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COLEAD’s support to agrifood stakeholders to reduce food loss and waste
The 2023 International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (#IDAFLW) is a call for all to reduce food loss and waste (FLW). While 74 kg of food is being wasted on average per person each year worldwide (UNEP, 2021), food production is increasingly being impeded and food security endangered in times of economic, environmental and geopolitical crises. It is estimated that 13 percent of the world’s food production for human consumption is lost (discarded, incinerated or otherwise disposed) in the supply chain from post-harvest prior to the retail stage (FAO, 2022). 17 percent of food is additionally wasted in households, food services and in retail (UNEP, 2021). Fruit and vegetables constitute the main category of food losses with 32 percent (FAO, 2022).In this context, reducing FLW at all the stages of the food supply chain is of the essence to ensure a sustainable future for all by transforming agrifood systems. The target 12.3 of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 aims at halving per-capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reducing food losses along production and supply chains by 2030. Reducing food loss and waste is a triple win as it means producing more, using the same amount of resources, while costs related to disposal decrease. As a network of companies, professional organisations, experts, private and public partners in the agrifood sector and development field, COLEAD works with various stakeholders and is committed to supporting them reducing FLW that occurs at the production, processing, transporting, marketing or consumption stage.The PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Sessions and the IICA-COLEAD Caribbean Agrifood Business Sessions are opportunities for African and Caribbean entrepreneurs to share their best practices and the innovations they have developed with a global audience. These online sessions are an opportunity to bring private sectors operators together with experts from research, policy, finance or support organisations. These sessions aim at strengthening the capacities of smallholders, farmer groups and organisations, and focus on various agrifood-linked topics (processing, technologies, adaptation to climate change, circular economy etc). This includes practices to add value to crops that would otherwise go to waste and solutions to extend the shelf life of produce (fresh and processed). Reducing FLW was also specifically addressed in the Innovations Session n°11 (watch again). Together with the OECD, COLEAD also organises online sessions to raise awareness about the contribution of the fruit and vegetable sector towards achieving sustainable food systems. The next session will focus on Innovations and technologies to reduce food waste and losses and will be held online on Wednesday 11 October 2023 – 08:00-09:30 UTC (see agenda; register here).Through its development programmes, COLEAD provides - online and in the field - technical assistance, vocational training and support services in regulatory monitoring, market insights and research and innovation. Many self-study courses are available for free on COLEAD’s E-Learning platform, with some of them focusing on producing and processing techniques that reduce FLW. COLEAD also documents good practices in farming, processing, sanitary and phytosanitary treatment and other agrifood topics. The training manual on waste management provides guidance on evaluating and reducing food waste production, as well as waste recovery and organic matter. Recycling organic waste is also the topic of one of the short publications on sustainable production practices. Focusing on valorising mango waste, the recently published mango sector study analyses the technical and market feasibility of compost and briquettes made from this organic waste.More information material developed by COLEAD and available online for free can be found on the E-Learning platform (self-study courses) and E-Library.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo: Improving COPACO’s training system (1,600,000 Producers)
Created in 1998, the Confédération Paysanne du Congo (COPACO-PRP) is a professional organisation comprising 452 local entities: farmers’ associations, production cooperatives, farmers’ groups, cooperative unions, farmers’ federations and farmers’ production and service organisations. COPACO-PRP is a member of the Plateforme Régionale des Organisations Paysannes d'Afrique Centrale (PROPAC) and therefore of PAFO. It has a national office in Kinshasa, 18 provincial coordinators, 130 local grassroots units and 17 extension workers. COPACO represents some 1,600,000 producers (57% men and 43% women) who grow fruit and vegetables, as well as other crops such as maize and manioc.In May 2023, COLEAD, via its FFM+ programme, launched a diagnostic investigation of COPACO’s training system. The mission was developed in three stages: (i) a detailed description of the training system (themes, target audiences, frequency of training, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, number of trainers and participants targeted); (ii) identification of the training needs of COPACO supervisors and members; and (iii) the design of a strategic action plan to meet the needs identified and adapted to the resources available.This diagnostic involved a detailed review of the confederation’s internal documents and surveys of all the stakeholders: members of the farmers’ academy, professional trainers, management, farmers, local organisations and the provincial coordinator.Following the diagnostic, a plan was drawn up to strengthen and improve COMACO’s training system for 2023 and 2024. This plan includes the following priorities for action:Developing the teaching skills of trainers, using a cascade approach to maximise the impact of training.Optimising the training system by methodically identifying needs and strengthening evaluation mechanisms.Building the capacity of local organisations in the fields of small-scale production and processing of agricultural products.Promoting access to relevant sources of information, in particular the resources made available by COLEAD, to integrate them effectively into COPACO’s training system.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS 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 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.© Confederation Paysanne Du Congo "Copaco-Prp"
News
Tanzanian Horticultural companies trained in Food Safety Management
The Fit for Market Plus programme recently organised a four-day collective training session on "Principles of Food Safety Quality Management System and Traceability" in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, specifically in Njombe, from the 22 to 25 August 2023.This training aimed to enhance the skill and capacities of the technical and compliance staff of horticultural companies, including farm managers, agronomists, production managers, harvesting managers, processing and packaging managers and quality and traceability managers in Food Safety Quality Management System to meet the requirements of the markets. The training brought together participants from different exporting companies in Tanzania that are benefiting under COLEAD’s FFM+ programme.The training covered main components of a functional food safety quality management system, including internal and external audits, training protocols, quality manuals, equipment usage, hygiene practices, crop protection, and traceability. It also delved into the key food safety quality management standards in horticulture, their scope, and the markets that require these standards amongst other relevant topics during the four-day training session.To equip participants with practical tools for their operations, they were guided in preparing a draft of a food safety quality management system, which they presented during the training session. The insights gained during the training will contribute to enhancing their company's operations to meet food safety compliance schemes and market requirements.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 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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Madagascar: Assessment of SAHANALA's quality management system and FSSC 22000 standard' s training
To address the increasing request for dried ginger and improve current practices, SAHANALA has received support from COLEAD as part of its Fit for Market SPS programme. The aim was to establish a sanitary quality management system to obtain Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 certification for ginger processing. The FSSC 22000 standard provides a certification model that ensures food safety standards and processes throughout the food supply chain.The first step of the mission, overseen by an expert from Mauritius, aimed to assess the company's current sanitary quality management system for compliance with FSSC 22000. The objectives of this evaluation were as follows:Identify non-compliant infrastructure elements for FSSC 22000 implementation.Assess current system elements and identify gaps in relation to the FSSC 22000 standard.Formulate a detailed report outlining the findings and an action plan for FSSC 22000 implementation.Subsequently, the second phase of the mission aimed to enhance personnel knowledge on the subject. To this end, the following training sessions were conducted:Advanced training on the HACCP system.Training on the FSSC 22000 standard (ISO 22000, TS 22002, additional FSSC 22000 requirements).Training on food fraud and food defense.Following that, the subsequent phase of the mission aimed to enhance personnel knowledge on the subject. For this purpose, the following training sessions were carried out:Advanced training on the HACCP systemTraining on the FSSC 22000 standard (ISO 22000, TS 22002, additional FSSC 22000 requirements)Training on food fraud and food defense.Participants valued these training sessions, and SAHANALA received a compliance report as well as an action plan developed in collaboration with the company's personnel to ensure their engagement in the process.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEAD as part of the development cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU).This publication is financially supported by the EU and the OACPS. Its content is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and cannot be considered to reflect the position of the EU or the OACPS.
News
PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Session 14: Climate-resilient practices and innovations in agri-food SMEs
The next Innovations Session n°14 will focus on Climate-resilient practices and innovations by agrifood SMEs and will be held online on Wednesday 30 August 2023, 12:00-14:00 UTC. Find out more in the programme and join the discussion (available in English, French and Portuguese) led by the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) and the COLEAD by registering here. During this Innovations Session n°14, agrifood farmers and entrepreneurs will present climate-resilient practices and innovations that they have developed to support the sustainability of both their businesses and natural resources. It is clear that the agricultural and food sectors contribute significantly to climate change, with activities leading to widespread degradation of land, water and ecosystems; high greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity losses. At the same time, agriculture is heavily affected by the impacts of climate change, for example with increased temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns and extreme weather events, impacting crop yields and their nutritional properties. In addition to these climatic risks, farmers (‘ organisations), cooperatives and micro, medium and small-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the agrifood sector have to produce more food to meet the needs of growing rural and urban populations and to satisfy changing consumer demands. In this context, it is vital to produce in a different way so as to ensure food security, preserve natural resources, adapt to climate change, as well as satisfy changing consumer demands. A growing number of voices are calling for a complete transformation of our agricultural and food systems towards more sustainable food systems that deliver food security and nutrition without compromising the economic, social and environmental food resources for future generations. This transition requires the engagement of all stakeholders, including from policy, research, finance, the private sector and civil society organisations. Climate-resilient solutions are developed to fit a particular context, taking into account considerations such as specificities of each value chain and the geographic and climatic conditions. Globally, actors are engaging to develop these solutions through practices including soil fertility management, water management and soil erosion control, which are critical at the production level to use resources more efficiently. These practices also enable decreased dependance on seasonal external inputs, such as chemical fertilisers and pesticides, similarly to a diversification approach in crops and sectors. Other innovative solutions include reducing post-harvest losses throughout the supply chain by developing and implementing adapted handling, storage, processing and transport techniques. These are essential step to ensure that food, and the resources used to grow them, is not wasted but fit for consumption. It is key for farmers, entrepreneurs, governments, researchers, development partners, and other citizens to engage and support (including with appropriate financial resources) the transition towards climate resilient, sustainable farming and food systems. Through the Innovations Series, the PAFO and the COLEAD intend to provide a platform for such discussion by gathering stakeholders from across the globe while strengthening the competitiveness of featured entrepreneurs. The session n°14 will feature African entrepreneurs who lead the green transition with successful climate-resilient practices and innovations to strengthen their economic sustainability while having positive or neutral impacts on the natural environment and benefiting local communities – hence, they are creating business models that contribute to economic, environmental and social sustainability. By sharing their experiences, these entrepreneurs inspire others to seize business opportunities that preserve lands, improve livelihoods and encourage the adoption of natural and healthy food cultures. A panel of experts will present the perspective of policy, research and development in promoting climate resilience in agriculture and will provide additional insights of the existing ecosystems and resources that support farmers and entrepreneurs. Do not hesitate to register to the upcoming session and to share the link it within your network! Link to register here. 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 (EU).This publication is financially supported by the EU and the OACPS. Its content is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and cannot be considered to reflect the position of the EU or the OACPS.
News
COLEAD highlights young agripreneurs and their contribution to a sustainable world
The 2023 International Youth Day highlighted the importance to young people of “green skills”, which include “the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to live, develop and sustain a sustainable and resource-efficient society”. Young agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs are key players in achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they contribute to food security and safety, create jobs and improve livelihoods through responsible engagement in their farms and businesses. They are also leading the transition to a digital and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector.It is essential to support the development of young people’s skills, as entrepreneurs and business owners need a wide range of constantly evolving skills. Capacity building is essential for economic growth and ensures that growth is truly inclusive. COLEAD supports young agricultural entrepreneurs, farmers, and managers by strengthening the resources that young people can access. Through its development programmes, COLEAD provides technical assistance (online and in the field), professional training and support services in the areas of regulatory intelligence, market knowledge, partnerships, research and innovation, and access to finance. In the same vein, COLEAD organises inspirational sessions in the agri-food sector in partnership with PAFO, IICA and the OECD to share best practice among entrepreneurs, opportunities to be seized in different value chains and markets, and support opportunities provided by funding or development agencies.To showcase young people from Africa and the Caribbean, COLEAD has co-organised two sessions with partners to highlight their success factors. To find out more about the entrepreneurs presented, click on the links below! PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Session °8: Catalysing young African agri-entrepreneurs’ investmentsProgramme, biodata & recording IICA-COLEAD Caribbean Agrifood Business Session °9: Success from innovative youth-led businesses/SMEs in the agrifood sectorProgramme, biodataCOLEAD also co-organised, with key partners such as FARA, IFAD, GFAR and YPARD, two youth-focused sessions at the 8th African Agribusiness and Science Week. The side event, Promoting Business Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs, featured four inspiring African entrepreneurs presenting their innovations in combating malnutrition, engaging farmers, adding value to local produce, and bringing healthy and safe products to consumers.The parallel session on Knowledge Management, Digitisation and Youth Entrepreneurship focused on understanding the key challenges facing young entrepreneurs and how digitisation can help them overcome them. As digitisation alone is not a panacea for all the challenges faced by young people, the panellists – including those from the YPARD and COLEAD networks – discussed how to maximise the potential of digital solutions and skills implemented by young people in agriculture.You can view the recordings of both sessions by clicking on the links below:
News
EU and GB MRL changes in 2023 (April-June2023)
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 April-June 2023, we have been highlighting significant changes to EU MRLs that affect 20 active substances, 6 of which are important for ACP export horticulture. During this same period, changes of MRLs in GB affect 6 active substances, of which 3 are considered key substances for ACP horticulture (fosetyl-Al, thiram and spinetoram). The EU and GB have also recently notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of additional proposed changes involving a further 23 substances including 11 that are key in ACP horticulture (cyantraniliprole, acrinathrin, famoxadone, prochloraz, oxamyl, flutriafol, pencycuron, thiacloprid, indoxacarb, sodium hypochlorite 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
EU and GB approval changes (April-June 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 52 plant protection product (PPP) approvals within the EU, some of which are important for ACP horticulture. These include: - Extension of the approval period for 12 PPPs - Non-renewal of approval of active substance oxamyl The EC has recently notified the WTO of its intention not to renew the approval of S-metolachlor. GB published its decision to withdraw the active substance alpha-cypermethrin. 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 oxamyl or S-metalochlor on crops destined for the EU markets, or alpha-cypermethrin on crops for GB, 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
Change of MRLs from the CODEX ALIMENTARIUS
A review of key Codex MRL changes in 2022-2023 Every year, the use of many plant protection products is affected by changes to permitted Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). In July 2022, MRLs were changed for 476 combinations of active substances/commodities and recently published in the report of the 53rd session of the CODEX committee on pesticide residues. These changes often have a direct impact on producers who may need to change production methods (Good Agricultural Practices - GAP) in order to comply with the new MRLs. It is essential for producers to keep up-to-date with MRL changes, and to make any necessary adjustments in time to ensure compliance with the regulations, either by adapting the GAP, or by using alternative control methods. Any non-compliances can lead to the interception and destruction of goods, thus causing significant financial loss as well as reputational damage. This News focuses on key CODEX MRL changes for the ACP horticultural sector. The changes presented in Table 1 include the setting of new MRLs, and changes to previous CODEX MRLs. Note that revoked MRLs are in principle set to the Limit of Determination (LOD), in general 0.01 mg/kg. ‘Key CODEX MRL changes’ refer here to MRLs changes affecting active substances registered in one or more ACP countries for use on horticultural crops that are frequently exported regionally or internationally. While COLEAD makes every effort to provide comprehensive information about relevant regulatory changes, it is possible that some PPPs or crops relevant to you are not included in our list of key substances/crops. We recommend therefore that you check appendix II, III, IV and V of the full report of the 53rd session of the CODEX committee on pesticide residues, which details all the changes enacted in 2022, to make sure that you are aware of any other changes that could affect you. These changes will come into force as soon as they are published in the Codex Alimentarius Database (current version is from November 2021). Updates of the database are usually published mid-year and the next is therefore expected around July-August 2023. COLEAD will keep you informed.
News
Gabon, Maurice, Tanzania : FFM+ and AGRINFO presentations
TanzaniaIn March/April 2023, as part of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) program, members of COLEAD's Technical Assistance department visited Tanzania to strengthen dialogue with partner beneficiaries and present the FFM+ programme. The local launch of the FFM+ programme and the informative event sparked in-depth discussions on the partners' needs, resulting in a growing interest that translates into increased applications for support received.GabonIn April 2023, in collaboration with the Embassy of Gabon in Belgium, the COLEAD team organised a webinar aimed at introducing the FFM+ and AGRINFO programmes to stakeholders active in the Gabonese horticultural sector. During this virtual meeting, representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as H.E. Mr. Serge Thierry MICKOTO, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic in Belgium, were informed about EU regulatory developments and regional and international market trends for fruit and vegetables. The FFM+ programme was presented as a resource to support the horticultural sector by identifying new opportunities and improving practices in a sustainable manner. Additionally, a live demonstration of the AGRINFO information platform was performed.MauritiusIn May 2023, COLEAD organised an information session for stakeholders active in the horticultural sector in Mauritius, with active support from the Chamber of Agriculture of Mauritius. The event provided an overview of COLEAD, the FFM+ and AGRINFO programmes, and the technical resources available for partner beneficiaries. The session also addressed the importance of transitioning to more sustainable and resilient agricultural models through projects of the Chamber of Agriculture, such as Smart Agriculture and Karo Natirel, which aim to reduce the use of pesticides and promote the value of agroecology products in Mauritius, respectively.These activities are 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, and AGRINFO, a programme funded by the European Union and implemented by COLEAD.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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2022 COLEAD Annual Report: “Agricultural production and trade play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”
2022 has been a year of transformation for our association: new name, new statutory purpose, and the launch of new programmes which expanded the sectoral and geographical scope of the association’s activities. The process of changing our organisation's name was initiated two years ago in a context of continuous evolution of COLEAD's scope of action and that of its partners. The choice of COLEAD - Committee Linking Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Development is the result of a participatory and iterative approach carried out with the Board of Directors, the team, the association’s members, and its key partners. COLEAD is COLEACP with more expertise and networks.In a disruptive environment marked by political, climate and economic crises, full of challenges but also opportunities, we will continue to design, manage and implement development programmes by providing online and on-the-ground technical assistance, professional training, and support services covering research and innovation brokerage, regulatory monitoring, market insights, networks and alliances, and access to finance.We believe more than ever that the challenges faced, especially by the most vulnerable communities, need to be approached from an economic, social, and environmental perspective to ensure that appropriate support measures are in place to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through the construction of more resilient and sustainable food systems for all. This is the essence of the new AGRINFO and Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programmes, launched in 2022 and funded by our longstanding partners, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union, who we thank once again for their trust.The 2022 annual report of COLEAD, presented and approved during the Ordinary General Meeting held on June 29th 2023 in Paris-Rungis, is available here.
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Supporting EU partner countries meet the Green Deal’s ambitions
From 12th to 14th June, the European Commission (EC) organized a seminar on the theme "Trade, Private Sector, Development & Engagement." The event took place online and in Brussels and was intended by representatives from European Union delegations. On this occasion, DG INTPA form the EC invited COLEAD to produce a short video that was broadcasted on the third and final day of the seminar. The objective of the video was to illustrate the session "How to make the Green Deal a positive agenda for EU partner countries?" While the video was produced for this event, we are sharing it here as we believe it is a good way to explain, in 4 minutes, the essence of programmes such as FFM Plus and AGRINFO.