Speaking the same language from farm to folk

Improving the food safety outcomes in today’s globally interconnected food systems, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) aims to introduce a compendium of terms and definition covering all aspects of the agri-food value chain, from the farm gate to the final consumer.

The program aims to establish a common vocabulary to enhance communication and coordination among farmers, processors, regulators, retailers, and academics. It promotes clarity, boosts compliance, and ensures best practices are consistently understood and applied across the industry.

Dr. Siddika Senanayake, Director General of SLSI emphasized: “The agri-food sector is integral to economic growth and public health. The common vocabulary will address ongoing challenges of misinterpretation and inconsistency, paving the way for improved quality assurance, food safety, labeling, traceability and international competitiveness.”

Launched on April 9, 2025, the initiative is supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under the European Union (EU) funded BESPA-FOOD Project.  Key stakeholders from the public and private sector participated in the program to identify and unify essential terminology critical to the sector’s success.

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Captions

Image 1: Dr. Siddika Senanayake, Director General of SLSI speaking to the participants.

Image 2: Sumathy L. Rajasingham, National Quality Infrastructure Specialist - UNIDO

Image 3: key public and private sector stakeholders participating at the discussion