THE ZEGA CODE OF CONDUCT
Is a 'good business management' tool that provides guidance to members and sets standards for the following:
-
Storage, use and disposal of pesticides
-
Worker welfare
-
Good agriculture practice and protection of the environment
-
Due diligence in the production, harvesting, grading and packaging of produce.
Standards prescribed in the ZEGA Code comply with the COLEACP 'Harmonised Framework' for codes in the region and are broadly similar to many of the European standards: EUREP, ETI, MPS, BGI etc.
Compliance with the code is a condition of ZEGA membership. Initially, members are allowed two years to implement the Code in full but interim targets are set and must be met. Auditors visit export projects twice a year to check compliance with the Code and provide advice and guidance as necessary. These auditors were employed by a local, independent organisation, the NRDC/ZEGA Training Trust and have been trained to audit Codes of Conduct by COLEACP. Regional harmonisation of standards and procedures will be ensured by the utilisation of an international verification service.
Exporters have a positive attitude towards the ZEGA Code of Conduct and recognise that its implementation provides tangible evidence of the serious, professional and responsible nature of the horticulture and floriculture export industry in Zambia.
The export product mix is split equally in terms of volume between cut-flowers and vegetables. Of Zambia's cut-flower exports, roses account for 95% of the production and there are over 55 varieties, whilst summer flowers such as Atriplex, Ammaranthus, Hypericum, Rudbekia, Euphorbia and Ammi-majus account for the remainder.
Speciality vegetables include baby corn, mange-tout (snow peas), fine beans, sugar, snaps, baby carrots, chillies, patti pans, okra and high value crops such as green asparagus.
Organic vegetables include mange-tout, sugar, snaps, fine beans, courgettes, carrots, shelling peas.
