Tanzania's horticulture sector has experienced significant growth over the years, with production rising from 7.9 million tons in 2022 to 8.43 million tons in 2023, and exports increasing from US$290.1 million to US$417.7 million.
This growth presents opportunities to boost food security and expand international market access. However, food safety remains a critical challenge due to weak SPS implementation and traceability systems. These challenges have led to interception of consignments in international markets due to contaminants such as Salmonella spp., unauthorized pesticides, as well maximum residues of chemicals.
To improve Tanzania's capacity to align with international standards and facilitate safe trade, the Ministry of Agriculture through the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) and the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), signed an agreement in 2017, renewed for the period 2021–2026. The agreement helps ensure that Tanzania’s horticultural exports are safe, compliant, and competitive in global markets by coordinating government regulation with industry implementation.
This PPG aims to conduct a feasibility study to assess the business case for enhancing GreenCert’s laboratory testing capacity. Based on the findings, the PPG may lead to the development of a targeted project proposal to address key gaps in testing services for both public and private stakeholders in Tanzania.