Agri-food MSMEs in ACP countries are particularly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. On top of the health threat it poses to workers and stakeholders along their value chains, the pandemic is highlighting the vulnerability of agri-food supply chains to trade disruption on national, regional and international levels, especially for short shelf-life goods such as fresh produce. MSMEs are already vulnerable due to very limited cash flow reserves, and even a temporary disruption can lead to job losses and declining revenues… +

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced the following measures to ease trade flows. Certificate of Organic Inspection (COI): Defra has agreed to accept electronic certificates of inspection produced in the online management tool TRACES NT for organic products, in line with EU provisions. Original documents need to be shown to Port Health Authorities once available. Phytosanitary certificates: The UK is aligned with the European Union in terms of… +

GLOBALG.A.P. CONSULTATION ON NEW “IFA REMOTE” SOLUTION In addition to the current emergency procedure for certificate extension published on 26 March, GLOBALG.A.P. is developing a new “Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) Remote” system to meet the growing need for initial certification and re-certification based solely on remote inspections and audits. The solution will apply to all GLOBALG.A.P. standards, and will be available for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis; however, it probably will not be Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognised. IFA… +

PAFO HIGHLIGHTS THE FAMILY FARMERS’ PRODUCTION SYSTEM The Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) has issued a statement on the commitment and responsibility of African farmers to ensure food security during COVID-19 quarantine. The communication notes that “In addition to the front lines of our ‘white’ soldiers who provide medical and paramedical care to our fellow citizens, our farmers, the ‘green’ soldiers of our Nations are on the front line to avoid food shortages and will ensure food security in this time… +

BENIN Since 30 March, part of southern Benin has been under partial containment. From 8 April, the authorities made it compulsory to wear masks in all public places in the 12 towns of the cordon sanitaire. However, only a third of the 30 million masks ordered by the state have been delivered so far. The interior minister has invited those who do not have masks to stay at home and has deployed the police for strict control. CAMEROON Wearing a… +

Agroalimentaria is the main trading platform for agricultural and agro-industrial products in the Caribbean region. From 9 to 11 May, Dominican producers and exporters, as well as national and multinational companies in the food, tobacco and beverage sectors, will meet to present their products and know-how to the world. Tropical fruits, vegetables, condiments and spices, bananas, coffee and cocoa, particularly from organic farming, will be in the spotlight. During the event, COLEACP will give a presentation on the challenges facing… +

They also remove the self-assessment and remote audit element of the certificate extension. For more details, see https://www.brcgs.com/about/news/2020/brcgs-announces-revised-guidance-for-sites-affected-by-covid-19/… +

Leaders of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a joint statement on March 31 calling on governments to minimize the impact of border restrictions related to COVID-19 on the food trade. “Now is the time to show solidarity, act responsibly and adhere to our common goal of enhancing food safety, food security and nutrition and improving the overall well-being of people around the world,” the agency’s leaders said.… +