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IICA COLEAD NEXT WEBINAR: OPPORTUNITIES IN LOCAL AND REGIONAL MARKETS FOR CARIBBEAN ENTREPRENEURS
IICA COLEAD NEXT WEBINAR : Opportunities in local and regional markets for Caribbean entrepreneursThe Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and COLEAD kindly invite you to the 13th Caribbean Agrifood Business session on Opportunities in local and regional markets for Caribbean entrepreneurs .The session will be held online on Thursday 23 May 2024 - 10:00-12:00 AST / 14:00-16:00 UTC. Live interpretation will be available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.The agenda will follow soon.To register, simply click on the following button:[maxbutton id="12" url="http://info.colead.link/trk/201931/5216/300265267/5706/6165/c8144797/" text="REGISTER" ]Feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues and partners who may be interested in attending.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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SHOULD FRESH PRODUCE IMPORTS INTO EUROPE BE BANNED? THE FAIRMILES CONSORTIUM IS BROADENING THE DIALOGUE NEEDED FOR GREATER CLIMATE JUSTICE.
The event, which took place both online and in person in Brussels on Tuesday 30 April, brought together more than 200 representatives from retail, food companies, NGOs and government to explore the following issues:The impact of airfreighted fresh horticultural products from developing countries.Climate justice considerations for companies' net zero strategiesTo ban or not to ban: should we ban airfreighted fresh produce to achieve Net Zero?
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ZAMBIA : INNOVATIVE COLEAD-GART PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE SOIL FERTILITY AND INCREASE THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF CROPS
In an exciting new development through the Fit For Market Plus programme, COLEAD has partnered with the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) in Zambia to launch ground-breaking field trials. These trials are designed to evaluate the integration of two underutilised vegetables, Cleome (Cleome gynandra L.) and Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.), into tomato and cabbage cropping systems. The main objective is to explore sustainable agricultural practices that could potentially reduce pest and disease incidence, improve soil fertility and increase the economic value of crops. Background and rationaleIn Zambia, as across the African continent, indigenous or naturalised vegetables such as amaranthus and cleome are widely consumed but remain under-commercialised. These vegetables, which are often wild or semi-cultivated, have significant nutritional, economic and environmental benefits. By integrating these underutilised vegetables into established horticultural value chains - especially those of high-value crops such as tomatoes and cabbages - there is potential to increase their uptake and overall value to the agricultural sector.Tomatoes and cabbages are among the most widely grown and commercially important crops in Zambia, contributing millions of dollars to the economy. However, these crops face significant challenges from pests and diseases, which can lead to significant production losses. Current practices rely heavily on chemical treatments, which are costly, environmentally damaging and potentially harmful for both farmers and consumers of not applied approprietly. Expected benefitsPreliminary studies suggest that intercropping Cleome and Amaranthus can naturally reduce pest pressure, thereby reducing reliance on chemicals. This approach not only contributes to integrated pest management and increased agrobiodiversity, but also improves soil and fertiliser management. It also provides additional income opportunities and economic diversification for farmers. Moving forwardCOLEAD, through its Research & Innovation Brokerage Department, and GART are setting up these trials in a commercial environment to provide a practical assessment of the benefits of intercropping. The initiative aims to demonstrate the viability of these practices at a local level and encourage their adoption within traditional farming systems, which are often based on continuous monocultures.This partnership exemplifies COLEAD's commitment to sustainable agriculture and economic development in the agrifood sector, and aligns with broader efforts to promote resilience and environmental sustainability in agricultural practices in Zambia and beyond.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 2005 : HOW DOES THE PIP (PROGRAMME) TACKLE FOOD SAFETY?
A member of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee, Robert Sturdy (UK, Conservative) has contributed to the development of rules on the food safety of agricultural products placed on the market in the European Union: "We certainly do not want this legislation to be a barrier to trade," he says. "But I can understand that a farmer in Africa, where regulations and controls are not the same as in Europe, might see it as an insurmountable obstacle. I think farmers be need to be better informed and trained about what we require in in Europe. If farmers know what they have to do, they will do it.This was one of the tasks of the Pesticides Initiative Programme (PIP), launched in 2001 by the European Union at the request of the ACP Group of States. The PIP aims to help stakeholders in the ACP fruit and vegetable production and export sectors in their efforts to meet European requirements for food safety and traceability. By demonstrating that they have mastered the necessary production and export processes, ACP companies will have a chance to access EU markets.PIP's support involves a number of very practical actions: raising awareness and informing ACP producers/exporters of the requirements introduced by European regulations; helping companies to set up effective food safety and traceability systems adapted to specific problems; training different groups, from company executives to small producers and technical managers of intermediary bodies such as Business Membership Organisations (BMOs). The PIP has already signed cooperation agreements with some 105 companies in 21 ACP countries. Behind these export companies are nearly 75,000 small farmers who benefit from the support, advice and training provided by the programme. Step by step, an entire industry is working with the PIP to lay the foundations for fruit and vegetable production that meets the EU's most stringent food safety requirements. It is clear that the effort is not negligible: it requires long-term commitment and considerable investment, both human and material. But this commitment can bear fruit: the success of a number of companies - SEPAM in Senegal or Myner Exports in Kenya illustrate the results that can be achieved, even if not all PIP beneficiaries have yet reached the same level.Strengthening the sector's environmentBeyond individual experiences, the idea is to broaden the scope, says Hélène Fiagan, a market access expert at the General Secretariat of the ACP Group of States: "There needs to be more exchange of information and experience, both between companies in the same country or region and between ACP regions," she explains. To do this, but also to maintain their achievements and move forward, ACP fruit and vegetable companies need quality services and economically viable solutions available at the local level. Depending on the needs identified and expressed by producers, the PIP sets up actions to build the capacity of the local environment in which the sector operates. In other words, the PIP's action aims to improve the quality of the services offered to producers and companies by the various players (BMOs, laboratories, registration bodies, service providers, etc.).The 50 or so agreements already signed in this context include support programmes aimed at improving the skills of local consultants. Thanks to this support, local service providers have become the programme's main relays for training activities in their country or region.Source : PIP Magazine, N° 6 APRIL 2005
News
GUINEA STRENGTHENS PHYTOSANITARY CONTROL TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO AGRI-FOOD MARKETS
The project "Strengthening the phytosanitary control and certification system in Guinea" launched in 2019 and funded by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), was the subject of a closing workshop in Conakry on 24 April. It was an opportunity to present and welcome the results and positive impact of the project. In particular, the National Directorate of Plant Protection and Stored Foods (DNPV-DS) has benefited from capacity building in phytosanitary control, which should enable the country to meet the requirements of compliance and competitiveness in international markets.Faced with the growing challenges of climate change and the spread of transboundary pests and diseases, this project came at a crucial time for Guinea, a country with considerable agricultural potential that is prioritising agricultural development in its 2022-2025 Interim Reference Plan. The main objective of the STDF programme was to reduce the risk of Guinean agricultural products being blocked on international markets due to the presence of regulated pests.Main results of the project: Regulatory framework: updating the phytosanitary regulatory framework to bring it into line with international standards. Process improvement: strengthening the technical and operational processes of the DNPV-DS. Capacity building: developing the capacity of public and private actors in the application of phytosanitary controls. Communication and partnerships: improving communication and partnerships between stakeholders, including the private sector and local and international partners. Among its notable achievements, the project has supported phytosanitary surveillance for fruit fly on mangos and mildew on potatoes, developed a guide for good potato production practices, and trained more than 400 stakeholders in the two relevant value chains. These collaborative efforts have made a significant contribution to the effectiveness of Guinea's phytosanitary system, opening up new prospects for the country's agricultural exports to regional and international markets.This project illustrates the continued commitment of Guinea and its international partners to strengthen national phytosanitary capacity in order to promote better access to international and regional markets for Guinean agricultural products.The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) is a global partnership that aims to facilitate safe and secure trade by contributing to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and food security. It supports capacity building in food safety, animal health and plant health in developing countries.
News
DISCOVER COLEAD'S NEW SELF-PACED COURSE ON BUSINESS PLANNING IN AGRICULTURE
COLEAD is pleased to introduce through the FFM+ programme a new educational offering: a self-paced course designed to equip agricultural professionals with the skills to produce effective and compelling business plans. This course is specifically tailored to the agricultural sector, with a focus on horticultural businesses, and aims to enhance participants' ability to secure funding, optimise management and stimulate innovation within their organisations.Course outlineThe new course provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of business plans in the agricultural industry. Participants will learn not only the importance of understanding these plans, but also how to produce a document that is compelling and workable. The course is designed to help learners anticipate risks, ensure organisational harmony and communicate their ambitions both internally and externally.The first courses benefited from online tutoring, which worked very well. There are plans to continue this.Learning ObjectivesAt the end of the course, participants will be able to; Identify the purpose and appropriate timing of a business plan. List the essential elements that make up a sound business plan. Describe the step-by-step process of writing a basic business plan. Explain the unique aspects of business plans tailored to horticultural and agricultural businesses. Course structureThe course is divided into four modules: Business Model - Understanding the framework of your agricultural business. Components and purpose of a business plan - a detailed exploration of the elements that make up a business plan. Writing a Business Plan - Practical guidance on writing your business plan. Optional module for horticultural businesses - specific considerations for applying business planning principles to the horticultural sector. Each module offers the flexibility for learners to progress at their own pace and includes offline access to accommodate different learning environments. Modules are available at any time to suit different schedules and commitments.Assessment and certificationTo reinforce learning, the course includes mini-quizzes at the beginning and end of each module, culminating in a final certification test. A score of 70% or above is required to pass, ensuring that participants have mastered the content to effectively apply their new skills.This course offers a significant opportunity for agricultural professionals to develop essential skills in creating compelling business plans. We encourage all those interested to take this course to maximise their potential for project funding and overall business success.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.
News
SUCCESSFUL ENERGY AUDIT LEADS TO COST SAVINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR GAMBIA HORTICULTURAL ENTERPRISES
Gambia Horticultural Enterprises (GHE), a leading Gambian company specialising in the export of fresh and processed produce to Europe, recently collaborated with COLEAD through the FFM+ programme on a comprehensive energy audit aimed at optimizing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. As expenses for electricity and fuel for irrigation and processing activities climbed, GHE sought alternative energy solutions and embraced sustainability initiatives.Following the results of the sustainability self-assessment system (SAS, COLEAD facilitated an in-depth energy assessment at GHE's Agro-Food Processing Centre, identifying significant opportunities for efficiency improvements. The audit revealed several Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs), including upgrades to lighting systems, implementation of solar water heating, and the establishment of a corporate energy management policy. Six different EMOs were identified, offering a total annualised savings equivalent to a 36% reduction in energy costs at current prices..The implementation of these recommendations promises not only significant cost savings but also substantial environmental benefits. Expressing satisfaction with the results, a spokesperson from GHE stated, "Thanks for the comprehensive energy audit report. The Kenyan expert met all our expectations, and we are pleased with the support received."This successful audit underscores GHE's commitment to sustainable operations and efficient resource utilisation. With a focus on implementing energy-saving measures, GHE will enhance its competitiveness while reducing its environmental footprint. This is exactly the essence of the first FFM programme launched in 2016 (and now FFM+) : improving the competitiveness by embracing sustainable 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.
News
STDF Project: Strengthening Training Capacity in Guinea
As part of its ongoing commitment to improve phytosanitary safety and competitiveness in the agricultural sector, COLEAD recently led a major initiative in Guinea as part of the STDF project. Last February in Conakry, the COLEAD team facilitated a capacity building programme aimed at equipping the Direction Nationale de la Protection Végétale et du Service de la Sécurité (DNPV-DS) with the necessary tools and strategies for the ongoing training of its staff.As a result of this intervention, an internal training unit (UFI) was created within the NPPO. The programme included intensive coaching of five NPPO managers to prepare them to effectively manage the institution's ongoing training needs. COLEAD's approach stimulated discussion on the importance of continuous learning and helped to formulate job profiles and skills in line with the needs of the organisation.Discussions also focused on the optimal use of resources available through technical platforms such as COLEAD and FAO IPPC, and the identification of key functional roles within the DNPV-DS. A priority training plan was developed, together with model terms of reference for training and recommendations for organisational and operational improvements.Expected results and impact of the training programmeImproved understanding of training needs: a better understanding of the skills and knowledge required has been developed.Internal structuring: with the establishment of the UFI, the DNPV-DS is now better equipped to plan and monitor capacity building initiatives.UFI capacity building: the unit is now equipped to effectively oversee training programmes for staff and stakeholders.This illustrates COLEAD's commitment to strengthening institutional capacity in Guinea and highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic planning for continuous professional development and improved organisational effectiveness within the national phytosanitary system.This action was mainly organised within the framework of the project to strengthen the phytosanitary control and certification system in Guinea, funded by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and implemented by COLEAD.
News
New training for trainers on triple concordance skills assessment
As part of the FFM+ programme, the 29th of April marks a significant step forward in training methodology as COLEAD launches a new Training of Trainers programme. This initiative is designed to enhance trainers' skills in assessing learners' actual skill acquisition based on the innovative principles of triple concordance. This approach ensures a robust and comprehensive assessment strategy that is vital for both learners and trainers.
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EU and GB pesticide approval changes - Yearly review 2023
Review of EU and GB pesticide approval changes during 2023 During 2023, the European Commission (EC) published 201 changes to plant protection product (PPP) approvals within the European Union (EU). These include 87 changes concerning substances that are of importance for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) horticulture. Great Britain (GB) has published 182 changes to PPP approvals involving 50 changes concerning substances that are of importance for ACP horticulture. How will ACP producers/exporters be affected? Many of these changes to EU regulations involve the loss of approval, so that a substance can no longer be used within the EU. This may be due to non-approval, withdrawal of approval or expiration of approval. Loss of approval is generally followed by a change to the maximum residue levels (MRLs), which are likely to be reduced to the limit of determination (LoD). In most cases, when an MRL is reduced to the LoD, the substance can no longer be used on crops for export to the EU. The implications are the same when there is a loss of GB authorisation. What should ACP producers/exporters do now? If you currently use one of the PPPs affected on crops destined for the EU or GB market, you need to ensure that the current Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) allow you to comply with new MRLs in these countries, or start looking as early as possible for alternative crop protection solutions. If any of these changes are likely to cause you significant problems, and you fear being left without effective and available alternatives, please contact COLEAD at: network@colead.link . We will keep you informed as more information becomes available. If you require more frequent updates on PPP approval changes in the EU, we invite you to visit our AGRINFO website and subscribe to the bi-monthly newsletter on EU regulations.
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Review of EU and GB MRL changes in 2023
Key points This news update is a review of changes that were made in 2023 . European Union (EU) maximum residue levels (MRLs) were changed for 82 plant protection products (PPPs) in 2023, compared with 75 in 2022. These changes include cases where MRLs for certain foods have been raised or lowered. In Great Britain (GB) maximum residue level (MRL) changes concerned 41 plant protection products (PPPs), compared with 23 in 2022. Note that EU MRLs still apply in Northern Ireland (GB covers only England, Scotland and Wales). How will ACP producers/exporters be affected? In export crops, meeting the MRLs of the destination market is critical to prevent interception and destruction of merchandise at the border. ACP growers and exporters need to remain up-to-date with regulatory changes to ensure they remain aligned. What should ACP producers/exporters do now? For each substance and crop concerned, the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in place need to be verified and possibly adapted to ensure compliance with new MRLs. The GAPs include dose rate, number of applications, and pre-harvest interval. In some cases, adaptations to the GAPs will allow the new MRLs to be met. However, in many cases, especially where the level is reduced to the Limit of Determination (LoD), it may not be possible to meet the new MRL, and growers will have to look for alternative crop protection solutions. If you have any major concerns about these changes, and fear that you will be left without an effective and locally available alternative, please contact COLEAD at: network@colead.link . If you require more frequent updates on EU MRL changes, we invite you to visit our AGRINFO website and subscribe to the newsletter on EU regulations.
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Empowering horticultural companies on sustainability: an energy audit for the Tanzanian company Africado Ltd.
In a world where environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important, organizations are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and operate more efficiently. One initiative is to conduct energy audits to ensure sustainability and efficiency by determining and documenting energy usage, providing estimates of energy savings from alternatives, and focusing on the use of alternative energy. Africado Ltd, one of the leading Tanzanian exporters specializing in fresh avocado exports, in partnership with COLEAD through the FFM Plus programme is currently implementing a comprehensive energy audit, aimed at optimizing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. Although it’s impossible to arrive at a single figure, one can safely say that energy is a major input cost at packhouse level for the fresh fruits and vegetables industry. The audit will shed light on the costs incurred by the company and enable the company to explore alternative energy sources, such as solar power.The assessment will provide insights into the kind of investments needed to transition towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution for its operations particularly the packhouse. Moreover, a training program has been designed and developed for Africado to technically upskill its employees. This training will focus on energy efficiency strategies and competencies, enabling the company to implement sustainable practices and maximize energy savings in their operations. By conducting this energy audit and providing training for technical upskilling of its staff, Africado Ltd will not only reduce its environmental impact but also enhance its operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Through the adoption of renewable energy sources and the implementation of energy-efficient strategies, the company will be better equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world while contributing to a more sustainable future. In conclusion, the intervention of conducting an energy audit and providing training for its technical staff is a significant step towards ensuring sustainability and efficiency and underscores Africado's commitment to sustainable operations and efficient resource utilization.COLEAD through the Fit For Market Plus programme, is supporting partner beneficiaries amongst other topics to embrace renewable energy sources and implementing energy-saving strategies, to enable organizations to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.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.