Ethiopia’s Agricultural Export Quality Measures Yield Successes, Confirms Authority

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ethiopian Agricultural Authority has announced that its measures to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products destined for foreign markets have yielded successful results.

Ambassador Diriba Kuma, Director General of the Authority, told ENA that rigorous inspections have been carried out on both imported and exported agricultural products to confirm they meet high-quality standards, properly registered, and fit for consumption.

These inspections also cover agricultural technologies, inputs, and related services, he added.

According to Ambassador Diriba, no quality issues were reported in the marketing of Ethiopia’s agricultural exports during the concluded 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year as the authority inspected and monitored 877,350 tons of plants and plant products, 21,200 tons of meat and by-products, 621,000 live animals, and 270 tons of wax and honey products.

All inspections were conducted in compliance with international standards, a practice that has strengthened Ethiopia’s market position abroad and boosted global demand for its products.

The Authority also oversees the use of fertilizers and chemicals in animal husbandry, floriculture, and crop farming. Last fiscal year, nearly one million quintals of high-quality seeds underwent quality control before distribution to farmers.

Ambassador Diriba emphasized that these measures are aimed at meeting consumer needs and increasing international acceptance of Ethiopian livestock products.

The newly built animal quarantine facility in Mile has received international approval, enabling the export of large numbers of livestock to multiple countries, he noted.

Khalifa Hussein, President of the Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association, said the association exported meat and by-products worth USD 120 million last fiscal year, an increase of 67 percent from the previous year and 100 percent above target.

 

He attributed this success in part to the Authority’s strict quality control, which has secured acceptance in destination countries and opened new markets.

Currently, the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority operates 45 quarantine centers and four product testing facilities nationwide.