The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
NETHERLANDS has pledged to support more farmers in Rusitu Valley to grow organic pineapples for export to the lucrative European market.
At least 45 organic pineapple farmers operating under the Rusitu Valley Fruit Growers and Marketing Trust (RVFGMT) have already secured markets for their produce in Netherlands.
The farmers who recently acquired the organic pineapple certificate are now able to export their pineapples to Netherlands and other European countries.
The Ecocert Organic standard is an independent French body for organic inspection and certification which ensures quality control.
It also ensures that all products’ specification and procedures are strictly adhered to.
Organic pineapple farming is the brainchild of the country’s export promotion board, ZimTrade.
Speaking during a visit of the pineapple farmers in Chipinge’s Ward Nine on Wednesday, Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Margret Verwijk said her country is impressed by the organic pineapples from Ndiyadzo area and pledged to increase the number of farmers from 45 to 200 this year.
Dr Verwijk said her country will continue promoting bilateral trade between Netherlands and Zimbabwe in order to uplift livelihoods of ordinary people.
“We have a couple of instruments that Netherlands can avail to organic pineapple farmers and those in fresh produce production.
“Under one of our programmes, experts from Netherlands share knowledge and resources with famers.
“In Chipinge, we have other plans starting in April. This will run for 12 months and local farmers will be working in partnership with our agencies to export their pineapples. Now that the market is secured, we hope to increase the number of farmers who will be exporting their pineapples to Netherlands to 200,” she said.
Dr Verwijk said there are exciting success stories for organic pineapple farmers in Chipinge to share with the rest of the world.
“I heard that before partnering ZimTrade, some of the farmers were failing to send their children to school despite growing pineapples. The farmers are now reaping rewards of growing organic pineapples as evidenced by the fair prices being offered,” she added.
ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru said they will continue scouting for foreign markets for local produce which will help bring the much-needed foreign currency to the country.
“The demand for pineapples from Chipinge is high, hence we need to increase productivity so that we export more quantities.
“As ZimTrade, we are also aiming to secure the Global Gap Certificate to expand to other foreign markets so that more small-holder farmers can also benefit.
“The certificate allows our farmers to export their produces to other parts of the continent,” he said.
