Developing trade to meet the millennium goals: two new EU-funded programmes supporting ACP trade

For the second time, COLEACP is participating in the European Development Days (EDD) – the European forum for decision-makers and practitioners in development cooperation, which will take place in Stockholm between 22 and 24 October.

COLEACP is a not-for-profit professional association established in 1973 to promote and enhance the horticultural trade between ACP and EU countries. Its membership includes European importers as well as exporters from some 30 ACP countries

For the past 8 years COLEACP has managed the EU-funded PIP programme, recognised to be a real “technical assistance success story”. Support from PIP, which has covered an estimated 80% of the flow of ACP fresh fruit and vegetables to Europe, has enabled producers and exporters to meet new EU food safety requirements and maintain their place in the supply chain.

On 12 October 2009, COLEACP signed a contract with the European Commission to manage PIP2: a second 5-year phase of the programme. The PIP 2 team, based in Brussels, will still focus on maintaining market access for ACP suppliers, but with a wider remit than previous. Food safety remains a central theme, but work will be expanded to address also environmental management as well as fair and ethical trade. In response to consumer concerns about climate change and the social impacts of trade, EU retailers are increasingly looking towards the use of environmental and social standards and labelling schemes. PIP2 will work with the standard-setting bodies as well as ACP suppliers to ensure that these new demands can be met.

The horticultural trade is a driver for economic growth in many countries, and PIP2 will endeavour to help ACP exports reach their full potential by adapting to the demands of the markets. In accordance with the Millennium Development Goals, support will be targeted to maximize benefits for the rural poor. Furthermore, while exports remain the main focus for the programme, outputs will be adapted wherever possible to also benefit ACP consumers via local and regional markets.

Alongside and complementary to PIP2, COLEACP and its partners tendered for management of the EU-funded ACP Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Programme. This will be launched in early 2010 and over the next 4 years will address the strengthening of national animal health, plant health, and food safety systems in ACP countries exporting to Europe. While PIP2 targets capacity building of (principally private sector) operators and service providers, the SPS programme is aimed mainly at public sector bodies such as competent authorities, inspection services, and laboratories.

Management of both programmes by COLEACP will ensure the coordination and streamlining of their activities towards the shared goal of trade that is sustainable and makes an increasing contribution to poverty alleviation in ACP countries.

For further information :
Stand n°76 – Development village – EDD 2009
Mobile photographic exhibition: 'Together for a Sustainable Horticultural Trade' – EDD 2009, main entrance

http://www.coleacp.org/pip
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