INC highlights climate-driven challenges and increasing pest pressure
The INC participated in the 72nd Session of the UNECE Specialized Section on Standardization of Dry and Dried Produce, held on June 11-12, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
Representing the global nut and dried fruit industry, the INC emphasized the increasing impact of climate change on production, citing unpredictable weather patterns and increasing pest pressures, particularly from stink bugs (cimiciato). With very few tools available for farmers to manage pests effectively, the INC stressed the importance of updating agricultural quality standards. In this context, the role of UNECE standards is more vital than ever. These standards are instrumental in supporting global trade, promoting economic development, protecting consumers, and reducing trade barriers. Specifically, the INC asked for a revision of the standards to include tolerances for cimiciato.
The INC presented findings from a global survey revealing widespread climate-related production challenges across the nut and dried fruit industry, and progress on the INC-led Code of Good Practice: Reducing food loss and ensuring optimum handling of dry and dried produce, a guidance document aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability throughout the value chain.
The INC also committed to participate in a new working group tasked with reviewing the UNECE standard for dates. The Specialized Section discussed at length the distinction between fresh and dried dates, the definition of produce and provisions concerning marking, to avoid confusion with the standard the Codex is currently developing for fresh dates.
The Specialized Section reviewed the revised standard for inshell walnuts, as contained in document ECE/CTCS/WP.7/GE.2/2025/4, and agreed to submit it to the Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards for adoption at its 80th session in November 2025. They also agreed to amend the standard for prunes by revising the maximum moisture content to 40% instead of 35% and agreed to the proposal submitted by the delegation of the United States to develop explanatory brochures for the standards on almond kernels and inshell almonds.
Meeting documents are available at https://unece.org/info/Trade/WP.7-Meetings/events/396720