aspects including: (a) export inspection and certification systems, (b) phytosanitary monitoring and surveillance (including diagnostic support) and (c) pesticide registration and control services. In addition to the Crop Protection Department also the Ethiopian Horticultural Producers and Exporters Association participates in this project. The project is funded by the Dutch Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) and is implemented between 2007 - 2009.

The role of Advance Consulting in this project is to assist with the identification and planning of project activities. Furthermore Advance Consulting facilitates the public-private cooperation so that export growers are aware of the changes taking place in the phytosanitary regulations and inspections and provide support where necessary. This includes for example the introduction of consignment based checks at Bole airport, the placement of special pheromone traps in greenhouses of export growers and the improvement of the paper work before issuing a phytosanitary certificate.