PhytoTrade to present at the XVII International Botanical Congress
PhytoTrade Africa will be presenting a paper entitled “The Role of Associations in Sustainable Sourcing - Perspectives from Collectors and Processors” at the XVII International Botanical Congress, Vienna, 17 - 23 July 2005. The paper will present the views of Southern African producers and processors, all of whom are members of PhytoTrade Africa on sustainable sourcing of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. It notes that producers accept the need for independent verification of sustainability, but are concerned that certification procedures carry realistic transaction costs and do not become barriers to trade. The paper emphasizes the need for contextually appropriate indicators of sustainability, and highlights the steps that can, and cannot, be taken by associations to promote efficiency in the adoption of certification systems. Examples are given of how existing certification systems actually inhibit moves towards sustainability, tend to favour wealthy organised commercial farmers over wild-harvesting rural poor, and the practical steps that PhytoTrade Africa has taken to promote sustainable production amongst its membership. The paper concludes by urging pragmatism in the development of standards and criteria for sustainable sourcing.