Armenia continues efforts to boost export capacity to EU – food safety authority

The second phase of training on the management of perishable goods, products with a short shelf life and those requiring special storage conditions has begun in Yerevan.

The programme has been organised jointly by Armenia’s Food Safety Inspection Body and the Ministry of Economy under the European Commission’s Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) programme.

“During the first TAIEX expert mission held in July this year, specialists from the Food Safety Inspection Body had the opportunity to discuss with international experts issues related to the management, packaging, labelling, storage and transportation of perishable goods, as well as ensuring their traceability.

“At this stage, the focus is more specifically on studying the requirements for exporting plant products and fishery products to the European Union market, as well as official control systems,” the Food Safety Inspection Body said in a statement.

During the four-day training programme, speakers will cover EU phytosanitary requirements, food safety, packaging and labelling, storage and transport conditions, product traceability and border control procedures.

Particular attention will be given to export documentation and the TRACES system, including practical issues relating to animal health certificates for fishery products and phytosanitary certificates for fresh fruit and vegetables.

The authority said the training would provide participants not only with an understanding of European practices but also with the knowledge needed to apply them as effectively as possible in Armenia. It said this would help strengthen the capacity of Armenian specialists, improve the country’s preparedness to meet EU market requirements and expand export opportunities for Armenian agri-food products.