In the spotlights: Phytosanitary training for inspectors at companies

Combining forces results in new training

The fourth phase of the Brexit is likely to come into effect at the end of 2023. There will be many changes for companies that export fruit, vegetables and cut flowers to the UK. All their shipments must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. This is expected to double the number of phytosanitary inspections. These inspections of fresh products take place at times that are convenient from a logistics perspective. To avoid transport delays, the NVWA and the KCB have made it possible for companies to perform these inspections themselves if they wish.

Development of phytosanitary training for inspectors at companies

The NVWA, KCB and the companies in the sector concerned asked Naktuinbouw to develop a specific training programme to prepare their employees for this new task. In a short space of time, we developed and organised training for phytosanitary inspectors at companies. The lecture team was formed by a group of subject experts at Naktuinbouw. They followed didactic training to prepare for this role.

Plenty of learning moments

The result is a training programme that combines theory and practice. The course consists of four, one hour long e-learning modules. The course deals with the statutory frameworks of phytosanitary inspections as well as explaining various inspection techniques that can be applied to identify pests and diseases. The practical component consists of three, half-day sessions on location at companies that export flowers, fruit and vegetables. After the practical sessions, the participants have homework and practice assignments which they must complete at the company they work at. This gives the students an opportunity to already practice the acquired skills.

Enthusiastic participants

The participants will receive a certificate if they complete the e-learning modules and pass the theory exam with a score of at least 90%. In addition, they must have attended all the practical sessions and pass the practical examination with a sufficient grade. We are proud of the end result! We developed the training from start to finish in just a few months' time. This was only possible thanks to the great team effort of all the colleagues involved at Naktuinbouw. We are also very pleased with the enthusiastic reactions of participants, clients and the business sector to the training programme. 

Some 180 participants attended the training course in 2022.