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Small Producers in Export Horticulture: A Guide to Best Practice

Smallholders can and do produce high-quality vegetables for export markets that meet social, environmental, food safety and quality standards. However, lack of access to the latest information and techniques can exclude smallholders from potentially lucrative supply chains.

This project is designed to provide the latest information to professionals in the export horticulture trade. It has developed a manual on best practice in the form of a CD-ROM, designed in conjunction with the horticulture industry in Europe, Africa and Asia.

The CD-ROM explains the key to success and provides clear and concise information on procedures for delivering technical and organisational skills, financial resources and market information.

The guide has been primarily written for intermediaries working with or wishing to engage smallholders in the production of vegetables for export. These intermediaries may include small enterprises which service and buy produce from smallholders, packhouse managers, exporting companies, commercial producers, non-government organisations and community-based organisations. We anticipate that those working with smallholders will help them to obtain the necessary skills and the information they require as set out in this guide.

Others who may find this guide useful, closer to the consumer end of the chain, include importers, distributors and supermarkets. We hope that the guide provides a reassurance to them that smallholders can meet the exacting standards that they require and feel encouraged to recommend the Guide to their suppliers.

‘Small Producers in Export Horticulture: A Guide to Best Practice’ was written by Geoffrey Bockett and Antony Ellman, with contributions from Helen Bowles, Joanne Downard, Peter Greenhalgh, Linda Nicolaides, Anne Tallontire and Kate Whitwell.

The CD ROM can be viewed on our website.