International trade of non-traditional crops is increasing, with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa playing a significant role in supplies of out of season vegetables, tropical fruit and cut flowers. In 1996, fruit and vegetable exports to the EU from Ghana and Zimbabwe totalled 35 000 and 20 000 tonnes respectively, with Zimbabwe also having significant cut flower exports, valued at 40 million ECU. As a result, export horticulture is an important means of income generation to rural communities in developing countries, either through smallholder outgrower schemes or through employment on commercial farms and/or pack-houses.
Responding to the concerns of Northern consumers and shareholders, the multiple retailers (supermarkets) that account for most horticulture sales are putting in place ethical supply chain management systems. NRET is working with retailers, buyers, exporters and producers of all sizes to ensure that the real priorities of poor people (workers and smallholders) in developing countries are being adequately addressed, and that there are affordable, effective systems for managing, monitoring and reporting social and environmental performance.
We also work on these issues with international initiatives such as EUREP,. the Ethical Trading Initiative and SA8000.
Click on any of the following to find out more about key aspects of our work with the horticulture industry: