Key facts
- Dates
- 8–12 Feb 2027 (5 days)
- Where
- Brussels, Belgium
- Fee per participant
- £3,000 (GBP)
- Payment
- By invoice and bank transfer
- Registration closes
- 9 Jan 2027
- Who it is for
- Agribusiness trade specialists managing perennial crop export development; National plant protection organisation (NPPO) inspection and quarantine…
- Certificate
- Certificate of completion
- In-house option
- Run it for your team, on your dates
On this page 14 sections
Programme Overview
Perennial crop export logistics require rigorous technical alignment with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards. This five-day executive training course in Brussels delivers practical instruction on managing cross-border compliance, phytosanitary inspection protocols, and multimodal supply chains. Designed for trade practitioners and public sector regulators, the curriculum addresses the operational requirements governing agricultural commodities entering European and global consumer markets. Participants examine practical mechanisms for risk assessment, documentary verification, and official phytosanitary export certification under recognised international trading norms.
The programme provides specialised focus on the commercial handling and preservation of cashew, pineapple, and shea value chains. Delegates analyse temperature-controlled handling, packhouse hygiene operations, and containerised freight logistics necessary to prevent post-harvest losses and physiological deterioration. Sessions scrutinise laboratory management systems, residue testing workflows, and biosecurity surveillance frameworks. Through comparative analyses of European Union import border control posts, attendees learn how international regulations impact port-of-entry clearance, quarantine decisions, and pre-export phytosanitary measures applied in origin countries.
Participants also examine institutional approaches to commercial governance, focusing on private outgrower export aggregation contracts and farm-to-shipment traceability systems. The course equips professionals to evaluate digital chain-of-custody platforms, establish surveillance regimes for regulated pests, and enforce compliance across fragmented smallholder supply networks. By connecting legal trade instruments with field-level inspection methodologies, the programme enables regulatory institutions and export promotion agencies to strengthen national export competitiveness, improve cargo integrity, and eliminate non-tariff barriers affecting high-value perennial crop shipments.
Agricultural export diversification initiatives, such as the US$160m Agricultural Competitiveness and Export Diversification Project and its US$150m Additional Financing, require robust national inspection capacity and resilient commercial logistics corridors. Strengthening official phytosanitary controls, cold chain integrity, and digital outgrower traceability is critical to meet rigorous European Union import standards, mitigate costly border rejections, and protect the export value of essential crops including cashew, pineapple, and shea.
Delivered by Risalat Consultants International in Brussels, Belgium, it combines expert-led sessions, real cases and group work, so that participants can apply what they learn in their own institution.
The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability
- WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement principles and International Plant Protection Convention standards
- European Union official controls regulation and plant health import rules (Regulation EU 2016/2031)
- Documentation workflows for Phytosanitary Certificates and pre-export notification systems
- Procedures and risk-based inspection methodologies at European border control posts
- Mechanisms for managing non-compliance notifications, interceptions, and rapid alert procedures
- Physiological preservation protocols and temperature management for fresh pineapple consignments
- Handling and moisture control parameters for raw cashew nut and kernel ocean transit
- Quality preservation, packaging standards, and storage parameters for shea nut and butter exports
- Procurement planning and market analysis
- Choosing procurement methods and approaches
- Writing specifications and terms of reference
- Bidding documents and evaluation criteria
It is designed for agribusiness trade specialists managing perennial crop export development, national plant protection organisation (NPPO) inspection and quarantine officers, export promotion council executives and agricultural trade desk managers and others who want practical, current skills in procurement and contract management.
The Growing Importance of Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels
Procurement is where public money becomes roads, medicines, systems and services. Delays, weak specifications and poor contract management are among the most common reasons projects fall behind or fail their audits.
Financiers and governments now expect value for money, fair competition and well-documented decisions at every stage, from planning to contract completion. Teams who manage the full cycle well deliver faster and with fewer complaints.
Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:
- Plan procurement that matches project needs and timelines
- Prepare clear specifications and evaluation criteria
- Evaluate bids consistently and defend the decision
- Manage contracts, variations and performance
- Keep complete records for audit and review
Strong procurement and contract management systems help organisations:
- Reduce procurement delays and failed tenders
- Achieve value for money
- Lower the risk of complaints and audit findings
- Deliver contracts on time and to quality
This Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels programme brings these elements together in a practical format, so that participants understand not only what good practice looks like but also how to introduce it in their own setting, with the people and resources they have.
£3,000 per participant · invoice and bank transfer · groups of 5 or more receive a discount
Five or more from one organisation: ask for the group rate on the invoice request.
Ten or more: an in-house version for your institution may cost less per person. Ask for an in-house quote.
Registration closes in 58 days (9 Jan 2027)
Who Should Attend This Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training?
This programme is designed for:
- Agribusiness trade specialists managing perennial crop export development
- National plant protection organisation (NPPO) inspection and quarantine officers
- Export promotion council executives and agricultural trade desk managers
- Donor-financed agricultural project value-chain advisors and coordinators
- Agricultural quality assurance and laboratory testing technical managers
- Port health authority officials and agricultural customs clearing directors
- Commercial outgrower scheme managers and agribusiness supply chain heads
- Agricultural ministry policy advisors focused on sanitary and phytosanitary measures
- Freight logistics coordinators specialising in temperature-controlled agricultural transport
- Procurement officers and managers
- Contract managers and administrators
- Project and programme managers
The programme suits experienced professionals as well as those moving into new responsibilities. Groups that mix institutions and countries are encouraged, because participants learn a great deal from each other’s experience.
Tick what your team needs to be able to do.
Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training Objectives
Upon successful completion of this Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training, participants will be able to:
- Analyse International Plant Protection Convention standards and European Union phytosanitary import directives to structure national export certification frameworks
- Establish rigorous cold chain handling and post-harvest preservation protocols tailored to pineapple, cashew, and shea supply chains
- Structure ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory workflows for pesticide residue testing, mycotoxin screening, and heavy metal detection
- Formulate enforceable outgrower aggregation contracts that embed phytosanitary compliance and quality criteria for smallholder networks
- Execute farm-to-packhouse chain-of-custody audits using digital traceability tools to verify origin authenticity and quarantine clearance
- Design pest risk management systems and official inspection regimes aligned with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures
- Evaluate containerised freight operations and port-of-entry border clearance procedures to minimise delays and consignee rejections
- Explain the procurement cycle and the rules that apply to it
- Prepare a procurement plan linked to project timelines
- Choose a suitable method and approach to the market
Each objective is practised during the programme through exercises, cases or group work, so that participants leave able to do it, not only to describe it.
Programme Contents and Structure
- WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement principles and International Plant Protection Convention standards
- European Union official controls regulation and plant health import rules (Regulation EU 2016/2031)
- Documentation workflows for Phytosanitary Certificates and pre-export notification systems
- Procedures and risk-based inspection methodologies at European border control posts
- Mechanisms for managing non-compliance notifications, interceptions, and rapid alert procedures
- Physiological preservation protocols and temperature management for fresh pineapple consignments
- Handling and moisture control parameters for raw cashew nut and kernel ocean transit
- Quality preservation, packaging standards, and storage parameters for shea nut and butter exports
- Packhouse hazard analysis critical control point systems, hygiene zoning, and cross-contamination prevention
- Reefer container technology, atmosphere control, temperature logging, and multimodal transit handovers
- Field inspection techniques and pest surveillance protocols under ISPM 6 and ISPM 31
- Sampling methodologies for export lots, quarantine pest detection, and phytosanitary security
- ISO/IEC 17025 testing requirements: maximum residue limits for pesticides and contaminant testing
- Aflatoxin and moisture validation protocols for cashew and oilseed derivative consignments
- Laboratory information management systems and chain-of-custody integrity for test certificates
- Structuring commercial agreements between agribusiness aggregators and smallholder outgrowers
- Contractual clauses for SPS compliance, chemical application controls, and harvest quality standards
- Managing price risk, input financing mechanisms, and volume off-take arrangements
- Supervision models for primary collection centres and village aggregation hubs
- Dispute resolution mechanisms, default liabilities, and compliance auditing in outgrower networks
- Designing batch coding, digital track-and-trace, and physical labelling systems from farm to point of exit
- Conducting internal phytosanitary and food safety compliance audits across supply bases
- Alignment with voluntary sustainability standards, GlobalGAP requirements, and private buyer specifications
- Mitigating logistics risks: transit route selection, port handling efficiency, and customs clearance
- Action planning: institutional frameworks for export readiness, value-chain coordination, and project reporting
Full day-by-day contents
The programme runs over 5 days. Each day combines expert input, practical work and a closing workshop or case study:
- First Day: International SPS Architecture and Regulatory Clearance in Brussels
- Second Day: Value Chain Logistics, Packhouses, and Cold Chain Integrity
- Third Day: Official Inspection, Surveillance, and Laboratory Testing Systems
- Fourth Day: Outgrower Aggregation Models and Commercial Contracting
- Fifth Day: Traceability Auditing, Certification, and Export Route Verification
Full day-by-day contents
First Day | International SPS Architecture and Regulatory Clearance in Brussels
- WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement principles and International Plant Protection Convention standards
- European Union official controls regulation and plant health import rules (Regulation EU 2016/2031)
- Documentation workflows for Phytosanitary Certificates and pre-export notification systems
- Procedures and risk-based inspection methodologies at European border control posts
- Mechanisms for managing non-compliance notifications, interceptions, and rapid alert procedures
Workshop: International SPS Architecture and Regulatory Clearance in Brussels: Applying It to Your Institution
Working in small groups, participants apply the day's methods to examples from their own institutions and agree practical next steps.
Second Day | Value Chain Logistics, Packhouses, and Cold Chain Integrity
- Physiological preservation protocols and temperature management for fresh pineapple consignments
- Handling and moisture control parameters for raw cashew nut and kernel ocean transit
- Quality preservation, packaging standards, and storage parameters for shea nut and butter exports
- Packhouse hazard analysis critical control point systems, hygiene zoning, and cross-contamination prevention
- Reefer container technology, atmosphere control, temperature logging, and multimodal transit handovers
Workshop: Value Chain Logistics, Packhouses, and Cold Chain Integrity: Applying It to Your Institution
Working in small groups, participants apply the day's methods to examples from their own institutions and agree practical next steps.
Third Day | Official Inspection, Surveillance, and Laboratory Testing Systems
- Field inspection techniques and pest surveillance protocols under ISPM 6 and ISPM 31
- Sampling methodologies for export lots, quarantine pest detection, and phytosanitary security
- ISO/IEC 17025 testing requirements: maximum residue limits for pesticides and contaminant testing
- Aflatoxin and moisture validation protocols for cashew and oilseed derivative consignments
- Laboratory information management systems and chain-of-custody integrity for test certificates
Case Study: Official Inspection, Surveillance, and Laboratory Testing Systems in Practice
Participants analyse a realistic case, compare the choices made with good practice and draw lessons they can use in their own setting.
Fourth Day | Outgrower Aggregation Models and Commercial Contracting
- Structuring commercial agreements between agribusiness aggregators and smallholder outgrowers
- Contractual clauses for SPS compliance, chemical application controls, and harvest quality standards
- Managing price risk, input financing mechanisms, and volume off-take arrangements
- Supervision models for primary collection centres and village aggregation hubs
- Dispute resolution mechanisms, default liabilities, and compliance auditing in outgrower networks
Workshop: Outgrower Aggregation Models and Commercial Contracting: Applying It to Your Institution
Working in small groups, participants apply the day's methods to examples from their own institutions and agree practical next steps.
Fifth Day | Traceability Auditing, Certification, and Export Route Verification
- Designing batch coding, digital track-and-trace, and physical labelling systems from farm to point of exit
- Conducting internal phytosanitary and food safety compliance audits across supply bases
- Alignment with voluntary sustainability standards, GlobalGAP requirements, and private buyer specifications
- Mitigating logistics risks: transit route selection, port handling efficiency, and customs clearance
- Action planning: institutional frameworks for export readiness, value-chain coordination, and project reporting
Capstone Exercise: Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Action Plan for Your Institution
Participants bring the week together in an action plan for their own institution, with priorities, owners and first steps, and present it for feedback from peers and facilitators.
Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training Methodology
The course uses an applied professional delivery model suited to senior trade officials and value-chain specialists. Instructional sessions incorporate direct review of European border control documentation, analysis of authentic non-compliance notifications, and detailed operational scenario simulations. Participants undertake individual and group exercises evaluating laboratory certificates of analysis, reviewing contractual outgrower clauses, and auditing cold chain temperature logs. Case studies examine trade corridor logistics between West Africa and European ports, providing actionable diagnostic approaches directly transferable to public sector surveillance programmes and donor-funded project implementation.
The programme combines:
- Expert-led sessions on current practice
- Regional and international case studies
- Group work and practical exercises
- Simulations and role plays where relevant
- Discussion of participants' own challenges
- Peer learning across institutions and countries
- Practical tools and templates to take back to work
- Daily reflection and action planning
Before the programme, a short pre-assessment helps the facilitators understand each participant’s role and priorities, so that examples and exercises can be adjusted to the group. Each day ends with a short reflection in which participants note what they will apply at work.
Certification and Exam Preparation
Where the programme prepares participants for a professional certificate or examination, the sessions follow the published body of knowledge and exam format of the awarding body. Participants practise with exam-style questions, review weak areas with the facilitators and leave with a personal study plan for the weeks before the exam.
- Overview of the certification, its requirements and exam format
- Structured review of the body of knowledge
- Exam-style practice questions with explanations
- Time management and exam technique
- Personal study plan and recommended reading
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of this Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training, participants will be able to:
- Proficiency in mapping export documentation against European Union phytosanitary import requirements and international clearance protocols
- Capability to design and audit temperature-controlled logistics chains that preserve product quality and prevent post-harvest deterioration
- Competence in overseeing pesticide residue and contaminant testing workflows in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards
- Practical skill in drafting commercial outgrower aggregation contracts that formalise quality and phytosanitary compliance
- Ability to execute end-to-end traceability audits across fragmented agricultural supply networks using standard chain-of-custody frameworks
- Preparedness to manage national pest surveillance protocols and phytosanitary inspection regimes conforming to international standards
- Plan procurement that fits project needs and timelines
- Prepare clear specifications and evaluation criteria
Participants leave with a personal action plan and practical tools they can use in their institution from the first week back. Institutions that send several participants can use the programme to agree shared methods and templates across teams, which makes improvements easier to sustain.
Institutional Application of Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training
This programme supports organisations in strengthening:
- Procurement planning and strategy
- Evaluation practice
- Contract management
- Complaint handling
- Procurement records and audit readiness
Participants return with practical tools to improve:
- Procurement plans and timelines
- Specifications and evaluation criteria
- Evaluation reports
- Contract monitoring
- Variation and claims management
The programme is built so that learning moves from the classroom into the institution. Participants work on their own processes and documents where possible, and leave with an action plan that their managers can review and support.
Regional Relevance & Application
Europe
European institutions apply procurement and contract management within detailed regulatory frameworks and reform agendas. Participants from Europe can compare their practice with colleagues from other regions and test how established methods work under different conditions.
Africa
Across Africa, ministries, agencies and project teams working in procurement and contract management increasingly operate alongside donor-financed programmes that expect clear systems and evidence. The programme helps participants adapt good practice to the institutions and resources they work with.
Middle East
In the Middle East, national development strategies and diversification plans place growing demands on procurement and contract management. Participants explore how to build the capability these plans need inside public bodies and companies.
Asia
Institutions across Asia combine rapid growth with ambitious modernisation programmes. Participants from Asia can share their experience of scaling systems quickly and learn from approaches used elsewhere.
Pacific
Small island and Pacific states face particular constraints of size, distance and capacity. The programme highlights practical, proportionate approaches to procurement and contract management that suit smaller institutions.
Holding the programme in Brussels, Belgium brings participants together away from their daily pressures, so they can compare how procurement and contract management is handled in different settings. The same programme can also be delivered in-house for one institution, in its own country or online, with cases taken from its current work.
Host Country Profile – Belgium
Programmes, Workshops, Exposures, Training Courses in Brussels, Belgium by Risalat Consultants International
Studying away from their own country gives participants time to focus, a fresh view of their own institution and the chance to build a network with colleagues from other countries.
Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training Deliverables
Participants receive support before, during and after the programme, so that preparation, learning and follow-up form one continuous experience.
Before the Programme
- Participant Pre-Assessment
- Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Readiness Assessment
- Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Resource Pack
- Preparatory Reading Materials
- Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory
During the Programme
- Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
- Accommodation with Breakfast
- Welcome Networking Dinner
- Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
- Comprehensive Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels Training Manual
- Procurement Plan Template
- Bid Evaluation Scoring Sheet
- Contract Management Plan Template
- Variation and Claims Register
- Practical Workshops & Simulations
- Group Discussions & Peer Learning
- Daily Lunch and Refreshments
- Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
- Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
- Field Visit (where applicable)
- Entertaining City Tour
After the Programme
- Certificate of Completion
- Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
- Post-Training Reference Materials
- Procurement Records Checklist
- Contract Performance Tracker
- Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
- Programme Report
Institutions can also request a tailored in-house version of this programme, delivered at their premises or online. Request a proposal.
Common Challenges in Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels, And How This Training Helps
How can institutions plan procurement that matches project needs and timelines?
The programme addresses this directly on the first day (International SPS Architecture and Regulatory Clearance in Brussels), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.
How can institutions prepare clear specifications and evaluation criteria?
The programme addresses this directly on the second day (Value Chain Logistics, Packhouses, and Cold Chain Integrity), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.
How can institutions evaluate bids consistently and defend the decision?
The programme addresses this directly on the third day (Official Inspection, Surveillance, and Laboratory Testing Systems), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.
How can institutions manage contracts, variations and performance?
The programme addresses this directly on the fourth day (Outgrower Aggregation Models and Commercial Contracting), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.
How can institutions keep complete records for audit and review?
The programme addresses this directly on the fifth day (Traceability Auditing, Certification, and Export Route Verification), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels programme take place?
It runs from 8 Feb 2027 to 12 Feb 2027, in Brussels, Belgium. The registration deadline is shown at the top of this page.
Who should attend?
The programme is designed for agribusiness trade specialists managing perennial crop export development, national plant protection organisation (NPPO) inspection and quarantine officers, export promotion council executives and agricultural trade desk managers, donor-financed agricultural project value-chain advisors and coordinators, and others who want practical skills in procurement and contract management.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Risalat Consultants International.
Can this programme be delivered for our institution only?
Yes. We can deliver a tailored in-house version at your premises, in another city or online, built around your own cases. Use the proposal request on this page.
Do I need prior experience in procurement and contract management?
No specialist background is required beyond experience in a related role. A short pre-assessment helps the facilitators adapt the sessions to the group.
Who Will Deliver This Programme
Each date is delivered by a team assigned from Risalat's expert network for this subject. For this programme we assign:
How we choose them: Experience in the region of the participants or comparable settings; Command of the financier rules that apply (World Bank, ADB, AfDB, EU, UN) where relevant; Delivery in English; other languages on request for in-house groups; No conflict of interest with participants' institutions.
Names and short CVs of the assigned experts are shared with registered participants and sponsoring organisations before the programme, on request. Are you an expert in this subject? Join our expert network.
Training courses in BrusselsAgriculture & Forestry training courses
Why Brussels for this programme
Brussels is the seat of EU institutions, useful for programmes on EU funding, regulation and policy.
The Perennial Crop Export Logistics and Phytosanitary Certification Systems in Brussels programme in February 2027 brings together officials and professionals from across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Sessions combine short inputs, case studies and group work on participants' own files, and the city's institutions can be added as a study visit on request.
Getting there: Brussels Airport (BRU).
Check whether you need a visa with the free Visa Checker, and ask for an invitation letter once you are registered.
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For teams and institutions
Bring your team
Teams that learn together apply more at work. Tell us how many people and how you would like to take part: we reply with a group quote within two working days.
Other dates and cities for this subject: Agriculture, Value Chains and Food Security training courses (95 upcoming dates).
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