Private Standards in the United States and European Union Markets for Fruit and Vegetables

Over the past 20 years the number of standards and certification programmes for agricultural production has grown rapidly. Producers who want to export are confronted not only by a plethora of import regulations, but also within import countries by different niche markets for which specific requirements have to be fulfilled. This report gives an overview of standards and certification programmes relevant for fruit and vegetable producers and exporters in developing countries with a focus on the markets of the United States of America and the European Union. In addition, it gives an overview of current analytical work on standards and trade, reviews major assistance programs related to standards and provides recommendations for further research.