In a strategic move to strengthen Iran’s pistachio export standards and improve food safety practices, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dispatched a technical mission to Kerman province. The visit, carried out under the joint FAO–Ministry of Agriculture Jihad project titled “Improving Pistachio Production and Export through Integrated Crop Management,” aimed to assess and enhance current practices for sampling and aflatoxin analysis in pistachio products—one of Iran’s most valuable export commodities.

The mission was led by Benoît Glad, FAO’s international expert on laboratory development and food safety systems. With aflatoxin contamination becoming a key trade barrier under new European Union regulations (Regulation 2023/2782), the focus of the mission was on aligning Iran’s testing and monitoring procedures with international standards to ensure continued access to global markets.

Also read: The Story Behind the Rejected Iranian Pistachio Shipments

Field Visits and Technical Workshops Strengthen Capacity

During the three-day mission, the FAO delegation visited key facilities involved in pistachio production and export, including laboratories of Iran’s Food and Drug Administration (affiliated with the Ministry of Health), private sector processing terminals, pilot pistachio orchards in Kerman and Rafsanjan, and the Iranian Pistachio Research Institute. These site visits allowed the experts to observe sampling techniques, laboratory workflows, and quality assurance systems used for both domestic consumption and international shipments.

As part of the mission, FAO organized two technical workshops. The first, conducted by Benoît Glad, was tailored for laboratory personnel and processors and focused on best practices for aflatoxin detection, sample handling, test validation, and legal compliance. The second workshop, hosted in cooperation with the Iranian Pistachio Research Institute, brought together farmers, agricultural advisors, and specialists from Kerman, Rafsanjan, Nouq, and Sirjan. The training emphasized good agricultural practices (GAP), including modern irrigation techniques, soil and nutrient management, integrated pest control, and advanced orchard management.

Also read: Challenges Facing Iranian Pistachios: Pesticide Residues and Aflatoxin Issues

Bridging Regulatory Gaps and Supporting Long-Term Export Goals

Throughout the visit, FAO experts held consultations with key technical teams from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, identifying operational gaps in sampling and analysis methods and offering practical recommendations to strengthen Iran’s capacity to meet global food safety requirements. Enhancing regulatory alignment and laboratory performance in detecting mycotoxins like aflatoxins were among the core objectives of the mission.

Reflecting on the visit, Benoît Glad commented, “At every stage—from production to packaging and testing—I encountered highly skilled professionals dedicated to maintaining the high quality of Iranian pistachios. I am confident in the technical capabilities of the FDA laboratories to provide reliable aflatoxin testing and support the country’s export efforts. However, with global food safety rules constantly evolving, keeping up with the latest quality control standards is essential. This FAO initiative is designed to help Iran do exactly that.”

Launched in 2023, the joint FAO–Iran project seeks to improve the sustainability and resilience of the pistachio value chain, boost productivity, support compliance with food safety regulations, and enhance market access. Addressing quality and safety challenges in the pistachio sector is seen as a key step toward strengthening Iran’s economic resilience, food security, and global competitiveness.

Subscribe Now! Stay up-to-date with the latest on nuts and dried fruits news, FMCG industry trends, and receive exclusive offers directly to your inbox. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to join our community and never miss an update.