PIP 2 contract is signed !

At the request of the ACP Group of States and as a result of an ad hoc procedure very efficiently conducted within Aidco (European Commission), the contract between the EC and COLEACP for the implementation of the PIP 2 was signed on Monday, the 12th of October 2009.

The PIP programme, extended to cover new topics (food safety, environment, ethical production and fair trade), has therefore been re-launched without interruption for the next 5 years.

It should take a couple of months to settle all of the administrative and financial matters (bank guarantees, calls for tender, etc.) and before the PIP 2 will recover its rhythm of activity.

On behalf of the entire ACP horticultural sector, we would like to thank the European Commission and the ACP Group of States for trusting COLEACP and for the support they provide to a large number of SMEs and smallholders families, for whom horticultural production and trade offer hope of a better life !