KARMAN – As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Iran’s pistachio export standards, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has sent a technical delegation to the Karman province to evaluate and improve sampling and laboratory testing procedures for detecting pistachio contaminants.
The three-day mission will be carried out under the FAO Joint Technical Cooperation Project and the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad, accompanied by “Improvement of Pistachio Production and Export through the Establishment of Integrated Product Management” and FAO International Consultant for Laboratory Development and Improvement.
The mission is intended to assess the sampling and analysis methods used to control mycotoxin (aflatoxin) levels in Pistachios in line with EU regulations 2023/2782.
The FAO delegation visited the Iranian Food and Drug Administration (IFDA) laboratory under Pilot Orchard (IPRI) including the private sector facilities including the pistachio processing terminal, Karman and Raf Sandjan, and the Iranian Pistachio Institute (IPRI). During these visits, the team observed and evaluated pistachio sampling procedures, test protocols, and quality control systems, both domestic and international markets.
In addition to the evaluation, two training workshops were offered by the FAO. One was by Benoit Glaud for laboratory staff and traders, focusing on the best international practices in sampling, aflatoxin detection, testing results quality control, and regulatory compliance.
Another event, co-organised with the Pistachio Institute, was held for pistachio growers and farmers, extension officers, Carman, Rafsanjan, Naf Lafsanjan and Siljan specialists. The focus was on excellent agricultural practices (GAP) covering advanced irrigation techniques, soil and nutritional management, integrated pest management strategies, and improved horticultural practices. The aim was to enhance the practical skills and technical knowledge of stakeholders to support the production of high quality and safe pistachios.
Through field visits and consultations, experts evaluated current sampling and analysis methods used by Iran’s FDA Institute, and together with Jahad of the Ministry of Agriculture, recommended continuous improvements to identify potential gaps and keep up with international standards and practices.
The delegation also focused on strengthening regulatory coordination, strengthening laboratory capabilities for mycotoxin detection, and developing technical action plans.
The IFDA Institute has the technical capabilities and expertise to provide reliable results for aflatoxins
“At every stage of the production, processing, packaging and testing of pistachios before export, I met people who understand the very high level of expertise and the key points to ensure excellent pistachio quality for export. The IFDA Institute expresses that it has technical capabilities and expertise to provide reliable results for aflatoxin and support the maintenance of the export agency. This FAO project supports the Islamic Republic of Iran in this aspect.
The FAO has sought to engage both public and private stakeholders, relocate top global practices, build national capacity and support sustainable improvements across the pistachio value chain.
The Pistachio Project, launched in 2023, aims to promote sustainable and integrated pistachio supply chain management, increase productivity, promote support compliance with food safety regulations, and enhance market access. By addressing key quality and safety challenges, the project will contribute to economic resilience, food and nutrition security and Iran’s competitiveness in global markets.