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Dominican Republic: JAD-COLEACP webinar series
COLEACP is collaborating with the Dominican Agroenterprise Board (Junta Agroempresarial Dominicana, JAD) to present a webinar series on market access for processed products in the pineapple, mango and avocado sectors. The webinars are part of the CALIFRUP project, “Quality enhancement for the development of MSMEs in the processed fruit value chain”. In February–March 2021, three webinars offered key ideas and tools to help Dominican entrepreneurs build their export projects. Each one was attended by an average of 30 active participants.The first event, on “The international market for processed products”, was held on 3 February. It covered trends (frozen products, pulp, dry products, kernel butters, cosmetics, etc.); the expectations of international consumers and importers; and innovative technologies.The second webinar, on 17 February, focused on regulatory and private requirements, and the action plan that companies will need to implement before being able to export mango, pineapple and avocado to Europe. Issues covered included health regulatory requirements, packaging and labelling requirements, traceability, certifications required by importers, criteria for the industrialisation of fruit production, and safety and good manufacturing practices for pre-packaged products. Participants learned how to draw up an action plan for their company with the measures needed to comply with regulatory and private requirements, before being able to export to Europe.The third session, on 10 March, emphasised the importance for exporters and processor of figuring out from the start the type of market they want to conquer. This strategy will help companies to find the right allies within the supply chain – if a company wants to be seen by buyers as serious and reliable, it’s very important that all partners in the supply chain are up to standard, and understand the importance of cooperation and continuous dialogue, responsiveness and resilience, and quality and traceability. Companies also need to identify the right buyers, and a narrative that is adapted to their needs. For example, if I want to get into the Fairtrade or organic market, I can’t give vague answers about the working conditions under which my product is processed.Following on from these webinars, training organised in March focused on commercial negotiation, and in April group training began on “Market access: How to make an informed business decision regarding the market to target in the Caribbean”.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union, and co-funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).
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Catch up on the PAFO-COLEACP Innovation Series
The Innovations Series, co-organised by the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) and COLEACP, showcases innovations and successes of African farmer-led businesses and SMEs.The next online session – the fourth in the series – will focus on “Sustainable food systems: The key role of SMEs and businesses”. Join us on Thursday 20 May, 12:00-14:00 (GMT) – register here.A recording of the third session, “The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities for SMEs and businesses in the agri-food sector”, is available to view:
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Field training on technical itineraries for mango production in Guinea-Bissau
On April 13, 2021, under the WACOMP - Guinea-Bissau, funded by União Europeia na Guiné-Bissau and implemented by UNIDO-United Nations Industrial Development Organization, training on Technical Itinerarios was started for the production of mango. Training is directed at #manga technicians in Guinea-Bissau, in particular: cooperatives, agricultural companies, community leaders, agricultural technicians, mango producers and model farmers. 15 technicians from different national partner organizations of the #WACOMP-GB project participate in this training. In the course of training, trainees will pay a mango orchard field visit for practical courses. Training will last four (4) days and is provided by COLEACP.Source: Amélioration de la compétitivité de la filière mangue de la Guinée-Bissau (WACOMP-GB)
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IICA and COLEACP promoting entrepreneurship in the Caribbean
On 8 April the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and COLEACP signed a technical cooperation agreement to work to develop a more sustainable and resilient agriculture sector in the Caribbean region. The agreement was signed during a virtual ceremony by Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, and Jeremy Knops, General Delegate of COLEACP. Sustainable agriculture, good practices, bioeconomy, trade, food safety and quality, resilience, and the link between agriculture and tourism will be some of the key focus areas for collaborative efforts. IICA Director General Manuel Otero said that “We must not concentrate solely on a response to the pandemic, but must also focus on building agricultural resilience and sustainability in our countries. IICA stands ready to play a more proactive role and to work tirelessly, ever mindful of our farmers.” He went on to state that the global south "needs to build a new future, by interconnecting regions, actors and ideas, and by progressing and implementing concepts such as Caribbean regionalism, agrotourism, the bioeconomy, international trade, youth inclusion and technology transfer.” IICA is the specialised agency for agriculture in the Inter-American system, with a mission to encourage, promote and support its 34 Member States in their efforts to achieve agricultural development and rural wellbeing through international technical cooperation of excellence. See the full IICA press release here.
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Group training on Integrated Management for fruit fly control in Côte d’ivoire's mango sector
The group training aimed to build the capacities of technical managers of fresh mango exporting companies on integrated management measures for fruit fly control. The participants were companies registered with Direction de la Protection des Végétaux, du Contrôle et de la Qualité (DPVCQ) and active in the country’s mango sector, specifically production managers and packing station managers.The training course aimed to enable participants to implement integrated fruit fly management measures for production and export companies; recognise damaged fruit and manage discarded fruit; have a sufficient understanding of phytosanitary inspection and certification procedures; and also to themselves train and coach operators in recognising fruit and discarding the damaged fruit. The training was based on COLEACP’s interactive training approach. This action was held as part of COLEACP’s Fit For Market programme.The Fit For Market programme is implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.
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Group training on integrated management for fruit fly control in Cameroon’s mango sector
The group training aimed to build the capacities of technical managers of fresh mango exporting companies on integrated management measures for fruit fly control. The participants were companies registered with Cameroon’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) and active in the country’s mango sector, specifically production managers and packing station managers. The training course aimed to enable participants to implement integrated fruit fly management measures for production and export companies; recognise damaged fruit and manage discarded fruit; have a sufficient understanding of phytosanitary inspection and certification procedures; and also to themselves train and coach operators in recognising fruit and discarding the damaged fruit. The training was based on COLEACP’s interactive training approach. This action was held as part of COLEACP’s Fit For Market programme. The Fit For Market programme is implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.
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Global Shea Alliance (Ghana) - Field Training Workshop on facilitation methods and tools
A Field Training Workshop for the Global Shea Alliance (GSA) aimed to develop participants’ capacity to transmit good practices in hygiene, traceability, crop protection and the safe use of pesticides to workers and/or small producers, as part of COLEACP’s Fit For Market programme. Held from 8 to 12 March, the workshop was designed for producers and extension staff (NGO Cord of GSA who had previously taken part in training on “Crop protection”, “Good hygiene practices and traceability principles”, and “Food safety management”.GSA is a non-profit industry association with 500 members from 35 countries, including women’s groups, brands and retailers, suppliers and NGOs, that promotes industry sustainability, quality practices and standards, and demand for shea in food and cosmetics. The training was under the GSA pilot project to enable members to have another source of income outside the shea season. The training was for the women of the Tupoare cooperative who have taken up fruit and vegetable growing.
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Early mango campaign workshop in Côte d'Ivoire
COLEACP, in partnership with Direction de la Protection des Végétaux, du Contrôle et de la Qualité (DPVCQ), is organising a discussion and exchange workshop on the 2021 mango campaign in Côte d'Ivoire on 30 March. The meeting is aimed at company managers and technical managers of DPVCQ, and covered the following points:Part 1: Mango dossier Review of the 2020 campaign and the points for improvement identified during the internal audit carried out by the DPVCQ in relation to the mango dossier. Review of some technical issues (certificates, lots, etc.) Review of the roles and responsibilities of each type of actor. The part will be led by Mrs Mamissi Coulibaly of DPVCQ and Mr Edit Kabré.Part 2: COVID-19 Measures to be put in place at the harvesting and packaging station to limit the spread of the virus GLOBALG.A.P: adapting requirements in the context of the health crisis This second part is led by Mrs Holisoa RATSIROFONIRINA.We wish a good workshop to all our partners present.
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Early mango campaign workshop in Burkina Faso
COLEACP, in partnership with DPVC and APROMA-B, is organising a discussion and exchange workshop on the 2021 mango campaign in Burkina Faso on 24 March. The meeting is aimed at company managers and technical managers of these companies, and covered the following points:Part 1: Mango dossier Review of the 2020 campaign and the points for improvement identified during the internal audit carried out by the DPVC in relation to the mango dossier. Review of some technical issues (certificates, lots, etc.) Review of the roles and responsibilities of each type of actor Presentation of the training courses offered by COLEACP to the private sector for the season This part is facilitated by Mr. Dominique OUEDRAOGO, from the DPVC, and Mr. Edit KABRE, COLEACP national relay in Burkina Faso.Part 2: COVID-19 Measures to be put in place at the harvesting and packaging station to limit the spread of the virus GLOBALG.A.P: adapting requirements in the context of the health crisis This second part is led by Mrs Holisoa RATSIROFONIRINA.We wish a good workshop to all our partners present.
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Group training on safe use of pesticides and crop protection
Face-to-face training on the safe use of pesticides and crop protection has just been launched in Nairobi as part of COLEACP’s NExT Kenya and Fit For Market programmes. The training, for technical and extension staff in charge of crop protection, aims to enable participants to recognise and identify pests and diseases; understand and select the most suitable crop protection methods, focusing on integrated pest management (IPM); understand the risks involved when using plant protection products such as chemicals and pesticides; apply control methods so as not to endanger consumers; adopt best pesticide use practices that reduce risks to the applicator; update and improve their company’s current good agricultural practices; and pass on the key messages from this training to others.The participants were from various MSMEs in Kenya. This included Interveg Exports EPZ Ltd, Hortifresh, Phyma Fresh Produce Ltd, Kandia Fresh, Equatorial Hortifresh, Jambo Fresh, Kenya Fresh Produce Exporters, Direne Packaging and Business Advisory Services, Mula Export, Elmas Greens, Farmshare Kenya Ltd, Goshen Farm Exporters. This activity is supported by the NExT Kenya (New Export Trade) programme, established in collaboration with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and Kenyan stakeholders and by the Fit For Market programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union, and co-funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).
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FAPE (Sierra Leone) - Design & Construction of an Export Facility
This Thursday, the Federation for Agricultural Produce Exporters of Sierra Leone (FAPESL) has animated a workshop, organized with the support from the World Bank and COLEACP. The objective of this workshop was to introduce the FAPESL project for an Export Facility built according to International standards at Lungi Airport and to present in detail to public and private horticultural stakeholders. This project would boost exports of fresh and processed produce and allow exporters to be more competitive while respecting regulations and international standards. As part it’s Fit for Market programme, COLEACP has supported the federation with several expert missions to provide support on the technical, organizational and budgetary aspects of the project. Thank you to all the persons who attended this workshop. This activity is supported by the Fit For Market programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union, and co-funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).
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Zimbabwe: New collaboration with HDC
COLEACP collaboration with Zimbabwe Horticultural Development Council A very productive dialogue between COLEACP and Zimbabwe’s Horticultural Development Council (CEO Mrs Linda Nielsen and Chairman Mr Stanley Heri) has led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and action plan. The agreement includes technical and capacity-building support through the Fit For Market programme to promote smallholder development through horticulture and outgrower schemes. HDC Chairman Mr Stanley Heri of the Zimbabwe Export Produce Growers Association, a former Chairman of COLEACP (2004–10), has a deep-rooted knowledge of the horticultural sector in the region. Mr Heri told COLEACP that “Zimbabwe has the potential to regain its ‘bread basket of Africa’ status because government, in realising the strategic role of the sector in terms of contribution to economic development, rural employment and food security, is supporting and facilitating the recovery of the sector.” HDC was newly formed in 2020 in response to industry challenges such as user-unfriendly macro-economic policies, sector fragmentation, international isolation, knowledge and information gaps – and Covid-19. The cut flower sector was particularly affected, ending the season prematurely due to the disruption and subsquent closure of the Dutch auction system and grounding of passenger flights. COLEACP will work with HDC to support capacity-building in the sector.