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Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
IN a move that promotes order and ensures high product quality in the horticulture industry, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is developing a regulatory Statutory Instrument (SI) for the sector.
This comes as the country is pushing to strengthen its position in the global horticulture export markets.
Horticulture is a high-potential growth area, boosting rural incomes, foreign currency earnings, and overall economic stability.
AMA chief executive officer Mr Clever Isaya noted that the sector’s rapid expansion had revealed gaps in regulation, quality control and market inconsistencies, which this new SI intends to address.
The upcoming SI will establish guidelines for production, handling, marketing and export compliance within the horticulture sector.
“The horticulture sector in Zimbabwe has immense potential, but to unlock this, we need to ensure formality, quality control, and adherence to global standards. This SI will create a robust framework that protects farmers, attracts investment and enhance our export competitiveness,” said Mr Isaya.
AMA is working closely with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) to ensure that the regulation aligns with international standards, giving Zimbabwean produce a competitive edge in global markets.
The regulation will encompass all horticultural players, including smallholder farmers, commercial growers, processors, and exporters, ensuring accountability and adherence to best practices. It will also introduce penalties for non-compliance, safeguarding the industry from substandard practices that could harm Zimbabwe’s export reputation.
Horticulture is among Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors, driven by increasing domestic demand and expanding export opportunities.
The 2024 Summer Crop Plan projects substantial growth in the production of high-value crops like butternuts, tomatoes, and chilies, which are in demand in markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
As Zimbabwe diversifies its export base, horticulture has emerged as a vital contributor to foreign currency earnings.
The plan emphasises the necessity for high-quality produce that meets international standards, a goal that this new regulation will facilitate.
Mr Isaya highlighted that for smallholder farmers, who represent a significant portion of horticulture producers, the SI would provide a formal structure that helps them access markets more effectively.
AMA’s mandate to connect farmers with markets will be reinforced by the regulation, ensuring that small-scale growers benefit from the sector’s growth.
The formalisation of the sector will also create opportunities for skills training, certification, and improved access to inputs and technology.
These measures will assist smallholder farmers in increasing yields and meeting export quality requirements, thereby boosting incomes and improving livelihoods across rural communities.
“The partnership between AMA and SAZ is a critical step in ensuring that Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry grows sustainably. Formal regulation will address issues such as post-harvest losses, poor packaging, and inconsistent quality, which have previously hindered the sector’s growth. Furthermore, the standards will also be aligned with the Africa Free Trade Area, which is currently taking root,” he said.
As work on the SI progresses, AMA has appealed to all stakeholders to participate in consultations and share ideas to ensure the regulation is comprehensive and inclusive.
The authority remains committed to supporting farmers with market linkages, training and information to ensure the sector thrives under the new regulatory framework.
Online Reporter