Staff Writer 
ZIMTRADE has urged horticultural farmers and traders to certify their produce in order to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a key exporter to the European market.
The global demand for organic produce continues to grow, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health, sustainability, and environmental concerns.
However, accessing these lucrative markets requires compliance with strict certification standards.
In its December 2024 update, ZimTrade reported that the European Union (EU) remains the largest market for organic products.
The EU introduced new organic regulations in 2022, focusing on standardised practices, traceability, and sustainability across all member states.
“The European Union’s new organic regulation, implemented in 2022, emphasises harmonised standards across member states, with a focus on fairness and sustainability,” said ZimTrade.
“To successfully enter the European and other key organic markets, Zimbabwean farmers must understand and meet specific certification requirements,” the organisation added.
ZimTrade highlighted the importance of key certification bodies such as Global GAP and ECOCERT, which ensure the quality and integrity of organic products.
“Embracing organic farming practices, meeting international certification standards, and leveraging Zimbabwe’s unique agricultural advantages are essential for the country to position itself as a significant player in the global organic market,” the organisation stated.
The organisation also stressed that certification not only ensures compliance but also builds trust with health-conscious international buyers.
“Collaboration with organisations like ZimTrade and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) is crucial for achieving certification and accessing global markets,” the report noted.
Zimbabwe’s diverse agricultural landscape makes it ideal for cultivating a variety of high-value crops.
According to ZimTrade, organic produce such as avocados, mangoes, and green beans, alongside niche crops like quinoa, chia seeds, and turmeric, are in high demand.
Adopting organic farming not only strengthens Zimbabwe’s position in global organic markets but also boosts the agricultural sector’s contribution to the national GDP.
“This approach will drive economic growth while ensuring environmentally friendly agricultural practices,” ZimTrade said.
