By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is now one of the countries that can export fruit directly to China after the two countries signed the citrus trade protocol.
The agreement which is set to pave way for local citrus producers to export their produce to the Asian giant is meant to curb over reliance on South Africa and other European countries.
Acting Chief Director for the department of research and specialist services in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries Water and Rural Development, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo says the agreement will open a new market for farmers.
Supply chain specialist Miss Heather Mcsorley, who was crucial in developing the protocol, says a guaranteed market for the country’s citrus produce will not only boost production, but result in secure funding for producers.
The protocol binds all orchards to be registered with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries Water and Rural Development for quality control.
The trade protocol will cement the long-standing trade relations between Zimbabwe and China.
