Code of Practice (CoP)
A first expected result will be to provide a regionally harmonized code of practice (CoP)
based on CODEX standards, and existing national good agricultural and hygiene practice (GAP, GHP)
for adoption by farm-level pepper producers, collectors and input providers in peppercorn supply
chains in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
The CoP will be pilot tested with two farmer groups in Vietnam and one group each in Cambodia
and Laos and tailored to meet the local conditions, requirements and cultural norms.
Codex standards
What is the Codex Alimentarius?
The Codex Alimentarius, or "Food Code" is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of
practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Commission, also known as CAC, was
established by FAO and WHO to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.
Read more...
The Codex Alimentarius international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice
contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade
Public concerns about food safety issues often place Codex at the centre of global debates.
Veterinary drugs, pesticides, food additives and contaminants are some of the issues discussed
in Codex meetings. Codex standards are based on sound science provided by independent
international risk assessment bodies or ad-hoc consultations organized by FAO and WHO.
The reference made to Codex food safety standards in the World Trade Organization's Agreement
on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement) means that Codex has far reaching
implications for resolving trade disputes. WTO members that wish to apply stricter food safety
measures than those set by Codex may be required to justify these measures scientifically.
Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) model
To facilitate the implementation of the CoP, the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) model
will be piloted in all three countries, with a number of pepper producing farmers.
A team of advisory expert will be trained in each country, who will train and provide ongoing
support to the farmers in implementing PGS and the CoP, including developing market-orientated
farm business management skills
Wider rollout strategies
An assessment will be conducted to suit the piloted CoP, PGS model and supporting documents
to identify approaches/strategies for a wider roll-out of the code of practice and management
system. Progress stories will be periodically communicated to industry partners, particularly
buyers and processors, who will be the approach's potential adopters.
The seminar and regional workshop will be planned to raise awareness and wider uptake of
the STDF peppercorn project's successful outcomes among pepper processing and exporting companies,
the network of international pepper buyers, International Pepper Community (IPC) and major donor
organisations etc.
KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES
International Food Standards
