Certification costs threaten Rwanda's organic fertilizer ambitions

Rwanda has set ambitious goals for its agricultural sector, targeting an annual production of 15.2 million tons of organic fertilizer by 2029. This initiative is crucial for enhancing soil health and boosting crop yields in the country.

However, producers of organic fertilizer are encountering significant hurdles in achieving this target. A major obstacle is the cost associated with obtaining the Standardisation Mark (S-Mark), a certification required for products to meet national quality standards. The expense of this process is proving to be a barrier for many.

In light of these challenges, organic fertilizer producers are appealing to the government for support. They are urging authorities to implement measures that will reduce the cost of obtaining the S-Mark. Streamlining the certification process and potentially subsidizing the associated fees could significantly alleviate the financial burden on producers, thereby accelerating Rwanda's progress towards its ambitious fertilizer production goals.