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World Youth Skills Day: the Caribbean ecosystem supporting youth entrepreneurship
World Youth Skills Day focuses on the strategic importance of equipping youth with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. Youth play a central role in the agricultural value chain, however youth-specific support systems must be in place to enable their success. This calls on an entrepreneurial ecosystem that attracts young entrepreneurs and understands their needs. To continue this discussion, the IICA-COLEAD Caribbean Agrifood Business series held its ninth session focusing on Successes from innovative youth-led businesses/SMEs in the agrifood sector.Programme BiodataThe first panel of this session featured four youth-led enterprises working across different value chains who strengthen local and regional economies by creating employment and supporting sustainable agriculture, as well as contributing to healthier diets by offering healthy, local alternatives to imported products.María Elsy Abreu (Dominican Republic), highlighted how her family-led company Cacao Mae represents true Dominican cacao via the sale of high value, organic and fair trade certified products made from 100% pure cacao with no fillers, sugars or additives.Lidia Díaz (Dominican Republic) presented on how Plant Powered SRL is producing high quality, vegan, gluten-free and locally sourced products. Branded by eye-catching, quality packaging, this company offers meat and dairy substitutes and ready-made frozen meals from Latin American, Caribbean, and Afro-Hispanic gastronomy. Delphino Gilbert Cassar (Bahamas) presented Eeden Acres, the island’s first hydroponic container farming system, currently growing leafy greens, lettuce varieties, herbs, edible flowers, and micro greens. Products are delivered to the end-consumers through short, local supply chains that enable fresh produce and reduce food miles, food waste and the country’s import bill.Kashar Daniel (Saint Lucia) explained how Fresh Harvest incorporates cost-effective and simple technologies to ensure a safe, sustainable supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. The company strives to inspire a new generation of farmers, which is critical to address the challenges associated with the aging population of the agricultural industry.Within their presentations, the entrepreneurs shared how support received from various entities helped them developing their product (range), market(s) and entrepreneurship skills. The second panel featured three entities that support youth entrepreneurs in the Caribbean at various levels of the entrepreneurial stage and in various sectors.One Guyana Agriculture Inc, presented by Teesha Mangra-Singh, is currently fostering the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) to train youth and provide them with skills and resources to become successful agribusiness owners and contribute to the increase of domestic production of high value crops.Shedron Collins leads Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT), which aims to support the incubator and accelerator levels of socially, environmentally and economically sustainable youth-led businesses. Shedron recommends entrepreneurs to interact with as many institutions as possible to gain the necessary technical tools and skill sets for running a business.Gregory Fergusson presented the work of Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT) in improving the social and economic conditions of youth by assisting skills development through training, financial support and mentoring. BYBT operates via a holistic approach and offers programmes and services catered to different types of entrepreneurs and the various stages of their journeys.About the IICA-COLEAD Agrifood Business SeriesLaunched through a collaboration between IICA and COLEAD, the Caribbean Agrifood Business Series aims at showcasing successful agri-food Caribbean-led businesses and SMEs that contribute to the development of a more sustainable and resilient agriculture sector in the Caribbean region – including those led by women and youth. Nine sessions have been held gathering more than 2,100 participants from more than 70 countries on different continents. Find out more about the 35 featured entrepreneurs and farmers groups in this article.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD in the framework of the development cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.This publication is supported with the financial support of the EU and the OACPS. Its contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU or the OACPS.
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Nigeria: GLOBAL.G.A.P. & GRASP Certification, Solar Plant, Dobi Agrico leads by example
DOBI AGRICO LIMITED, based in Abuja, is a Nigerian agro business that specializes in growing and processing vegetables, herbs, and spices. Their range of crops includes capsicum (bell pepper/bird eye chilies), tomatoes, cucumber, baby corn, butternut squash, common bean, spring onions, and more. The company is dedicated to exporting its products while maintaining high standards of agricultural practices for both domestic and international markets. To support their endeavors, Dobi Agrico joined the Fit for Market SPS (FFM SPS) programme in 2021.With the support of COLEAD, Dobi Agrico embarked on a journey to implement good agricultural practices, resulting in its certification against the globally recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standard in October 2022. As one of Nigeria's pioneering vegetable producers, Dobi Agrico has achieved this prestigious certification!The certification serves as evidence of Dobi Agrico's commitment to implementing good agricultural practices on its farm in Gwagwalada, near Nigeria's capital city, Abuja. COLEAD’ support involved capacity building for Dobi Agrico's technical team, focusing on the standard's requirements, crop protection trainings, assistance in adapting the company's quality management system, and a mock audit. Dobi Agrico has made significant infrastructure changes and investments to align with best practices, while also dedicating resources to record-keeping, sampling, training, and more.In addition to the GLOBALG.A.P. certification, Dobi Agrico underwent a successful assessment of its social practices against the GRASP (GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice) standard in August 2022. The company demonstrated full compliance with all 10 control points relevant to its operations. This accomplishment positions Dobi Agrico as one of the pioneering companies in Nigeria to pass a GRASP assessment.Dobi AgriCo Ltd has recently inaugurated its new 95 kW solar plant, a renewable energy project that represents a significant milestone in the farm's commitment to sustainability, sustainable operations, and the generation of clean energy. With the installation of 170 solar panels, the farm will reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 24 metric tons annually, while also saving approximately 64,000 liters of diesel consumption per year. This momentous step in commissioning the solar power plant not only allows the farm to decrease its carbon footprint but also positions it as a leading example of sustainable agricultural operations in Nigeria.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS 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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AGRINFO: a valuable tool for the Philippines agri-food and fish export sectors
This lively webinar, titled "AGRINFO: A Valuable Tool for the Philippines Agri-food and Fish Export Sectors", was organised by COLEAD in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, on Tuesday 30 May. AGRINFO is funded by the European Union and implemented by COLEAD.The AGRINFO programme regularly summarises and disseminates crucial knowledge about rapidly evolving EU regulatory measures that impact agri-food and fish exports from low- and middle-income countries.We are grateful to the Philippine Embassy in Brussels for their valuable cooperation which contributed to the event’s success. Participants’ insightful discussions and interactions underscored the importance of understanding the intricacies of EU policies and regulations, and the impacts on agri-food and fish exports.COLEAD is committed to expanding the reach of the AGRINFO programme. We encourage low- or middle-income countries interested in understanding and navigating the complexities of EU trade policies to request a customised AGRINFO webinar tailored to their specific context and needs.For more information or to schedule a webinar please do not hesitate to contact us via www.agrinfo.eu or email agrinfo@colead.link. Together, we can work towards building more sustainable and compliant trade relations within the agri-food and fishery sectors.AGRINFO is 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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Guinea: Strengthening the phytosanitary system
The action to strengthen the phytosanitary and certification system in Guinea aims to strengthen the capacity of the various national actors in the field of phytosanitary protection in Guinea. It aims to promote better application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and better access to international and regional markets for agricultural products from Guinea.This activity started in October 2019, funded by the Standardization and Trade Development Facility (STDF), the Fit For Market SPS programme and the Government of Guinea. Two main commodity chains are targeted: mango and potato. The goal is for these value chains to facilitate the creation of a phytosanitary monitoring, control, inspection, and certification system that complies with international phytosanitary standards and the requirements of the WTO SPS agreement.The main activities carried out are focused on four strategic objectives:Result 1: Improved governance of the phytosanitary systemDraft legislation and regulations consistent with the IPPC and the WTO SPS Agreement have been prepared and submitted to the relevant authorities for validation.Result 2: Improvement of the operational activities of the phytosanitary systemA risk analysis was conducted using the rapid Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) tool and an official list of pests subject to plant quarantine in the Republic of Guinea was posted on the IPPC website. This required raising awareness among NPPO representatives and training Guinean experts in the methods used to prepare and update lists of regulated pests. In the potato sector, a warning system was developed and tested in three zones. In the mango sector, Guinea's NPPO was assisted in developing a mango dossier with a view to complying with the new European regulations around pest management. The fruit fly monitoring system was taken over until the end of February 2022, before being continued by SyRIMAO. As part of this outcome, other actions were carried out, such as the implementation of an internal audit system within the NPPO.Outcome 3: Strengthening the skills of the stakeholders in the phytosanitary systemA sustained capacity building programme has been deployed to enable the various actors (mainly NPPO staff but also experts and producers) to meet the demands related to the evolution of SPS regulations and the new challenges on the markets.Outcome 4: Strengthened communication dynamics and relationships between the different stakeholders of the SPS systemAs part of this outcome, the priorities of the stakeholders in the potato and mango sectors were defined and workshops were held to make concerted decisions with the various stakeholders.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.
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Ghana: HPW Fresh & Dry receives support to adapt to the new EU Organic Regulation 2018/848
HPW Fresh & Dry Ltd. is a Ghanaian horticultural company created in January 2010, producing and marketing processed fruits (dried fruits, fruit bars, etc.), mainly for the European market. The company employs over 1,000 workers to run the organically certified farm and factory and sources tropical fruits from over 1,400 outgrowers, often organised in cooperatives, of which 5 are organically certified.The new EU Organic Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2018/848) includes new requirements for group certification. The company requested support from COLEAD to understand the implications for their operations and to to adapt to the new requirements by the end of 2023.In February 2023, the FFM-SPS programme provided HPW Fresh&Dry; with technical assistance to help the company to comply with the new regulation. Objectives included:Having a clear overview of the key changes that will impact the operations of HPW Fresh & Dry Ltd. and raising awareness among the management on these changes.Assessing the impact of the key changes on the company in terms of the fixed and recurring financial cost, additional potential risks that are foreseeable with the key changes and additional capacity building needs.Developing an action plan, co-created with an organic expert, detailing the various steps towards compliance with the new EU Organic Regulation by end of 2023.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS 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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FFM+ Programme: over 700 requests for support received in one year - 58% from MSMEs
Fit For Market+ (FFM+) provides support to the horticultural sector in member countries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). Its aim is to maintain and enhance the capacity of smallholders, farmer groups, and horticultural MSMEs to access national, regional, and international markets through the progressive and sustainable intensification of the horticultural sector, while adapting to changes in their operational environment due to COVID-19 and climate change.As of early July, one year since its operational launch, FFM+ had received over 700 applications for support (AFS). The largest proportion (37%) of AFS come from West Africa, followed by East Africa (23%) and Southern Africa (20%).The majority (58%) of AFS originate from horticultural companies, while service providers (15%) and smallholder support structures (13%) also submitted a significant number of AFS.[caption id="attachment_17046" align="aligncenter" width="457"] Distribution of AFS through FFM+ by type of partner beneficiaries[/caption][caption id="attachment_17048" align="aligncenter" width="449"] Geographical distribution of AFS through FFM+[/caption]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 UnionIts content 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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COLEAD "Market Insights" webinar series, let's get started!
COLEAD’s "Market Insights" department launched a series of specific webinars on June 27th 2023, aimed at informing partner beneficiaries about market trends. The first workshop (in English) focused on the organic fruit and vegetables market in the EU.Below you can find links to the recording and slides:RecordingSlidesFull studySave the date for the next (English speaking) webinars !Wed, October 18th, 2023, 15:00 CEST: "Key factors for launching a successful mango processing business" (English)- Register hereTue, November 28th, 2023, 15:00 CET: "Insights from International Trade Fairs in 2023" (English) - Register hereSee you soonThe COLEAD teamThis 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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COLEAD digital training: 21 000 users, all ACP countries are involved
The use of COLEAD's e-learning platform continues to accelerate. On June 17th 2023, the number of registered users surpassed 21,000. This remarkable and illustrative growth demonstrates the potential for capacity building within the agricultural and food systems. Through the analysis of the geographical distribution of learners, we have observed that all member countries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States are represented! Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, and Madagascar are the top three user countries with over 1,200 learners, followed by Cameroon and Senegal (with nearly 1,000 users).training.colead.link[caption id="attachment_17016" align="aligncenter" width="533"] Growth in the number of learners on COLEAD's e-learning platform[/caption]
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Nigeria: Truvis Agro supported for GLOBALG.A.P. Assessment
TRUVIS AGRO SERVICES LIMITED is a Nigerian agro-business engaged in the cultivation and processing of vegetables, herbs, and spices. The company has production activities in Epe (Lagos state), Ayetoro (Ogun state), Ilemeso (Ekiti State), and Ilemona (Kwara state), along with a processing facility in Lagos. Their focus is on implementing good agricultural practices to meet the requirements of the domestic and export markets. In 2021, TRUVIS AGRO SERVICES LIMITED joined COLEAD's Fit for Market SPS programme, aiming to enhance their agricultural practices and meet international market standards.As part of the collaboration,, the Fit For Market SPS programme supported Truvis Agro in conducting an assessment of their pepper growing operations in Ilemeso, evaluating their compliance with the globally recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standard. The assessment, which took place in December 2021, showcased Truvis Agro's cultivation of over 25 hectares of pepper farms.The outcome of this work has provided Truvis Agro with valuable insights into the corrective actions required to achieve full compliance with the GLOBALG.A.P. standard. COLEAD will be able to provide capacity building assistance to bridge some of the identified gap through its programmes in Nigeria.The activity was supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEAD within the framework of the development cooperation between the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU).This publication is supported with the financial support of the EU and the OACPS. Its contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU or the OACPS.
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World MSME Day 2023: linking agribusiness and research to meet the SDGs
The World MSME Day on 27 June is a celebration of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and their crucial role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the United Nations, MSMEs are the backbone of most economies, accounting for over 70% of all businesses worldwide and more than 50% of jobs. These enterprises play a vital role in working with millions of family farms, contributing to food safety and security, and providing nutrition to local communities. Additionally, they drive innovation and creativity towards building sustainable food systems.At COLEAD, we are dedicated to supporting the development and growth of agricultural MSMEs. Through PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Series and the IICA-COLEAD Caribbean Agrifood Business Series, we highlight MSME leaders from Africa and the Caribbean, many of whom are women and youth. They share their best practices, innovations, and keys to success. To (re) discover more about these inspiring entrepreneurs, click on the links below!Innovations Series Caribbean Agrifood Business SeriesRecognizing the critical importance of linking MSMEs with research, it enables entrepreneurs and all actors in the value chain to continuously enhance their skills, acquire necessary equipment, establish business networks, and access appropriate financing. The collaboration between the private sector and research institutions is essential to drive product development, technology uptake, and innovation adoption, fostering green and sustainable growth while meeting consumer expectations. In line with this perspective, FARA (Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa) facilitated the integration of agribusiness and the private sector into the scientific discourse during the 8th African Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW) held in Durban, South Africa, from 5 to 7 June 2023. This year's edition represented a shift in the approach to agricultural science by including agribusiness into the discussions. The event was co-organised by FARA, in collaboration with the CAADP XP4 partners (CCARDESA, ASARECA, CORAF, AFAAS), the Government of the Republic of South Africa, and several partners, including COLEAD.The 8th African Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW) has facilitated discussions and generated outcomes focused on enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the agro-industry across the continent. During the event, agricultural MSMEs from COLEAD's network had the opportunity to share their insights, establish connections with stakeholders along the value chain, and provide recommendations for creating a supportive environment that enables the creation and growth of MSMEs.Under the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD has partnered with FARA, IFAD, YPARD, and GFAR to co-organize three events at the 8th AASW. These sessions have focused on important topics related to opportunities for transforming the agrifood sector into a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood sector. The discussions initiated during these events have laid the foundation for ongoing cooperation between the private sector and research institutions. It is crucial to foster long-term partnerships and collaboration to drive innovation and development in the agricultural sector. COLEAD is looking forward to further collaboration in the fields of agriculture science, technology, and innovation with the apex continental organisation responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research for development (AR4D).To watch the recordings of the events and learn more about the featured entrepreneurs, click on the links below!Unlocking business opportunities for young entrepreneursBoosting Intra-Africa trade: the agricultural midstream in the value chainKnowledge management, digitalisation and youth entrepreneurshipCOLEAD’s contribution is supported by its Fit For Market Plus programme, implemented within the framework of Development cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the European Union (EU).This publication is supported with the financial support of the EU and the OACPS. Its contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU or the OACPS.
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Nigeria: Reelfruit receives support for optimizing packhouse design
Nature’s Bounty Health Products Ltd, trading as Reelfruit, is a Nigerian company led by women that specializes in the processing, marketing, and distribution of dried fruits. Their product range includes dried mango, dried pineapple, fruit and nut mix, cashews, mango rolls, coconut flakes, and coconut chips.Coinciding with the company milestone, Reelfruit achieved a significant accomplishment by inaugurating a new state-of-the-art processing and packing facility in Abeokuta, Ogun state in Nigeria. This modern facility was established to meet the increasing demand for Reelfruit's snacks in both domestic and international markets. With a processing capacity of 400 Metric Tons per annum, the facility is poised to support the company's expansion plans. Furthermore, this expansion is expected to generate over 1500 direct and indirect jobs within the next five years, contributing to local employment and fostering economic growth.COLEAD supported Reelfruit throughout 2022 to review the packhouse layout in preparation for the final commissioning of their new building. This support was crucial in ensuring that the investments made in the new facility align with international food safety standards and optimize the flow of goods and personnel. COLEAD's expertise assessed the facility's capacity to handle current volumes and its flexibility to accommodate future volume increases. Additionally, the factory process flow was reviewed based on HACCP principles, with a focus on optimizing space, product flow, and ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.Based on the assessment, several infrastructural changes were suggested, which are expected to result in significant cost savings for the company due to the anticipated efficiencies incorporated into the factory's design. Reelfruit's technical team and management received valuable insights and practical recommendations for implementing best practices, enabling them to achieve their objectives and meet the highest standards in their operations.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS 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 is supported with the financial support of the EU and the OACPS. Its contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU or the OACPS.
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Informative session for Mauritian stakeholders
COLEAD organised an informative session for Mauritian stakeholders to present its Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) and AGRINFO programmes on 17 May, with the active support of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture.The session began with a presentation by the European Union delegations to Mauritius and Seychelles on the importance of transitioning the Mauritian agricultural sector to a more sustainable and resilient model, which is currently underway in Mauritius. There is an urgent need to accelerate this transition through investment in research and incentives to encourage more sustainable practices.The two-hour session provides a comprehensive overview of COLEAD, its FFM+ programme and details on how to access it, plus an introduction to the AGRINFO programme and the various resources available to COLEAD partner beneficiaries.Finally, the Chamber of Agriculture presented two projects: Smart Agriculture, which aims to reduce the use of pesticides by promoting biodiversity, and Karo Natirel, which aims to increase the value of Mauritian agro-ecological products. , producers and traders.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 is supported with the financial support of the EU and the OACPS. Its contents are the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU or the OACPS.