AGRINFO Botswana-EU: focus on the meat sector

In September, with the support of the Embassy of Botswana in Brussels, COLEAD hosted a webinar to introduce the AGRINFO and Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programmes to invited guests representing the country’s public and private sectors.

FFM+ works to strengthen the sustainability of the ACP horticultural sector, and there has been much interest in the recent launch of the programme in Botswana. Several applications for support have already been received from the fruit and vegetable sector.

The AGRINFO team demonstrated the website and information service on EU regulations and standards, with a focus on the meat sector. Animals and animal products are currently the main exports from Botswana to the European Union, and keeping up with the evolving EU regulations in the coming months will be important. Changes to regulations on the use of antimicrobials were explained, as well as ongoing discussions within the European Commission on the reform of animal welfare rules.

The webinar was followed by in-depth discussions with Botswana’s Ministry of Trade, and a visit to the country by the AGRINFO and FFM+ teams is planned for November.

AGRINFO is a programme funded by the European Union and implemented by COLEAD.