As part of FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) with the Islamic Republic of Iran to enhance integrated pistachio supply chain management, focusing on productivity, harvesting, processing and compliance with food safety regulations, the FAO country office in Iran organized a 4-day training programme 13–16 April to support stakeholders to better understand the role of international safety and quality standards in the pistachio supply chain.

Former Codex Alimentarius Commission Chairperson, Sanjay Dave, was invited to give a presentation about the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement), and the respective committees. He also talked about the relevance of Codex texts to these agreements and to international trade, as well as the WTO’s Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). He additionally spoke about how to implement traceability in pistachio for exports to the European Union. Close to 70 participants attended, including governments stakeholders, farmers and industry representatives.

“I started with the genesis of the WTO, with particular reference to SPS and TBT,” explains Sanjay Dave. “I explained Members’ rights and obligations. Even though Iran is not a Member of WTO, I suggested that they should participate in the SPS Committee in their capacity as an observer member of WTO, and utilize opportunities to argue specific trade concerns, where necessary.”

Dave also provided a detailed explanation of the relevance and structure of Codex and its standards-setting process. A presentation on the scientific basis and risk analysis principles applied by Codex with particular reference to contaminants and pesticide residues was also made.

A number of recommendations for new Codex work proposals for tree nuts (including pistachios) were made. These include the development of standards for shelled pistachios, codes of practice, Codex standards for Aflatoxin (B1 in particular), Ochratoxin A, and certain heavy metals.

One full day was devoted to traceability with a case study approach. Dave had sent a draft traceability procedure for the export of pistachios from Iran to the European Union market. This was discussed paragraph by paragraph, and the final draft is expected to be sent this week.

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