Impact study of EU controls on agri-export value chains in Kenya and Vietnam

Context

EU food safety regulations—particularly Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793—enforce temporary increased controls on imports from third countries when contaminants or pesticide residues are repeatedly detected. These controls can generate considerable burdens and costs, especially for low- and middle-income countries with limited resources and technical capacity.

To better understand these implications, Q-Point has been commissioned by COLEAD to carry out a qualitative impact study under the AGRINFO programme. The study focuses on the export value chains of beans from Kenya and dragon fruit (pitahaya) from Vietnam. It aims to assess the practical, institutional, and trade consequences of the regulation, raise awareness among stakeholders, and propose mitigation strategies.

Target groups include exporters, competent authorities, laboratories, and other relevant stakeholders in the agro-food sectors of the countries involved.

Involved organisations

This project has been commissioned by COLEAD.

COLEAD is a network of companies, professional organisations and experts committed to inclusive and sustainable agriculture.

As a private sector (not-for-profit) organisation, COLEAD’s purpose is to support activities that aim to increase the agricultural sector’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. COLEAD designs, manages and implements development programmes. Online and in the field, they supply technical assistance; vocational training; and support services that offer research and innovation brokerage, monitoring of regulations and standards, market insights, networks and alliances, and access to finance.

Project goal and outputs

The project aims to shed light on the impact of temporary increased EU import controls on agricultural value chains in low- and middle-income countries. The key question is: what are the consequences of these measures for stakeholders, and how can countries be better prepared or supported?

The main output is a qualitative impact assessment, grounded in a literature review and semi-structured interviews with value chain actors across the two countries. The study will analyse trade, institutional and practical effects and develop actionable recommendations for risk mitigation and capacity development