By Gabriel Ani
The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has pledged a generous donation of EUR 1.95 million to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). The contribution underscores Germany’s commitment to enhancing compliance with international food safety, animal, and plant health standards for trade in developing countries.
“I thank Germany for this donation and its long-standing partnership with the STDF. By aligning with international food safety standards, developing countries will be better positioned to access global markets, promoting economic growth, sustainability and job creation. This contribution will fund targeted initiatives, training programmes and capacity-building efforts tailored to the unique challenges faced by these countries to meet international SPS standards.” , said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The donation from Germany is earmarked for targeted initiatives, training programs, and capacity-building efforts tailored to address the unique challenges faced by these countries in meeting international standards for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Ms. Svenja Schulze, emphasized the significance of diversified agricultural trading relations, especially in light of global events such as Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“The Government of Germany is committed to supporting partners in developing countries in their efforts to transform their agriculture and food systems. Recent experience, for instance when it comes to the global repercussions of Russia’s war against Ukraine, has shown that diversified agricultural trading relations are critical, in particular at the inter-regional level. They can provide stable and safe food supplies as well as income opportunities through earnings from export. We are pleased to expand our collaboration with the STDF to support our partners in their efforts to create the conditions needed for participating in agricultural trade and reaping its benefits for sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and food security for all.”, She stated.
The contribution from Germany will specifically enhance the ability of small-scale farmers and producers to access global and regional markets for food and agriculture products through the implementation of SPS projects. These projects will pilot innovative and collaborative approaches to facilitate safe trade, mitigate the risk of outbreaks of pests and diseases, and contribute to safe food systems while addressing the impacts of climate change on food security.
The funds will also be utilized to expand the use of innovation across the STDF’s knowledge work, supporting dissemination and outreach to beneficiaries and stakeholders in agriculture, health, trade, and development. Germany’s commitment to global initiatives is further highlighted by its total contribution of CHF 38.3 million to WTO Trust Funds since 2000.
Developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) are encouraged to apply for SPS project and project preparation grants from the STDF. The next deadline for funding proposals is set for March 1, 2024. The STDF, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the WTO, plays a crucial role in facilitating safe and inclusive trade globally.
Interested countries can get more information on how to apply here.
