Towards better protection against unfair trading practices: Call on the European Parliament to regulate unfair trading practices and protect producers in third countries
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
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On 15 June, the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) adopted a significant report aimed at strengthening the cooperation of enforcement authorities responsible for implementing the European directive on unfair trading practices (UTPs) within the agri-food supply chain. COLEAD and the Fair-Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) welcome this progress, which marks a decisive step towards closing existing gaps and ensuring that every farmer and small agri-food supplier, whether in the EU or not, can benefit from better protection… +First EU–Pacific Business Forum: linking Europe, Southeast Asia and the Pacific to promote sustainable growth
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
COLEAD participated in the Forum, which took place from 4–5 September 2025 in Nadi, Fiji. This landmark event brought together policymakers, investors, businesses, and development partners with the aim of strengthening economic relations between the EU and the Pacific region, as well as promoting sustainable growth pathways. COLEAD made a significant contribution, particularly during the thematic session ‘Realising the Blue Pacific Continent: Investing in the Ocean for Sustainable Growth’, which focused on sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. COLEAD’s presentation in the… +New DeSIRA LIFT reports to promote innovation and skills for transforming African food systems
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
The DeSIRA LIFT programme has recently published several reports that highlight key initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural innovation and inclusion in Africa. ‘Women and Innovation’: Fifteen case studies illustrate the central role of women in transforming agri-food systems, whether as farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, or community leaders. Their innovations foster sustainable livelihoods, community resilience, and responsible natural resource management. From research to business: In collaboration with the RUFORUM network, a study analysed how universities in countries such as Cameroon, Senegal,… +Indonesia: Dialogue on upcoming EU Rules on mineral oil hydrocarbons
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
On 23 July 2025, under the AGRINFO programme, COLEAD organised a hybrid meeting in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Food Affairs and the Delegation of the European Union in Jakarta, bringing together around sixty participants. The objective was to raise awareness among public and private stakeholders about the forthcoming European rules on mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in foodstuffs, which will come into force in January 2027. COLEAD’s Regulations & Standards team outlined the proposed changes and explained the practical… +Latin America – Caribbean: A constructive dialogue on EU trade rules
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
On 4 July, the COLEAD Regulations & Standards team took part in a unique event within the framework of the AGRINFO programme: a breakfast with the embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean, hosted at the official residence of the Argentine Ambassador in Brussels. In a friendly and open atmosphere, discussions focused on crucial issues for agri-food value chains, including: The European Green Deal and its impact on trade, regulations on pesticides and organic farming, phytosanitary rules, and e-certification. Several… +COLEAD eLearning: new training pathways to strengthen the skills of 36,000 platform users
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
COLEAD’s eLearning platform continues to grow as part of the FFM+ programme, offering new self-paced training pathways for professionals in the agri-food sector. Since 2024, four additional pathways comprising five courses have been added to the training offer. Business plan (available in English and French since June 2024) Financial planning (available in English since June 2024 and in French by the end of 2025); Fruit and vegetable preservation, Processing and Packaging (already available in French and due to be available… +Derrick Sarfo turns plastic into sustainable opportunities
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In Ghana, a young entrepreneur is proving that a committed vision can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for inclusive development. Derrick Sarfo, founder and director of DercolBags Packaging Ltd., has made the fight against plastic pollution a driver of social and economic innovation. His entrepreneurial journey stems from a tragedy. In 2015, the devastating floods in Accra, worsened by plastic waste clogging drains, left a deep mark on Derrick and pushed him to act. Three years later, he founded DercolBags,… +María Elsy Abreu turns Dominican cacao into a driver of sustainability and inclusion
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In the Dominican Republic, a new generation of entrepreneurs is transforming agricultural value chains. María Elsy Abreu, co-founder and director of Cacao Mae, is one of the movement’s leading figures. With a background in marketing and an in-depth understanding of international markets, she is working to showcase the exceptional quality of Dominican cacao and to leverage it for sustainable and inclusive development. From agricultural roots to a global vision Born into a family of farmers who cultivated cacao, tobacco, and… +Dominican Republic: strengthening the national framework for public health and agri-food competitiveness
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
The country has just adopted its National Policy on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures. This major strategic framework is designed to modernise the protection of human, animal and plant health while facilitating agri-food trade and promoting sustainability. This policy was developed in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture, Industry and Trade, Foreign Affairs, and Health (via the SPS Committee). It was developed within the framework of the SIA project (Sanidad e Innovación Agropecuaria), which is being implemented by COLEAD. The… +Guinea: The AGRIECO Project kick-starts the agroecological transition of local value chains
- 09/09/2025
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
In the first half of 2025, the Agriéco project, which is funded by Enabel, took decisive steps to lay the foundations for the agroecological transition in Guinea. Particular focus was given to the pineapple, potato and vegetable value chains. Local dynamics were structured. Thirteen agricultural cluster initiatives were identified in the Kindia and Mamou regions. Six of these clusters have been selected as priorities and will receive enhanced support. In partnership with ICRA, the recruitment of cluster coaches is underway… +