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Ban on vegetable export to EU hurting economy

In September 2015, the EU placed a temporary ban vegetable export from Ghana as a result of "improper documentation for exports and presence of pest on produce.”

Minister of Food and Agriculture,  Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna

He said the ban had affected foreign exchange inflow, income of vegetable farmers and small farm holders.

The ban on pepper, aubergines and gourd followed an advice by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU.

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In an audit report at that time, FVO, which said “Ghana stands the risk of a ban from the European Commission as a result of improper documentation for exports and presence of pest on produce.”

Then minister of agriculture Fiifi Kwetey, now minister of transport, upheld the temporary ban to streamline activities of the vegetable exporters and to make them adhere to the world standards.

The Vegetable Sector Business Opportunities Report which aims at enhancing commercial agriculture in Ghana is an initiative of GhanaVeg and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The report provides an analysis of Ghana's vegetable sector, emerging certification scheme, and Ghana Green Label, which focuses on reducing food safety risks in the local market.

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Alhaji Limuna revealed that steps are being taken to reverse ban on vegetable export and is confident farmers would be given the green light to export soon.

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