Cultivating
Sustainable Futures
News
Agrinnovators.org: for and by innovative entrepreneurs in Africa
We are delighted to announce the launch of Agrinnovators, a platform for African entrepreneurs passionate about innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector. This initiative is a collaboration between COLEAD and PAFO.The Agrinnovators blog will feature stories, insights, and tips from successful agripreneurs who are transforming the food system in Africa through their creativity, resilience, and vision. It will also showcase the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in the agri-food sector, such as urban agriculture, vertical farming, circular economy, and social innovation. The Agrinnovators blog aims to inspire, inform, and connect African entrepreneurs striving to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy through their agri-food ventures. If you are interested in learning more about the Agrinnovators blog, visit the website. You can also join the Agrinnovators community.
News
The role of Caribbean agrifood entrepreneurs and SMEs in promoting circular economy
During the IICA-COLEAD Caribbean Agrifood Business Session n°11, on Thursday 16 November 2023 – 14:00-16:00 UTC / 10:00-12:00 AST – inspiring Caribbean agrifood entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will present how their business models promote circular economy. Register here to join the session: https://shorturl.at/eqFMRThe session will be held online (Zoom) and have live interpretation in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. The programme is available is all these languages by clicking on the links below: EnglishFrenchSpanishPortuguese As a system that aims to reduce waste and environmental impact by reusing, recycling, and regenerating resources and products, a circular economy can offer many benefits for the agri-food sector. It encourages minimizing waste and optimizing the use of resources, including water, soil, and energy; using the full potential of products and by-products which in turn translates into value addition and diversification of offerings; and recovering and recycling waste and by-products to create new products or energy.Entrepreneurs and SMEs can play a key role in promoting a circular economy in the agri-food sector by developing innovative solutions that address the specific needs and problems of the industry. For example, some entrepreneurs and SMEs have successfully created circular business models that valorize food waste and by-products into new products or services, such as animal feed, bioenergy, bioplastics, or fertilizers. Others have developed circular technologies that improve the quality and shelf life of food products, such as smart packaging, sensors, or blockchain. Moreover, some entrepreneurs and SMEs have fostered circular practices that reduce the environmental impact of food production and consumption, such as organic farming, local sourcing, or plant-based diets.However, entrepreneurs and SMEs face several challenges when transitioning toward circular economy. Among the obstacles are the lack of knowledge and access to finance, regulatory and compliance issues, as well as consumer behavior. On Thursday 16 November 2023, innovative and resilient entrepreneurs and agrifood stakeholders will present how they have seized the potential of circular economy to create jobs, add value and support economic growth, while reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and mitigating environmental impacts of the agrifood system. Be part of this experience sharing by registering here.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
United Arab Emirates: a promising market for Kenyan products
As part of the NExT Kenya programme, the Kenyan National Horticultural Taskforce, in collaboration with HCD (Horticultural Crops Directorate), a directorate established under the Agriculture and Food Authority and COLEAD, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last October. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the Middle East market, its specific requirements and to deepen existing relationships to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The trade mission was also attended by representatives of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) (, Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPCK), Avocado Exporters Association of Kenya (AEAK) ) and Kenya Flower Council (KFC) (.The mission enabled a study of the fruit and vegetable market to be carried out. Several fruit and vegetable stores including Carrefour, Waitrose, Al Maya were visited and analysed on the basis of the range of horticultural products on offer, the quantities traded, seasonality and the logistics required to do business with these outlets. In addition, the survey covered the products sold, packaging, price, presentation, promotion strategy, certification displayed on the products and competing places of origin. The Kenyan delegation also took part in the AgraME exhibition in Dubai on 9 and 10 October 2023. The event brings together solution providers in the crop, livestock and horticulture sectors, providing a unique platform to showcase cutting-edge innovations and explore sustainable solutions for the agricultural sector.
News
Celebrating 50 years of COLEAD
On the 1st of December 2023, COLEAD celebrated its 50th anniversary in Brussels with 120 partners, directors, former DGs of the association, team members and friends of COLEAD in attendance. Also in attendance virtually, were more than 200 members of the association from 25 different countries, from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. "A perfect illustration of the COLEAD network", said Jeremy KNOPS, COLEAD's DG, in his speech. COLEAMA was founded 50 years ago at the 46th Brussels International Fair, bringing together those involved in the horticultural trade from African countries, Madagascar and the 6 countries of the European Economic Community (EEC). In 1976, COLEAMA became the Comité de Liaison Europe Afrique Caraïbes Pacifique (COLEACP) under the visionary leadership of its first Director General, Mr Libert Bou. Mr Bou, a senior civil servant, had been appointed by General de Gaulle to move “Les Halles de Paris” from the centre of Paris to Rungis.On the 1st of December 2023, we celebrated COLEAD's 50th anniversary in Brussels, along with over 200 members in 25 ACP countries. It was a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to those who have shaped the history of the organisation: our long-term partners - the European Union and the OACPS, represented on this occasion by Leonard Mizzi and Junior Lodge respectively - Albert Delhomme, a founding member of COLEAMA, Catherine Guichard and Guy Stinglhamber, former delegates general of the association. We thank them again for their warm words.Stephen Mintah, current President of COLEAD, and Virginie Touré, member of the Board, accompanied by Jeremy Knops, current General Delegate, each took their turn to pay tribute to the work accomplished. Thanks, in particular to the commitment of the members and the international team of women and men who make up COLEAD and thanks to its key partners, including most recently AFD, ENABEL and the WTO via the STDF programme.The 50th anniversary of our organisation was not just a celebration of the association's past (COLEAMA, COLEACP); we also recognised the future we are building together, from a legacy across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and beyond, with over 140 partner countries today.After all, COLEACP is 50 years old, but COLEAD is only a year old. So, as all the guests on this highly symbolic anniversary day proclaimed: happy 50th birthday and long live COLEAD!
News
COLEAD at ABIM 2023: innovations in biocontrol and compliance with EU organic agriculture regulations
We are pleased to share some highlights from COLEAD's participation in the 18th Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) held in Basel from October 23 to 25, 2023. ABIM, a global event for the biocontrol industry, serves as a platform to showcase research and innovation in crop protection, stay up to date with the latest developments in biocontrol (including legislation), and foster connections with Plant Protection Product (PPP) companies to facilitate access to safer alternatives.
News
Caribbean: Focus on Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago
The Fit for Market Plus (FFM+) programme was launched in the Caribbean Region in May 2022 (webinar) and in November 2022 through local workshops. As a result, 41 requests for support have been received to date, with 10 coming from Suriname and 17 from Trinidad and Tobago. This marks the initiation of numerous upcoming development projects.Overall, the actions planned by COLEAD through FFM+ and implemented partnerships in the region are complementary and integrated into projects aimed at facilitating better market access for Caribbean fruits and vegetables, and the goal of implementing sustainable practices. COLEAD continues to highlight changes in market access conditions affecting fresh product exports to the EU, identifying areas where both public and private actors need to take action, notably through its AGRINFO programme.
News
Satisfaction survey conducted among COLEAD’s programmes partner beneficiaries: encouraging results from 29 countries
Continuous improvement is one of COLEAD's five values. The feedback from our partner beneficiaries (BPs) plays a crucial role in guiding our activities, development, and the evolution of our practices. In this context, we launched a satisfaction survey during the summer, which will be repeated annually. The questionnaire is concise, designed to gather thoughts and observations to assess our performance and identify areas for improvement. A survey based on 14 questions was sent to all organizations with a development project signed at the time of the survey launch, regardless of the program managed by COLEAD. That is, 879 organizations in 2023. We received 202 responses from 29 countries. 66.3% of respondents chose to remain anonymous.Here are the key findings:The main support received includes training (84%), technical assistance (35%), and market information (34%).Access to financing is considered the primary challenge faced by organisations.The most significant impact of COLEAD support through its programmes on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relates to SDG 12, "responsible production and consumption."The main impacts of support on partner beneficiary organizations are related to skill enhancement, improvement in product/service quality, and access to information.Partners would strongly recommend COLEAD to a professional colleague mainly due to the enhanced skills they gained through COLEAD's support.
News
New technical-marketing publications: mangoes, roots and tubers, cocoa
One of the activities of COLEAD's Market Insights department, is to translate qualitative and quantitative marketing data into market information that will help our beneficiary partners understand trends in the agri-food sector, as well as in specific market segments.Here you can find three recently published technical and marketing publications available in our COLEAD e-library. Please click on the corresponding image to access the reports:Mango-based food products: dried, fresh-cut, frozen, puree, vinegar and pickles and waste recovery products: compost, butter and briquettes.The document covers the technical and economic aspects of the processed mango sector, trends in supply and demand, market opportunities, success factors, existing technologies and the investments involved.
News
PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Session n°15: Technological innovations supporting agrifood value chains in Africa
Discover technological innovations in the agrifood sector that African farmers and entrepreneurs have developed and/or adopted to support the development of value chains in the next PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Session. The online session will be held on Thursday 9 November 2023 – 12:00-14:00 UTC / 13:00-15:00 CET, and will have live interpretation in English-French-Portuguese. RegisterProgrammeTechnological innovations can equip smallholders and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary tools to support climate resilience, improve productivity, manage natural resources sustainably and be a catalyst of agrifood systems transformation. However, SMEs and entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector face challenges in their adoption in terms of initial investment, technological skills, and data privacy. These challenges can hinder their ability to compete effectively and realize the full benefits of modern technology. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government policies, financial institutions, capacity-building programmes, and industry stakeholders. Initiatives to provide affordable financing, improve digital literacy, develop technology infrastructure, and streamline regulatory processes can help smallholders and SMEs overcome these obstacles and fully harness the benefits of technological innovation in their operations. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and promoting the value of technology adoption among these businesses is crucial for their long-term success and competitiveness in the modern business landscape. In the next Innovations Session, value chain actors will present how their technological innovations support unlocking the full potential of the African agrifood sector. Innovations range from food processing technologies, cooling systems, packaging technology and precision agriculture methods to mobile money and E-commerce platforms. Their versatility reflects the importance of adapting technologies and innovations to local needs, opportunities, and constraints, to ensure they are accessible to all who want to adopt them. Join the discussion on Thursday 9 November 2023!This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme implemented by COLEAD as part of the development cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.This publication has received financial support from the EU and the OACPS. The contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the EU or the OACPS.
News
EU and GB approval changes (July to September 2023)
EU and GB approval changes Following the United Kingdom (UK) departure from the European Union (EU), COLEAD’s Regulation Monitoring now covers both EU and Great Britain (GB) approval changes, enabling us to keep COLEAD members and partner-beneficiaries up-to-date on both regulatory frameworks. Note that EU approvals still apply in Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the mainland comprising England, Scotland and Wales. The European Commission (EC) has recently published changes to 59 plant protection product (PPP) approvals within the EU, some of which are important for ACP horticulture. These include: - Extension of the approval period for 54 PPPs - Non-renewal of approval of active substance dimoxystrobin - Renewal of approval as low-risk substances: quart sand, fat distillation residues and Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) - Expiration of the approval for penflufen The EC has recently notified the WTO of its intention not to renew the approval of clofentezine, triflusulfuron-methyl, metiram and benthiavalicarb. GB has not published or notified any approval changes during this period. How will ACP producers/exporters be affected? Non-approval, withdrawal of approval or expiration of approval mean that EU/GB maximum residue levels (MRLs) are likely to be maintained or reduced to the limit of determination (LoD) which, in most cases, will mean that they can not be used on crops for export to the EU/GB. What should ACP producers/exporters do now? If you currently use dimoxystrobin, penflufen, clofentezine, triflusulfuron-methyl, metiram or benthiavalicarb on crops destined for the EU markets, you need to look for alternatives, or ensure that current uses allow you to comply with the new MRLs (most likely at LoD), as soon as the change is communicated. If this is 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.
News
EU and GB MRL changes in 2023 (July to September)
Changes to EU and GB pesticide maximum residue levels Following the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU), COLEAD’s monitoring of pesticide regulations now covers maximum residue limit (MRL) changes in both the EU and Great Britain (GB), enabling us to keep COLEAD members and partner-beneficiaries up-to-date. Note that EU MRLs still apply in Northern Ireland (GB covers only England, Scotland and Wales). During the period July-September 2023, we have been highlighting significant changes to EU MRLs that affect 12 active substances, 5 of which are important for ACP export horticulture. During this same period, changes of MRLs in GB affect 2 active substances, both considered key substances for ACP horticulture (fludioxonil and cyprodinil ) . The EU and GB have also recently notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of additional proposed changes involving a further 10 substances including 3 that are key in ACP horticulture (indoxacarb, thiacloprid and haloxyfop). Note that comments and concerns can be submitted to the WTO via your national contact points . How will ACP producers/exporters be affected? Changes to EU/GB MRLs also apply to products that are exported to the EU/GB. Growers producing for export may need to adapt their practices to meet the new MRL or, if this is not possible, stop using these products and look for an alternative method of pest management. What should ACP producers/exporters do now? For each plant protection products (PPPs) and crop concerned, the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in place will need to be verified and possibly adapted to ensure compliance with the 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. This is essential to avoid interception and destruction of exported produce at the EU/GB borders. In case there is no available alternative, manufacturers can consider the option of requesting an import tolerance. The process for approving an import tolerance MRL in the EU can take time and may imply costs. It is recommended to contact the PPP manufacturer to assess the feasibility. 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 .
News
Media Training and Coaching for CEOs of Three Key Horticultural Business Associations in Kenya
COLEAD recently held a media training session and coaching for CEO’s and communication leads of three business membership organisations such as Kenya Flower Council (KFC); Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) and Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPCK). This training comes against a background of increased demand for effective communication for stakeholder engagement, nationally, regionally, and globally. Indeed, in the past few years, communication has become a major issue for all the horticulture stakeholders at the national and international levels as they request for more information related to the entire supply chain.The objectives of this mission was to strengthen the public relations and communication skills of the CEOs with a specific emphasis on interactions with media and specifically radio and video sessions. It consisted of: (1) a training component to support the CEOs and their communication managers to become more effective communicators with the media. (2) personal coaching component to improve public speaking, crisis management and communication skills.The training and coaching programme was highly interactive and practical. The delegates were exposed to live media interview sessions where various media interview scenarios were simulated, recorded on video camera, and reviewed. These practical sessions attracted a lot of interest and provided the best learning opportunity for the CEOs and the communication managers. The participants greatly appreciated the high-level training and the skills and knowledge gained from this training and coaching session and reiterated that the session will undoubtedly improve their work and help them achieve their organizational goals more effectively.This activity are implemented by COLEAD and supported by the NExT Kenya (New Export Trade) programme, established in collaboration with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and Kenyan stakeholders.This publication has been produced with the financial support of the EU. Its contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU.