Improving the Quality of Agri-Food Products
Protecting public health is central to the actions of the MiASA program, supported by the European Union.
Several projects, such as RINDRA, SANOI, and the SPS Madagascar-Italy-France twinning project, support the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in improving the quality and compliance of Malagasy products. These projects strengthen sanitary controls in Madagascar. They also aim to ensure consumer safety and improve the quality of products destined for local and international markets.
A feedback workshop was held in Ankatso on May 6, 2026. This meeting provided an opportunity to present the results of the projects and discuss the challenges of the sanitary control system. Discussions focused primarily on the role of the national sanitary control system. Participants emphasized its importance in protecting public health and guaranteeing food safety. They also stressed the importance of adhering to production and marketing standards.
Several organizations are involved in this system, including the National Food Bureau (BNM), the Malagasy Agency for Quality and Safety of Food Products (ACSQDA), the Plant Protection Directorate (DPV), the Food Safety and Hygiene Agency (ASH), and the Veterinary Services Directorate (DSV). Their coordination plays a key role in improving the effectiveness of sanitary control in Madagascar. Discussions also focused on new European Union agri-food regulations. These changes require Malagasy operators to adapt their practices to remain competitive in international markets.
Participants identified several challenges, including a lack of coordination between organizations and certain limitations in technical and logistical resources. Suggestions for improvement were proposed to strengthen the system. The Plant Protection Directorate (DPV), attached to the Ministry, implements the actions of the MiASA program. This organization supports efforts to improve the sanitary quality of Malagasy products and their compliance with international standards.
