The European Union (EU) initially listed False Codling Moth (FCM) as a quarantine pest and began interceptions on roses from Africa as early as 2018, including Ethiopia. In April 2024, the EU published a draft regulation launching a formal consultation process to introduce stricter import conditions. This article explains how Ethiopia implemented a systems approach to prevent the presence of FCM in rose exports to continue access to the EU market.
Beeld: © LAN team Ethiopia
Initiating a systems approach
The EU’s regulation introducing stricter import conditions includes the requirement for exporting countries to implement either a systems approach or post-harvest treatment. This culminated in a firm compliance deadline of 26 April 2025, after which non-compliant exports would be rejected.
Since 2024, based on the guidance of the EU, Ethiopia initiated the implementation of the systems approach to prevent the presence of FCM in rose exports in order to continue access to the EU market.
The project, initiated by the Agricultural Counselor at the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia and supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), was executed by experts from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Quality Control Bureau (KCB), in close collaboration with the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) – a branch organization representative to over 130 horticulture producers in the country.
Beeld: © LAN team Ethiopia
Advisory mission and report
The first phase of the project involved a four-day advisory mission to Ethiopia by three experts from KCB and NVWA. The objective was to assess the existing pest management practices of the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA/NPPO) and private rose-exporting companies, as well as to identify the necessary support required for implementing a systems approach to manage FCM in rose exports to the EU.
Following the mission, the experts produced an advisory report, concluding that further technical support was essential. Key recommendations included:
- Conducting a test audit led by KCB and NVWA
- Having knowledge exchange between EAA/NPPO and KCB/NVWA
- Providing diagnostic training for EAA inspectors.
The report also emphasized the importance of building private sector capacity and enhancing engagement in the implementation process.
Actions and measures
The second phase built on the recommendations of the first phase of the project and officially ran from February to May 2025, and involved several key phases: initial protocol discussions, technical missions, inspector training, field audits, and final document submission.
Peter Rozenboom, representing KCB, and Monique Gerritse of NVWA successfully advised the EAA on how to implement the systems approach requirements of the EU for the export of roses from Ethiopia. Kees van der Vijver, also from KCB, provided capacity building to the EAA inspectors on diagnostics to identify FCM during inspections.
In addition, together with EPHEA, the Dutch experts advised private horticulture producer companies part of EPHEA on what appropriate actions and measures they can undertake regarding the system approach for roses to prevent findings of False Codling Moth.
Beeld: © LAN team Ethiopia
Results of strong cooperation
The Dutch experts conducted virtual and in-person missions, trained 15 EAA inspectors, and supported the roll-out of a test audit for the implementation of the systems approach involving EAA and rose-exporting farms.
By applying Production Unit codes, developing the right documentation, and risk-based inspections, Ethiopia met the EU’s 26 April 2025 deadline by submitting all required documentation and evidence proving implementation of the systems approach. The EU approved Ethiopia’s submission, allowing rose exports to continue. Peter Rozenboom of KCB proudly states:
“Since the visit of the NVWA and KCB experts to Ethiopia, no interceptions of the False Codling Moth (FCM) are found on Ethiopian roses during the import inspections in the Netherlands.”
This success reflects strong cooperation between Ethiopian stakeholders and Dutch experts, and shows the effectiveness of international collaboration between plant protection organizations.
More information
The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) team at the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia supports Dutch agricultural stakeholders with doing business in Ethiopia as well as strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Ethiopia. They can assist with questions about False Codling Moth and the EU’s phytosanitary requirements for roses in Ethiopia. For more information, you can reach out to the team via add-lvvn@minbuza.nl.
Article written by: Mahlet Dessie, Agricultural Advisor of the LAN team in Ethiopia, and Sietske Boschma, Senior advisor international cooperation at NWVA.