Title: Meeting of the Board of Directors of ONAPAC: The challenges of regulating agricultural products
Introduction :
The second session of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Office National des Produits Agricoles du Congo (ONAPAC) was held at the Memling Hotel in October 2023. Under the leadership of its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Me Muke Mukengeshayi, ONAPAC encounters numerous challenges linked to its crucial role in supervising agricultural products intended for export. This article will highlight the main discussions of the meeting and the difficulties that ONAPAC faces in carrying out its missions.
Supervise agricultural products for export:
ONAPAC plays an essential role in regulating agricultural products intended for export. Contrary to popular belief, ONAPAC does not manage all agricultural products, but focuses on around twenty products such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, cinchona, papaya, vanilla, pyrethrum and plants. medicinal. The objective of ONAPAC is to support producers, to supervise the processing, storage and transport of these products, in order to guarantee their quality and their valorization on the international market.
ONAPAC’s financial challenges:
Despite its crucial role, ONAPAC faces significant financial difficulties. Its annual budget of $15 million is insufficiently mobilized, with only $3 million actually collected. This situation considerably limits the proper functioning of the organization and leads to delays in the payment of employees’ salaries. It is urgent to find solutions to resolve this situation and ensure the full potential of ONAPAC in the supervision of agricultural products.
Obstacles encountered:
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors highlighted the challenges facing ONAPAC. Among these, the delaying tactics of certain members of the Congo Business Federation (FEC) who call into question the advantages granted to ONAPAC. Some economic operators believe that the 2% service fee rate on agricultural products is too high. Such a challenge endangers ONAPAC which is already struggling to mobilize sufficient resources to fulfill its missions. The support of the Minister of Agriculture is requested to counter this harmful initiative.
Conclusion :
The ONAPAC Board of Directors meeting highlighted the issues encountered in the regulation of agricultural products intended for export. Despite financial difficulties, ONAPAC plays a crucial role in promoting these products on the international market. It is essential to find solutions to ensure adequate financing of ONAPAC and guarantee the continuity of its actions. Close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture is necessary to face current challenges and sustain the supervision of agricultural products in Congo.