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COLEAD selected to support Groupe Omer-Decugis & Cie implement a comprehensive sustainability reporting framework
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a European directive that requires companies to publish comprehensive reports on their sustainability performance. It expands and strengthens the requirements of the previous Non-Financial Reporting Directive, in particular by introducing dual materiality analyses, covering both the impact of the company's activities on the environment and society, and the risks these issues pose to the company itself. The CSRD will be phased in by 2026 and already affects thousands of companies in the European Union. This obligation is part of a broader vision of the European Union to align economic activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the commitments of the Green Deal for Europe.A strategic partnership between COLEAD and Groupe Omer-Decugis & Cie (Groupe OD)Within this demanding regulatory framework, Groupe Omer-Decugis & Cie has entrusted COLEAD with the development of a sustainability reporting framework. This partnership is based on a shared ambition: to go beyond legal obligations and turn these constraints into opportunities for sustainable progress. The OD Group aims to become a benchmark in sustainability, integrating social and environmental objectives into its practices and creating a positive impact in all its activities.Mission objectivesCOLEAD's mandate is to establish a robust and operational reporting framework in line with the requirements of the CSRD. This framework includes : A detailed mapping of issues and impacts using a dual materiality approach ; The definition of meaningful and contextualised indicators, accompanied by ambitious and achievable targets ; Involving internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistency and buy-in. A positive impact for all stakeholdersThe OD Group's ambition is clear: to capitalise on its historic commitment to sustainability to strengthen its leadership position while contributing to a better world. With COLEAD's support, the Group intends not only to meet its regulatory obligations, but also to structure its approach for the long term to maximise its social and environmental impact.The year 2025 will mark not only the 175th anniversary of Groupe Omer-Decugis & Cie, but also a new stage in its commitment to integrated and exemplary sustainability. Through this strategic collaboration, the Group is positioning itself as a key player in the transition to a more responsible future.At the same time, COLEAD is strengthening its expertise in supporting international companies that need to integrate new European regulatory requirements and transform a legal obligation into a sustainable development project for all stakeholders, especially for vulnerable communities of suppliers of agrifood products in low- and middle-income countries.
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Improving crop protection practices in Uganda and Rwanda: building local capacity through training of trainers
Through the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD works with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the horticultural sector. This has recently been the case in Uganda and Rwanda as part of initiatives to improve agricultural practices.In response to requests from these SMEs, COLEAD has recently developed targeted training courses to strengthen crop protection practices and promote the safe use of crop protection products.Building local capacity through training of trainersRecognising the importance of sustainable knowledge transfer, COLEAD has developed a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme to equip in-house trainers and extension workers in these SMEs. The programme is based on the innovative methodology developed by COLEAD, the “training workshop in the field”.Many of the participating SMEs also expressed the need to improve the teaching skills of their supervisors so that they could train the producers they work with more effectively. COLEAD responded to these needs by including pedagogical modules in the training, focusing on adult learning techniques and their practical application.Training highlightsThe ToT workshop, held in November, brought together 17 in-house trainers from Uganda and Rwanda for five days of intensive training in Kampala. Participants gained hands-on experience of best practice in crop protection and safe pesticide use, enabling them to pass this knowledge on to farmers in their networks.A collaborative effortThe success of this training course was due in particular to the expertise of the two trainers, Ms Cate NAKATUGGA from Uganda and Mr Wesley Cheruiyot from Kenya. Their commitment and positive feedback played a key role in the success of the workshop.In addition, COLEAD representatives Marian RENKENS and Kelvin MAINA, who were present during the training, had the opportunity to present COLEAD's wider initiatives and to interact directly with the participants. Their presence enriched the sessions and provided valuable feedback from the participants.Impact and next stepsThis ToT initiative illustrates COLEAD's commitment to building local capacity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in FFM+ ACP partner countries. By training trainers within SMEs, the FFM+ programme creates a multiplier effect that ensures the dissemination of knowledge and the use of safe and effective pest management practices in horticultural value chains.COLEAD would like to thank all participants, trainers and collaborators who contributed to the success of this training course. Together we are moving towards safer and more sustainable horticultural practices.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.
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Innovation: Valorisation of pineapple waste for animal feed Innovative trials launched in Benin
In an important step towards sustainable agriculture, a trial has begun in Benin to valorise pineapple waste from the juice industry. The initiative, part of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, aims to convert pineapple by-products into nutritious animal feed, addressing both environmental challenges and economic opportunities.Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is an important crop in Benin and plays a key socio-economic role, creating jobs, particularly for women and young people, in fruit production and processing. However, these activities generate significant amounts of waste - including leaves, peels, crowns and pulp - which pose environmental and logistical challenges.In response to these challenges, IRA (Institut de Recherche Agricole), a COLEAD partner-beneficiary, sought support to explore the valorisation of these by-products. The ongoing trial focuses on assessing the nutritional value of pineapple waste and its potential use in animal feed for sheep and poultry. Key activities include determining nutrient composition, formulating balanced rations, measuring zootechnical effects and assessing economic and market viability.By converting waste into feed, this initiative will promote sustainable livestock production, reduce feed costs and provide an environmentally friendly solution to agricultural waste management. The results of the trial are expected to add value to Benin's agricultural sector, improving both economic and environmental sustainability.The project, supported by FFM+, underlines COLEAD's commitment to fostering innovative solutions in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If successful, the trial could serve as a model for similar waste valorisation efforts in other agricultural sectors.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.
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Recycling waste from the lychee industry in Madagascar
In October 2024, COLEAD through the Fit For Market Plus programme, initiated an innovative collective training course in Madagascar entitled "Assessment, reduction and recovery of waste from the lychee sector", aimed at improving the competitiveness of local companies while addressing environmental and social issues. This event is the first stage of a three-phase training project that will allow the knowledge acquired to be progressively adopted and applied directly in the participating companies.A three-stage training model Before the lychee picking campaign (October): introduction to the basic concepts of waste management and monitoring.During the lychee campaign (November-December): on-site measurement of waste quantities.After the campaign (January 2025): Analysis of the data collected and exploration of waste reduction and recovery solutions.Why this approach?The main objective is to enable companies in the lychee sector to identify losses and turn waste into economic and environmental opportunities.Studies have shown that optimising waste management in the lychee sector canreduce product lossesprovide economic recovery solutions such as compost or energy productionminimise environmental impacts, particularly soil and water pollution.Promising first resultsIn the first phase, participants were trained to understand the economic and environmental benefits of better waste management, to identify the types and causes of waste along the production chain, and to set up a precise monitoring system using record sheets. The knowledge gained from this training will enable the participants to implement systems adapted to their operational realities.The second phase is now underway. It includes remote coaching to help companies collect data during the campaign. The data collected will be used to assess the best reduction and recovery options, taking into account technical and financial realities.Participants will meet in January 2025 toanalyse the data collectedexplore appropriate waste recovery solutionsshare experiences and discuss future training and support needs.This initiative is fully in line with COLEAD's commitment to the transition to more sustainable agri-food systems. By helping stakeholders in the lychee sector to improve their practices, COLEAD is contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in terms of responsible resource management and reducing environmental impacts.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.
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Flashback 2006 : “80% of the experts assigned by the PIP are now local experts”
Source : PIP Magazine n° 10, December 2006“Today, 80% of the services funded by the PIP are provided by ACP consultants, compared to 20% at the programme’s start-up. ACP expertise is thus massively replacing European expertise. This situation enables companies to find economically viable solutions to their problems at the local level and to build the anticipation capacity of stakeholders in the ACP fruit and vegetable sector. The local experts also offer the advantage of being very familiar with production conditions in the country and the local environment.“This strategy aimed at enhancing the value of national expertise by ensuring a transfer of knowledge and skills is justified, in my view. It enables local companies to find qualified and reliable service providers on location”, explains Olga Kouassi, a consultant in Côte d’Ivoire. “And even after the programme’s conclusion, the expertise will be there to guarantee the continuation of what has been done and at a cost companies can pay”, she concludes. Frank Dumas, Quality Director for Sélectima, a company based in Côte d'Ivoire that has been receiving PIP support since 2003, also considers it vital to have quality advice locally.“The local experts carried out their assignment very well. They have met our expectations. They were all highly competent and knew their subject perfectly. Their human qualities, their attentiveness to our concerns and their availability made them very valuable advisors for our company”, he confirms. Helping companies become better organised and more competitive The introduction of traceability in companies has been and remains one of the PIP's priority projects.“With the support of the PIP, we set up an effective traceability system that enables us to comply with regulatory requirements and our clients' needs. In the event a client has a complaint, we can easily trace the origin of the problem and take remedial action. We see this as a tool for product safety and quality”, explains Alexander Agudelo of the Compagnie des Bananes de Côte d’Ivoire. A traceability software tool specifically adapted to the needs of ACP producers has also been developed by the PIP's experts and made available to companies. Firms in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Uganda have already adopted it. To help ACP producers grow fruit and vegetables in accordance with good practices and the requirements of European regulations on maximum residue limits (MRLs), the PIP has drawn up reference crop protocols for around 10 crops. These protocols or production guides have been validated through field testing carried out in collaboration with the main manufacturers of plant protection products and the ACP producers themselves.In parallel with the preparation and validation of the reference crop protocols, the PIP coordinates a registration adjustment programme for the ACP states. In addition to complying with European sanitary and phytosanitary standards, the plant protection products recommended by the PIP must also be authorised for use in the countries where the fruit and vegetables are produced. Following on from the Permanent Inter-state Committee for Drought Control in the Sahelian Zone (ICDCS), which already has a harmonised registration procedure, two new regional pesticide registration bodies have been set up in Africa in recent months with the support of the COLEACP/PIP (…)”.The Pesticides Initiative Programme (PIP) was financed by the European Development Fund. The ACP Group of States and the European Commission entrusted responsibility for its implementation to COLEACP (today COLEAD).
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COLEAD at the UNECE Working Party (WP7) in Geneva
COLEAD continues its active participation in the standards-related work on Quality Standards for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.In November 20-24, delegates representing the member states of WP7 reviewed and adopted a number of proposed standards that had been developed or revised by the four specialised sections during the year, coveringFresh fruit and vegetablesDried fruit and nutsSeed potatoesMeatRound table on a sustainable and efficient food systemA highlight of this session was the Round Table on Sustainable Food System and Resource Efficiency. Discussions focused on advances in digitalisation, capacity building and the management of agricultural losses and food waste.In this context, COLEAD (Denis Felicité Zulma) through the FFM+ programme, presented its recent achievements in these areas:The creation of a Job Descriptions Framework to promote agricultural careers.The ISO 21001 certification of its training system, which attests to the quality and impact of its training courses for professionals.The development of a training module dedicated to the development of training plans within companies.Organising thematic webinars highlighting the success stories of fresh and processed fruit and vegetable companies, in partnership with professional organisations in ACP and OECD countries.Addressing agricultural losses and exploring economic opportunities for their recovery.Adoption of new standardsA number of important standards were adopted at the meeting:Sweet potato, which will be the subject of an OECD interpretative brochure.Dried rose hips, adopted as a recommendation for a period of one year.The interpretative brochure on cashew nuts.Next step for dried mangoFAO has announced that the proposal to introduce a new nomenclature for dried mango has been accepted by the Nomenclature Review Committee of the Harmonised System of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The review is scheduled for early 2025, with a likely entry into force in 2028.Forthcoming meetingsThe Specialised Section on Fresh Fruit and Vegetables will meet in Geneva from 23 to 25 April 2025.The Working Group on Agricultural Quality Standards will meet in Geneva from 17 to 19 November 2025.The final report of the session is available here.© UNECEThis activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.
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Highlights of the 2024 survey of partners benefiting from COLEAD programmes
At COLEAD, we value the insights and feedback of our partner-beneficiaries (PBs) i.e. partners who have benefited from a programme implemented by the organization, to refine our practices and enhance the impact of our support. Our annual Pulse Survey, conducted each summer, continues to serve as a cornerstone for assessing our performance and aligning our efforts with the evolving needs of our stakeholders.Here are the key findings from the 2024 survey:Enhanced engagement: This year, the survey was sent to all organisations with a signed Development Project at the time of launching the survey (all programmes/projects). The survey reached 557 organizations across 32 countries, achieving a notable 33.2% response rate—a significant increase from 23% in 2023. Of the respondents, 59% represented “new” organizations (partners supported for less than three years), bringing a fresh perspective to our evaluation.Positive trends in support quality: The general quality of COLEAD’s support was rated at an average of 7.32 out of 10, improving to 7.93 for those supported for more than three years. Respondents highlighted the professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability of the COLEAD team.Key challenges: Access to finance remains the primary challenge, followed by infrastructure needs. These findings reaffirm the importance of our focus on enabling market access and providing financial and technical resources to PBs.Significant impacts: Partner-beneficiaries cited key benefits from COLEAD’s support, including improved access to markets, enhanced skills, networking opportunities, and better product quality. Notably, contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were particularly impactful on SDG 12, promoting responsible consumption and production.Strong advocacy: Respondents scored 8.21 out of 10 on their likelihood to recommend COLEAD to fellow professionals, underscoring the tangible improvements in skills and outcomes facilitated by our support programs.COLEAD remains committed to leveraging your feedback to strengthen our programmes. Thank you to all who participated in this year’s survey! Together, we continue to grow and achieve sustainable progress across the agri-food sector.Take the Survey Next Year! Missed this year’s survey? Stay tuned for the next edition in summer 2025. Your voice is essential in shaping COLEAD’s journey forward.
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The FFM+ programme is running at full speed on the ground: 17 OACPS member countries were visited this month
The FFM+ programme is running at full speed on the ground, with 17 OACPS member countries visited this month.In total, COLEAD has received almost 1,100 applications for support and has implemented more than 500 development projects since the launch of the FFM+ programme. In November, COLEAD carried out technical missions in 17 countries as part of the FFM+ programme. This illustrates the life cycle of the programme, which has reached maturity and full capacity two and a half years after its operational launch.For information and illustration, here are some highlights of the FFM+ technical missions in November. As a reminder, the main objective of these missions is to meet potential or existing beneficiary partners of ongoing programmes (in this case FFM+). It is also an opportunity to meet other development practitioners in the country, as well as the relevant national authorities and the EU Delegation or other donors, in order to promote synergies and complementarity.
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In memory of Guilhem Picker: a visionary for sustainable agricultural development
It was with deep sadness that we learned in November of the death of Guilhem Picker, an emblematic figure and visionary in the development of Cameroon's agri-food sector. For more than forty years, he left his mark on the country's agricultural landscape, inspiring generations with his commitment, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
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Dr Evelyn Maureen Acquaye inspires us and you?
In the vibrant heart of Ghana's Central Region lies a source of hope and sustainability: Benyima Farms. Under the dynamic leadership of Dr Evelyn Maureen Acquaye, this woman-owned business is transforming the agricultural landscape by combining innovation, sustainability and empowerment.An anesthetist turned agribusiness entrepreneur, Dr Acquaye embodies resilience and visionary thinking. In 2013, she founded Benyima Farms, a 240-acre oasis that produces mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit, coconuts, beetroot and butternut squash. But her mission goes far beyond farming. Dr Acquaye's leadership is driving economic empowerment, sustainable farming practices and a movement for healthier lifestyles.
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Promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering communities in Togo with Cajou Espoir
In a notable advance for sustainable agriculture in Togo, EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) has partnered with COLEAD to support beekeeping capacity of one of its investee companies Cajou Espoir, a Togolese company active organic cashew production. This collaboration, supported by technical expertise from COLEAD and co-financed by the EDFI MC AgrifFI initiative, exemplifies a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. AgriFI is an investment facility funded by the European Union and managed by EDFI MC, providing long-term financing in the agri-food value chain and forestry.Cajou Espoir, a leading processor and exporter of organic and Fair-Trade certified cashews, has been a key player in Togo's agricultural landscape for over 20 years. Employing over 700 people, the company processes 10% of the country's annual cashew production, adding significant value to the local economy. However, recent climatic challenges and rising raw cashew nut prices have highlighted the need for innovative solutions to increase yields and ensure sustainability.Beekeeping: A game changer for cashew productionThe beekeeping capacity building, is co-funded by the European Union and supported through technical assistance from EDFI MC, focuses on improving pollination efficiency to increase cashew yields while promoting biodiversity. This project aims to support Cajou Espoir in expanding the installation of beehives, aligning its operations with its long-term vision of a fully organic production system."This project exemplifies our commitment to sustainable agriculture and support for smallholder farmers," said Natalia Svarinska, Technical Assistance Specialist at EDFI MC. "Strengthening Cajou Espoir's beekeeping capacity will improve yields in a way that is both innovative and ecologically sound."Transforming lives and communitiesBeyond the agricultural benefits, the initiative is a cornerstone of community development. It supports the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, many of whom are transitioning to organic farming practices, and increases employment security throughout the value chain. By promoting resilience to climate change, this initiative sets a precedent for scalable and sustainable agricultural practices.Jerome Poulin, Managing Director of Cajou Espoir, said: "Integrating beekeeping into our cashew production is key to achieving our sustainability goals. With the support of EDFI MC and COLEAD's expertise, we are well positioned to become a leader in organic production in Togo".COLEAD's role: Expertise in actionWithin the EDFI Agrifi initiative, COLEAD's contribution covers several dimensions:Strategic guidance to ensure alignment with international best practices.Development and implementation of a comprehensive apiculture training pathway.Conducting a market study to assess the scalability and economic potential of the initiative.
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Improving pest and disease management to improve the environmental sustainability : The inspiring case of AAA farmers in Kenya
AAA Growers, one of Kenya's largest horticulture companies and renowned exporters of premium vegetables and fresh herbs, is making progress in improving pest and disease management on its farms. As part of its commitment to sustainability and quality production, AAA Growers participated in an Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) training organised by COLEAD in October through the NExT Kenya Programme.Nineteen staff from four farms participated in the comprehensive training, which was tailored to empower on-farm crop protection advisors and practitioners. The training provided participants with the skills needed to design and implement robust pest and disease monitoring programmes, identify key threats and apply effective control measures.The initiative had three core objectives:Assessment: Evaluation of existing IPDM (Integrated Pest and Disease Management) measures through farm visits and review of records such as spray programmes and scouting logs. IPDM focuses on monitoring pests and implementing biological and cultural control options, with chemical controls playing a supportive rather than disruptive role.Custom development: Developing a training programme specifically designed to meet the operational needs of AAA growers.Hands-on training: Delivering the training at Simba Farms to ensure hands-on experience.The training increased the technical capacity of AAA Growers' staff, focusing on pest identification, setting action thresholds and evaluating management strategies. With the skills gained and recommendations implemented, the company will see a significant reduction in pest and disease incidence. This improvement will ensure consistent production of high quality, pest-free exports while maintaining sustainable farming practices.Participants covered topics including : introduction and principles of IPDM ; setting pest thresholds ; identification of pests ; diseases and biological controls ; resistance management and practical pest management strategies ; field visits and practical sessions ; comprehensive action planning.The wider impact of the training is expected to ripple throughout the organisation as trained staff pass on their knowledge to colleagues and farmers within the AAA Growers network.By prioritising non-chemical methods, IPDM contributes to environmental sustainability, human health and cost savings by reducing reliance on expensive chemical solutions.This initiative is an example of how to contribute in practice to sustainable agriculture. It is in line with COLEAD's mission to strengthen the role of the agri-food sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.This activity is supported by the NExT Kenya (New Export Trade) programme, established in collaboration with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and Kenyan stakeholders. This publication receives financial support from the European Union. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.