Understanding the requirements is one step, meeting them is another: GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6 training in Kampala, 28 September to 2 October.
Choosing a market is not only a question of price. A Ugandan exporter comparing the local, regional and European markets is also comparing different sets of requirements and levels of risk and three cost structures. That is the reasoning COLEAD set out for Ugandan horticultural companies in two sessions held in August 2026, under the SPS Uganda project (Boosting International Trade: Improved Sanitary and Phytosanitary System in Horticulture in Uganda), funded by the European Union and implemented by CABI in collaboration with COLEAD.
First session: compare before choosing
The session on 5 August covered the fundamentals: what separates local, regional and export markets in terms of business models, risks and returns; the regulatory, commercial and technical requirements specific to each; and the steps to take and costs to bear in reaching a target market. Two areas drew particular attention. Changes in EU regulation, presented through the AGRINFO programme. And private voluntary standards — GLOBALG.A.P., GRASP, SMETA, BRCGS — now decisive in market access, with GLOBALG.A.P. treated separately.
Second session: the route to certification
On 12 August the discussion turned operational: the GLOBALG.A.P. certification process step by step, and the self-study pathway COLEAD has built to prepare companies for the requirements of version 6 of the standard, on its e-learning platform.
The two sessions drew 135 registrants and 101 actual participants, including 26 women and 30 young people. Questions covered EU market requirements, upcoming regulatory changes, private standards, trade fairs and market entry strategies. The sessions were led by experts from COLEAD's Standards & Regulations, Market Insights and Technical Assistance departments, with a consultant specialising in version 6 of GLOBALG.A.P.
"Very informative sessions, and we look forward to working with COLEAD and the Uganda SPS Project to achieve our goals," said Florence Nagawa, a Ugandan producer.
Next: five days in the classroom in Kampala
This is where the project moves to the next stage. GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6 training will be held in person in Kampala from 28 September to 2 October 2026, and interested companies can register their interest now. COLEAD is also continuing to support participating companies individually as they work through the self-study pathways.