WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/GEN/939 
16 June 2009 
 (09-2934) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures  
 
 
 
UPDATE ON THE OPERATION OF THE STANDARDS AND  
TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY 
 
Note by the Secretariat1 
 Overview 
 
1. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (S TDF) is a global programme in sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) capacity building and tec hnical cooperation established by the Food and 
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health 
(OIE), the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Trade Organization 
(WTO).  A range of other organizations - incl uding the International Trade Centre (ITC), the 
Organization for Economic Coope ration and Development (OECD), the United Nations Industrial 
Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 
(UNCTAD) – as well as donors and developing countries also participate in the Facility.
2 
2. The STDF has two main aims: 
• to assist developing countries enhance their expertise and capacity to analyze and implement 
international SPS standards, improving their hum an, animal and plant health situation, and 
thus ability to gain and maintain market access;  and  
• to act as a vehicle for awareness raising on the importance of SPS issues, coordination among 
technical cooperation providers, the mobilization of funds, the exchange of experience and the 
dissemination of good practice in relation to the provision and receipt of SPS-related technical 
cooperation. 
3. This document provides an overview of STD F activities since the previous SPS Committee 
meeting in February 2009 in relation to the four areas of STDF’s Operating Plan for 2009 :                 
(i) coordination, (ii) project development, (iii) project funding, and (iv) information dissemination.  
Coordination 
4. The STDF Secretariat is preparing the organization of three major events in the second half of 
2009.  On 22-23 September , the World Bank Development Research Group and the STDF will 
organize an expert seminar in Washington, D.C., to  discuss new developments in climate change and 
trade, and the implications for SPS risks.  The ev ent will address key issues related to climate change, 
including effects on agriculture trade and the regulat ory reforms needed to ad apt to these changes, as 
well as the expected SPS impacts.  Presentations will consider how climate change may require 
countries to upgrade their SPS systems to deal with emerging challenges, and the implications for SPS 
technical cooperation.   
                                                      
1 This document has been prepared under the Secret ariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Members or to their rights or obligations under the WTO. 
2 More detailed information on the STDF and its activities can be found on the STDF website . G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 2  
 
  5. On 29-30 September
, the STDF will join forces with ECOWAS to co-host a donor workshop 
in Bamako, Mali, on the implementation of a regional action plan to control fruit fly in West Africa, 
in close collaboration with the World Bank, the European Commission (EC) and the Europe-Africa-
Caribbean-Pacific Liaison Committee (COLEACP).   The meeting will gather donors, regional 
institutions with expertise in fruit fly control, national plant protection services and other concerned 
stakeholders from West Africa.  The workshop w ill review findings and recommendations of ongoing 
preparatory work by COLEACP on priority actio ns and implementation arrangements and aim to 
mobilize resources to implement a coordinated response to control fruit fly in the region. 
6. Finally, on 30 October , the STDF will organize a workshop in  Geneva (back-to-back with the 
meeting of the SPS Committee) on the use of economic  analysis to inform SPS decision-making.   
The workshop will discuss the cost / benefit ratio of investing in SPS systems in order to prevent 
animal diseases, plant pests and food safety proble ms, as opposed to the costs of control.  Recent 
research analyzing economic aspects of investments in SPS capacity building in particular areas will 
be presented, as well as relevant lessons and experiences from developing countries. 
7. As part of the preparations for the even t on climate change and SPS risks, the STDF 
Secretariat participated in a seminar on "Food an d Environmental Security:  The role of food and 
agricultural trade policy" in Salzburg on 10-11 Ma y 2009, organized by the International Food and 
Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC).  At a su bsequent meeting of the ICTSD-IPC Platform 
"Climate change, agriculture and trade:  Promo ting policy convergence" on 12 May, the Secretariat 
made a presentation on the impact of climate change  on food safety, animal and plant health and the 
development and implementation of standards.  The meeting explored areas at the nexus of climate 
change, agricultural and trade policy in the run-up to the meeting of the United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change to be he ld in Copenhagen in December 2009. 
8. The STDF also participated in a high-level meeting and training week organized by the 
European Ccommunities to launch its "Better Tr aining for Safer Food in Africa" (BTSF-Africa) 
Initiative at the African Union's (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, from 30 March to 2 April 2009.  
As part of the EC- funded "PAN-SPSO" programme3, the STDF and the African Union Inter-African 
Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR) will jointly  organize two seminars in Nairobi (13-16 July) 
and Bamako (20-23 July), respectively, to provide in-depth training to SPS officials from the AU Commission and several regional economic communities.  The training will be provided by officials from WTO, Codex, OIE and IPPC.  Meetings have al so been held with officials from the UK National 
Resources Institute (NRI) on collaboration to develop a tool for the assessment of potential impacts of 
SPS measures by developing countries (based on causal chain analysis techniques). 
9. The STDF continues to strengthen the linkages with other trade-related and/or SPS-specific 
initiatives.  As part of an Aid for Trade activity in Peru, funded by the Inter-American Development 
Bank (IADB), the STDF was involved in examini ng the need for and provision of SPS-related 
technical cooperation.  A balance sheet on outsta nding SPS priority needs and a list of concrete 
technical assistance projects were presented at a National Aid for Trade Dialogue held in Lima on 3 
March 2009, which identified enhancement of SPS pe rformance as one of the Aid for Trade priority 
areas.  
                                                     
 
3 PAN-SPSO is a joint initiative of the AU/IBAR and the European Communities that aims to 
contribute to the reduction of poverty and enhanced food security in Africa thro ugh greater access of African 
countries to international markets for agricultural prod ucts.  PAN-SPSO specifically seeks to facilitate effective 
involvement of African countries in the activities of the OIE, IPPC and Codex during the formulation of 
international standards.  G/SPS/GEN/939 
 Page 3 
 
 
  10. Other potential areas of STDF coordination work, including possible research on impact and 
development of indicators, and exploration of th e linkages between SPS and trade facilitation, will be 
further discussed at the STDF Working Group meeting on 25-26 June.     
Project development 
11. Project preparation grants (PPGs) are a key mechanism for future STDF programme 
development.  PPGs help overcome constraints face d by developing countries in the articulation of 
their needs and are a mechanism for ensuring synergy with other on-going initiatives, in particular the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework (IF) and the Aid fo r Trade initiative.  Greater reliance is placed on 
the use of PPGs to provide a b asis for donor interventions and as a vehicle for the mobilization of 
funds.  A total of 33 PPGs have been approved and funded by the STDF since its inception. 
12. At the STDF Working Group meeting in Fe bruary 2009, two PPGs were approved: 
• STDF 262:  Renforcement du contrôle des mala dies animales et préparation à l'accès des 
viandes sahéliennes aux marchés des pays de l'Afrique du Nord;  and 
• STDF 286:  Accessing new markets by reducing phytosanitary risk through participatory 
research and expansion: the Clean Stock Program in ornamental plants in Costa Rica. 
Project funding 
13. A total of 36 Projects have been approved for STDF funding.  At the STDF Working Group 
meeting in February 2009, two new projects were approved for funding: 
• STDF 267:  Devising a National GAP Programme  and a Commercial GAP Standard in the 
Philippines;  and 
• STDF 287:  Information sharing initiative on the actions to control fruit flies in Sub-Saharan 
Africa:  publication of a newsletter (COLEACP). 
 
14. An overview of the current status of STDF pr ojects and PPGs is provided in Annex I.  Since 
its inception, the STDF has devoted 53% of project  resources to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) 
and Other Low Income Countries (OLICs), as shown in Figure 1.  Figure 2 indicates that 52% of the number of STDF Projects and PPGs has gone to Sub- Saharan Africa, 16% to Latin America and the 
Caribbean and 12% to Asia.  In addition, 14% of  projects and PPGs can be classified as global. 
       Figure 1:            Figure 2: 
STDF Projects and PPGs (US$)
47% 53%
LDCs / OLICsOthersSTDF Projects and PPGs (number)
52%
12%14%6%16%
AsiaSub-Saharan 
AfricaLatin America 
& Caribbean
Other
Global
 G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 4  
 
  15. Applications for STDF funding can be made at any point in the year but should be received at 
least 60
 working days in advance of each Working Group meeting in order to be considered at that 
meeting.  The next deadline for the submission of project proposals is 10 September 2009. 
Information dissemination 
16. The STDF developed a short film to raise aw areness among policy and decision-makers about 
the importance of SPS issues and to promote SPS capacity building.  With stories from Benin, Belize, 
Thailand and Viet Nam, the film illustrates how some  countries are rising to the challenge of meeting 
food safety and animal and plant health requirement s to be able to benef it from trade in food and 
agricultural products.  In Belize, the film looks at efforts to control the Medfly pest, in Benin, the 
focus is on sanitary and hygiene problems in the shrimp sector, and in Thailand, Viet Nam and 
Geneva, the film addresses the impact of avian infl uenza on public health, livelihoods and trade, and 
explains how countries use the SPS Committee to shar e information and address their trade concerns.  
The 30 minute film will be available on DVD in English, French and Spanish. 
17. A number of improvements and updates were made to the STDF website 
(www.standardsfacility.org ) and additional changes are underway.  These changes include the 
addition of new pages on the SPS needs of developing  countries and sources of technical cooperation.  
Country SPS briefings, that compile information on SPS constraints and priorities for 19 countries, 
are available on the site.  Partners and donors are encouraged to use the STD F website to exchange 
information on their work in the SPS area. 
18. A new STDF publication on SPS-related capacity evaluation tools was published in February 
2009.  It provides information on sectoral tools deve loped by international or ganizations related to 
food safety, animal and plant health, as well as cross-sectoral tools and related methodologies.  This 
publication is a useful reference for all those inter ested in evaluating capacity needs in the SPS area.  
The document is available in print and on the STDF web site ( www.standardsfacility.org ).  The fifth 
issue of the tri-annual STDF newsletter has been published.   
19. The STDF Secretariat participated in the Code x Regional Coordinating Committee for Africa 
(CCAFRICA) held in Accra, Ghana from 24-27 February 2009 and in the 18th Geneva Week for non 
WTO-resident members and observers held in Geneva from 25-29 May 2009, where presentations 
were made on current and future STDF work.  Th e STDF also participated in two regional WTO SPS 
seminars in Lesotho (8-11 June 2009, English- speaking SADC countries) and in Cameroon (16-19 
June 2009, French speaking countries in West Africa).  Finally, the STDF Secretariat made its yearly 
report on STDF operations in relation to LDCs at  the LDC Sub-Committee meeting on 12 June 2009.  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 5ANNEX 1 
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF STDF PROJ ECTS AND PROJECT PREPARATION GRANTS  
 
(a) Projects awaiting contracting 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 126 Support for the 
establishment of the Horticulture Development 
Council of 
Tanzania Assistance to the Tanzanian 
horticulture sector to address SPS issues. TAHA/ ITC Tanzania 286,005 Jun-08 TBC Pending. 
Contract with TAH signed. 
Contract between WTO and ITC requires signature. 
STDF 155 Nicaragua-
Market Oriented Training Service 
on Standards 
Application Establish SPS professional 
training units, to develop training manuals, quality and 
good process controls for 
pilot products. IICA Nicaragua 527,435 Oct-08 TBC Pending. 
STDF 230 Establishment of 
Pest Free Areas 
for Lethal 
Yellowing Disease in Coconuts  Build phytosanitary capacity 
to implement international 
standards to manage LYD in 
palms and thereby expand market access for coconuts. FAO Mozambique 385,528 Jun-08 Jun-09 Contract with FAO requires 
signature. 
STDF 238 Development of 
accredited Good Practices and 
HACCP 
certification schemes for fresh 
and processed 
food products  Implement accredited 
inspection and certificates for GAPs, GMPs and 
HACCP recognized by the 
competent authorities. TBC Guatemala 397,419 Feb-09 TBC Pending. 
  
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 6 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 267 Devising a 
national GAP 
programme and a 
commercial GAP standards in the 
Philippines Stakeholder dialogue and 
market intelligence to 
promote GAPs / standards as 
a means to expand horticulture exports in the 
East Asian region TBC Philippines 210,000 Feb-09 
(conditional)TBC Approved subject to 
confirmation of funding for 
separate capacity building 
component. Ongoing discussions in Manila to obtain 
funding. 
 
 
(b) Ongoing projects funded by STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 48 Quality control 
for shea and 
cashew nut products in 
Benin  Apply good agricultural 
practices to overcome 
problems of mycotoxin contamination in shea and 
cashew nut production.   Centre de 
Recherche 
d'Agonkamey (CRA) /FAO Benin 512,139 
 Nov-07 Jun-08 / 
Jun-10 Implementation ongoing. 
STDF 62 Strengthening 
food safety in 
Cameroon Reactivate a national 
committee on food safety and  
train public and private sector stakeholders in Cameroon.   FAO Cameroon 499,480 Nov-07 Jul-08 / Jul 
10 Implementation ongoing. 
STDF 69 Improved 
capacity to 
ensure safety 
and quality of Yemeni seafood 
products Assist the Yemen Seafood 
Exporter's Association to 
improve the quality and safety 
of Yemeni seafood products.   YSEA / 
International 
Trade Centre 
(ITC) Yemen 
Seafood 
Exporters 
Association (YSEA) 465,560 Jun-07 Aug-07 
/Dec-09 Implementation ongoing. 
Extension granted by Working 
Group until 31-Dec-09. 
STDF 79 Quality 
information on SPS issues – a 
prerequisite for 
capacity building Improve the sharing of 
information on Codex, OIE and IPPC standards (and 
supporting scientific 
evaluations) through the International Portal on Food 
Safety, Animal and Plant 
Health (IPFSAPH).  FAO All developing 
countries 470,000 Sep-05  Apr-06 / 
Jun-09 Project completed. Awaiting 
final report.  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 7Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 108 Developing 
institutional 
capacity of countries in the 
Americas to 
participate in the SPS 
Committee Promote more active and 
effective participation in SPS 
Committee through a regional review of SPS compliance 
structures and practices. IICA Member 
countries of the 
Inter-American Institute for 
Cooperation on 
Agriculture (IICA) 659,588 Oct-06 Oct-07 /Apr-
10 Implementation ongoing. 
Extension granted until April 
2010. Progress report and new disbursement plan submitted in 
Apr-09. 
STDF 116 Establishment 
of a traceability 
system for the 
livestock sector in Costa Rica Develop a sustainable 
traceability system in the 
livestock sector which 
facilitates the management of the information related to 
agricultural units and 
epidemiological events. IICA Costa Rica 455,220 Oct-08 Mar-09 
/Feb-11 Contract signed. Inception report 
received in Apr-09. 
STDF 127 Support for SPS 
information 
systems in 
Benin Improve information flows on 
SPS requirements, particularly 
in the private sector in Benin. Benin Chamber of 
Commerce /FAO Benin 449,365 Nov-07 Sep-08 / 
Aug-10 Implementation ongoing. 
STDF 133 Building 
capacity to use 
the 
Phytosanitary Capacity 
Evaluation 
(PCE) Tool in the Pacific Train National Plant 
Protection Organizations 
(NPPOs) in the South Pacific 
to evaluate their services using the PCE tool.   FAO/IPPC South Pacific 
Forum 
Members 
/FAO 272,645 Oct-06 Aug-07 /Jul-
09 Implementation ongoing.  
Request received for extension 
until 31-Dec-09. 
STDF 134 Capacity 
building to 
improve fish 
trade performance of 
selected West 
African countries Improve knowledge and 
awareness of SPS issues in the 
fisheries sector in five West 
African countries.  FAO Benin, 
Mauritania, 
Senegal, Sierra 
Leone and The Gambia 692,340 Mar-07 Jun-08 / Jan-
10 Implementation ongoing.   
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 8 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 145 Rwanda 
Horticulture 
Export Standards 
Initiative 
(RHESI) Increase Rwanda’s exports of 
fruit, vegetables and flowers 
in international and regional markets. Project developed 
based on IF DTIS. MSU /World 
Bank Plant health 
services and 
horticulture exporters in 
Rwanda 642,545 Jun-06 May-07 
/May-09 Implementation ongoing.  Final 
project report  received.  
STDF 146 Strengthening 
phytosanitary controls in Mali 
(with a focus on 
mango exports) Expand international market 
access for fresh produce from Mali through improved 
phytosanitary control 
capacity. Project developed based on IF DTIS. Ministry of 
Commerce (IF focal point) / 
UNDP Mali 560,304 Jun-06 Jan-07 / 
Dec-09 Implementation ongoing.  
Extension of implementation period approved to end Dec-09. 
STDF 170 Strengthening 
the capacity of 
government 
SPS officials in Nepal Train government officials on 
implementation of SPS 
measures.  Project supports 
Integrated Framework (IF) Diagnostic Trade Integration 
Study (DTIS).  FAO Nepal 434,698 Mar-07 Apr-08 / 
Mar-10 Ongoing work to implement 
training activities. 
STDF 171 East African 
Phytosanitary Centre Build phytosanitary capacity 
and increase market access through the establishment of 
an East African Phytosanitary 
Centre. CABI /FAO Kenya and East 
Africa 729,375 Nov-07 May-08 / 
May-10 Implementation ongoing. 
STDF 246 Development of 
SPS Action Plan for Cambodia Identify actions to be taken to 
enhance the SPS system in Cambodia. FAO Cambodia 199,360 Jun-08 Apr-09 / 
Apr-10 FAO mission to Cambodia 
(May-09). Implementation ongoing. 
STDF 255 Regional 
Initiative on the fight against fruit flies in 
West Africa Conduct tests in pilot mango 
orchards using different fruit fly control and other Integrated Pest Management 
techniques to monitor and 
control fruit fly populations in 8 pilot countries. CIRAD/ World 
Bank 8 West African 
countries 313,220 Oct-08 Apr-09 / 
May-10 Implementation ongoing.  
Inception report received in May-09.  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 9Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 287 Information 
sharing 
initiative on the actions to 
control fruit 
flies in Sub-Saharan Africa: 
publication of a 
newsletter Information newsletter on 
fruit fly. COLEACP All Sub-Sahara 
African 
countries 97,800 Feb-09 Jun-09/  
Apr-11 Project contracted.  
Implementation by COLEACP to 
commence in Jun-09. 
 
 
(c) Completed projects funded by STDF  
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 5 STDF Database Establish a database covering 
the period 2001-03 to:  i) help reduce duplication and gaps 
in activities;  and ii) track 
SPS-related technical assistance flows and trends.  WTO Database 45,100 Jun-03 Jul-03 / 
Dec-05 Completed. Report submitted to 
SPS Committee (G/SPS/GEN/726). 
STDF 9 Model 
programme for developing food 
standards 
within a risk analysis 
framework  Strengthen capacity of low 
income countries in the Asia Pacific Region to develop 
food standards based on 
international requirements and participate in Codex. FAO Asia Pacific 
countries 70,848 Nov-03 Mar-05 / 
Sep-06 Completed.  Final project report 
on STDF website.  
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 10 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 10 Support to pilot 
activities for 
national 
implementation of the 
International 
Portal on Food Safety, Animal 
and Plant 
Health in Turkey and 
Uganda  Establish national windows 
for IPFSAPH through training 
and the development of a 
handbook. FAO Turkey and 
Uganda 59,400 Sep-03 Mar-05 / 
Sep-06 Completed.  Independent 
evaluation to be undertaken. 
STDF 13 Development of 
Regional Action 
Plans to 
Enhance Veterinary 
Capacity in 
East and West 
Africa Develop regional strategies to 
strengthen veterinary capacity 
in East and West Africa with 
emphasis on improved surveillance, reporting, 
control and implementation of 
international standards. OIE Mali, Ethiopia 
and Djibouti 329,400 Sep-04 Oct-06 / 
Apr-07 Completed. Independent 
evaluation planned.  Consultant 
identified. 
STDF 14 Evaluation of 
capacity of 
national 
veterinary services  Develop a veterinary capacity 
evaluation tool based on the 
IICA Performance Vision 
Strategy document. OIE IICA countries 39,960 Nov-03 May-04/ 
May-06 Completed and evaluated. 
STDF 15 Expanding SPS 
capacities at national and 
regional levels Develop a training 
programme and core group of trainers to deliver training for 
veterinary officials.  OIE OIE delegates 
from Mali, Thailand, 
Egypt, 
Common-wealth of 
Independent 
States (OIS) and Latin 
America. 130,614 Sep-04 Sep-04 / 
Dec-07 Completed and evaluated.  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 11Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 19 Model 
arrangements 
for SPS 
stakeholder involvement at 
the national 
level Improve SPS-related 
information flows and 
information sharing between 
the public and private sector with positive spin-offs for 
market access. Abt. Associates 
Inc. Sri Lanka and 
Paraguay 291,218 Sep-04 Dec-04/ 
Apr-07 Evaluation completed (Paraguay) 
and to be discussed by the 
Working Group in June.   
STDF 20 Country-based 
plans for SPS-related development Carry out baseline studies of 
SPS capacity and apply cost-benefit analysis to examine returns on investment in 
terms of foreign trade and an 
improved SPS situation.   WTO Peru and 
Uganda 170,862 Sep-03 Nov-04/ 
Mar-07 Completed and evaluated. 
 
STDF 37 Assistance to 
developing countries in the implementation 
of International 
Standard for 
Phytosanitary 
Measure (ISPM) 15  Train officials on 
implementation of ISPM 15 (Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in 
international trade) to ensure 
minimal trade disruptions. IPPC, FAO 171 delegates 
(representing 79 countries and 6 regional 
plant protection 
organizations) 
attended 
workshop. 332,000 Sep-04 Nov-04/ 
Mar-06 Completed and evaluated. 
 
STDF 56 Capacity 
building to enhance 
implementation 
of the Codex Alimentarius 
Code of 
Practice on animal feeding Strengthen implementation of  
good animal feeding practices and good manufacturing 
practices through 
development of training manuals, regional workshops 
in Africa, Latin America and 
Asia and country-level training. International Feed 
Industry Federation (IFIF) Feed industry 
in developing countries. 150,000 Mar-05 Sep-05/ 
Nov-06 Evaluation completed.  Awaiting 
Feed Manual.  Part of project funds not yet disbursed. 
  
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 12 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF 65 Develop a 
private/public 
safety control system for the 
horticultural 
export sector in Guinea Assist the public and private 
sector to meet official and 
commercial standards for fruit and vegetable exports through 
development of a safety 
control system.  Project developed based on IF DTIS 
report. UNCTAD Guinea 572,742 Sep-05 Dec-05/ 
Feb-09 Completed in Dec-08.  Awaiting 
final report. 
STDF 89 International 
Plant Health 
Risk Analysis 
Workshop Enhance expertise and 
capacity of countries and 
NPPOs to conduct pest risk 
analysis (PRA).  
 FAO Officials (29) 
from 
developing and 
least developed countries  147,000 Sep-05 Oct-05/ 
May-07 Completed and evaluated. 
STDF 114 Effective 
aflatoxin 
management system in Brazil 
nut production  
 To recover and consolidate 
export market access through 
implementation of an effective system to reduce 
aflatoxin contamination in the 
Brazil nut production chain.  CIRAD Brazil (results 
will be shared 
with partners in Peru and 
Bolivia) 619,664 Feb-06 Jul-06 / 
Nov-08 Implementation ongoing.  
External evaluation contracted. 
STDF 120 Risk analysis 
and risk assessment training in 
India Enhance knowledge and skills 
of Indian officials on risk analysis and risk assessment procedures. Regulatory Affirs 
Services GmbH and Canadian Food Inspection 
Agency India 95,060 Feb-06 Nov-06 / 
Oct-07 Completed and evaluated. 
STDF 173 Assessing 
capacity 
building needs of food control 
systems in 
developing APEC Member 
Economies Train food safety regulators 
from developing member 
economies in Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation 
(APEC) using FAO's food 
safety capacity evaluation tools.  FSANZ Food safety 
authorities in 
selected APEC member 
economies 97,500 Mar-07 Aug-07/ 
Apr-09 Completed.  External evaluation 
contracted.   
  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 13 
(d) Projects for which approval has been revoked by the Working Group  
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight AgencyBeneficiary Budget in US$ Approval 
date Status 
STDF 64 Facilitating 
livestock trade in 
Djibouti Facilitate livestock trade from 
Djibouti through training for 
private and public sector 
veterinary officials.  Project based on IF DTIS. FAO Djibouti 560,000 Sep-05 Approval withdrawn at Mar-07 WG 
meeting.  Applicant was invited to resubmit 
project for funding. 
 
  
 
 STATUS OF APPROVED PROJEC T PREPARATION GRANTS (PPGs)
1  
 
(a) PPGs awaiting contracting 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight AgencyBeneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 262 Strengthening veterinary 
services and promoting market access of animal products from Sahel 
countries to North African 
markets Review of regional strategy to 
strengthen veterinary services CILSS (Permanent 
Interstate Committee fro Drought Control in 
the Sahel) Mali, Niger, 
Burkina Faso Feb-09 Pending.   Discussions with beneficiary to 
commence implementation.  
 
                                                      
1 All PPGs are funded from the ST DF.  The budget for PPGs is US$2 0,000 unless otherwise indicated.   
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 14  
(b) PPGs currently being implemented 
 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 165 Improving fruit 
production SPS controls in Madagascar Assist Madagascar to establish 
pest-free places of production.  CTHA Madagascar Mar-07 and 
Nov-07 Implementation ongoing.  The study has 
been validated.  Waiting for final project document. 
STDF 191 Enhancing Sierra Leone's 
national SPS capacity Design a national SPS 
framework.   CARANA 
Corporation Sierra Leone Jun-07 Final report submitted. Validation 
workshop to be held in May 2009.  
Ongoing discussions with the AfDB and 
the EIF focal point to determine funding source. 
STDF 221 Supporting 
implementation of SPS standards in Burkina Faso Identify specific SPS issues 
and constraints affecting sesame production and 
exports and develop a project 
proposal aimed at overcoming these constraints and 
improving market access.  Tidiane Traore Burkina Faso Apr-08 Implementation on-going. Mission to 
Burkina Faso (Apr-0 9) to validate the 
sesame strategy. 
STDF 232 A phytosanitary capacity 
building strategy for 
Africa Improve phytosanitary 
capacity in Afri can countries 
through the development and implementation of a 
phytosanitary capacity 
building strategy. CABI Cameroon and 
other African 
countries Jun-08 Implementation ongoing.  Final report 
expected in Jun-09. 
STDF 242 Elaboration of SPS needs 
expressed in the IF DTIS Assess SPS human resource 
and infrastructure needs based on the IF DTIS and formulate a proposal to improve the 
competitiveness of the litchi 
and lobster sectors.   
 WTO Comoros Jun-08 Implementation on-going.  Final project 
report due in Jul-09.  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 15Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 268 Harmonization of the 
Legal, Regulatory and 
Institutional Framework 
for SPS control Management System Strengthening the relevant 
legislation and improving 
institutional coordination to 
raise confidence among trading partners.   NRI University of 
Greenwich Tanzania Oct-08 Consultant identified and contracted. 
Mission of consultant planned to Tanzania 
in July/August. 
STDF 286 Accessing new ornamental 
plant market by reducing phytosanitary issues 
through participatory 
research and extension: the Clean Stock programme in 
Costa Rica Reduce the phytosanitary risk 
of exporting 5 varieties of ornamental plants in order to 
maintain access to the US 
market. CATIE  Costa Rica Feb-09 Contract signed.  Final report and project 
proposal due on 31-Oct-09. 
 
 (c) Completed PPGs resulting in a project funded by the STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 62 Project preparation 
grant in Cameroon  Apply the FAO/WHO "Guidelines 
to Assess Capacity Building Needs in Official Food Control 
Systems".  WTO Cameroon Sep-04 Project ap proved at WG meeting (Aug-05). 
STDF 63 Project preparation 
grant in Benin  Application of FAO/WHO 
"Guidelines to Assess Capacity 
Building Needs in Official Food 
Control Systems".   WTO Benin Mar-05 Project approved at WG 
(Feb-06). 
STDF 65 Project preparation 
grant in Guinea  Develop a project proposal that 
builds on the UNCTAD evaluation of costs of compliance in the tropical fruit sect or.  Project based 
on needs identified in IF DTIS 
report.  UNCTAD Guinea Mar-05 Project appr oved at WG meeting (Sep-05).  
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 16 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 69 Project preparation 
grant in Yemen  Survey of SPS issues in the 
fisheries sector an d project design.  
Project based on needs identified 
in IF DTIS report.   WTO Yemen Mar-05 Project approved at WG meeting (Feb-06). 
STDF 88 Nepal SPS training 
project preparation 
grant Evaluation of the training needs of 
Nepal's SPS authorities and design 
a training programme. FAO Nepal Sep-05 Project approv ed at WG meeting (Mar-07).  
STDF 102 Project preparation 
grant for Mali  Design a project to enhance SPS 
capacity in the fruit and vegetable 
sector. WTO Mali Sep-05 Project approv ed at WG meeting (Jun-06). 
STDF 103 Project preparation 
grant for Rwanda Design a project to enhance SPS 
capacity in the fruit and vegetable 
sector.  WTO Rwanda Sep-05 Project appr oved at WG meeting (Jun-06). 
STDF 116 Establishment of a 
traceability system 
for the livestock 
sector in Costa Rica Assist in the development of the 
animal health directorate's 
National Epidemiological 
Surveillance Programme by introducing a traceability system 
for livestock farms.  WTO Costa Rica Feb-06 Project approved at WG  meeting (Oct-08).  
Ongoing. 
STDF 126 Assistance to 
establish a horticulture industry organization in 
Tanzania Develop a business plan and 
facilitate the establishment of a horticulture association in Tanzania. WTO Tanzania  Feb-06 Project approved at WG  meeting (Jun-08).  
Ongoing. 
STDF 127 Strengthening the 
capacity of the Benin 
Chamber of 
Commerce to track SPS-related 
development in 
exports markets Establish an information centre 
within the Benin Chamber of 
Commerce to ensure that firms are 
aware of SPS measures affecting their existing or planned exports.  WTO Benin Jun-06 Project approved at WG  meeting (Nov-07).  
Ongoing.  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 17Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 155 Nicaragua market-
oriented training service on standards 
application Survey Nicaragua's SPS 
requirements in the plant health sector to improve export 
competitiveness. Michigan State 
University (MSU) Nicaragua Oct-06 Project approv ed at WG meeting (Oct-08). 
STDF 171 Phytosanitary Centre 
of Excellence Revise a project document to 
establish a Phytosanitary Centre of 
Excellence in Kenya.  If funded 
the project would address issues raised in the IF DTIS reports for 
Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.  WTO Kenya Mar-07 Project approved at WG meeting (Nov-07).  
Ongoing. 
STDF 234 Design of Lao GAP 
scheme Create institutional infrastructure 
to ensure market access for 
agricultural products from Lao 
PDR. WTO Lao PDR Jun-08 Final project submitted to the STDF for 
funding.  
 
(d) Completed PPGs resulting in a project funded or seeking funding from other sources 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 52 Post-harvest 
contamination in 
Malawi and Zambia Develop a project proposal to address 
post-harvest contamination problems 
in the paprika and groundnut sectors 
in Malawi and Zambia.  Project based on IF DTIS. WTO Malawi and 
Zambia Mar-05 Project funded by ComMark Trust in 
Malawi.  Zambia UNIDO submitted project 
for funding. 
STDF 66 Project preparation 
grant in Mozambique  Develop a project proposal that 
builds on the UNCTAD evaluation of costs of compliance in the tropical 
fruit sector.  Project based on needs 
identified in IF DTIS report. UNCTAD Mozambique Mar-05 Project funded by United Kingdom 
Department for International Development (DFID) and implemented by 
ComMark Trust. 
STDF 100 Strengthening the 
national food control system for the fisheries sector 
in Cape Verde Assist the fish processing sector in 
Cape Verde to comply with international food safety standards. TBC Cape Verde Jun-07 Completed. Approved in principle by the 
WG.  Funding sought outside the STDF.  
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 18 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 105 Compartment-
alization Design a demonstration project on 
how to apply compartmentalization.  OIE Brazil and 
Thailand Jun-07 Ongoing efforts to secure external funding 
for project STDF 265 (formerly STDF PPG 105) entitled "Compartmentalization for 
avian influenza and Newcastle disease in the 
commercial poultry sector in Brazil" approved in Oct-08. 
STDF 113 Strengthening SPS 
controls in Burundi Enhance the capacity of the Burundi 
Bureau of Standards (BBN) including   training on SPS 
compliance for public and private 
sector officials.   WTO / Burundi 
Standards Bureau Burundi Mar-07 Project approved at  WG meeting (Mar-
07).  Decision to seek non-STDF funding. 
STDF 172 Expanding Nigeria’s 
food exports through enhanced SPS capacity Enhance Nigeria's capacity in the 
SPS area and improve the country's ability to export high-value food products. WTO  Nigeria Mar-07 Completed. The project proposal was not 
approved at the Oct-08 WG. Changes to be made to the project document by the applicant and alternate sources of funding to 
be sought. 
STDF 223 Strengthening the 
official food control 
in Moldova to 
support the 
emerging food 
businesses Assess requirements to strengthen 
official food controls, standards and 
food inspection based on specific 
priority commodities identified in the 
World Bank Action Plan and develop 
a proposal for follow-up.   FAO Republic of 
Moldova Apr-08 Funding for project being sought by FAO. 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
   G/SPS/GEN/939
 Page 19(e)  Completed PPGs for projects which have not been funded 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 38 Agricultural Health 
and Food Safety Laboratory Needs Assessment for 
CARICOM 
Countries Survey laboratory capacity in 
CARICOM to develop a project to assist in development of a regional strategy on laboratory 
infrastructure. CARICOM Caribbean 
countries Sep-04 Initial laboratory survey completed but no 
final project document submitted. 
STDF 46 Project 
preparation grant on implementation of Codex 
standards (WHO 
Africa) Assist WHO Africa to develop a 
project proposal to support selected African countries to implement Codex standards. WHO/WTO Benin and 
Tanzania. Feb-06 Completed. 
STDF 61 Project 
preparation grant in Cambodia  Fieldwork in Cambodia to 
develop a project proposal.  Grant application presented in July 2005.  Cambodia Mar-05 Fieldwork complete.  Report and project 
submitted to WG.  Project not accepted for funding. 
STDF 64 Project 
preparation grant 
in Djibouti  Field research and design of 
project in the livestock sector in 
Djibouti.  Project based on 
needs identified in IF DTIS report.  WTO Djibouti Mar-05 Project approved at WG meeting (Sep-05) 
but not contracted within one year. 
STDF 101 Eritrea project 
preparation grant Apply FAO/WHO "Guidelines 
to Assess Capacity Building Needs in Official Food Control 
Systems" and design a project. WTO Eritrea Sep-05 Fieldwork complete.  Report and project 
submitted to WG. Project not accepted for funding. 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  G/SPS/GEN/939 
Page 20 (f) PPGs revoked by the Working Group 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF 68 Project preparation 
grant on SPS cooperation for South Asian Association for 
Regional Cooperation 
(SAARC)  Support regional cooperation 
on SPS issues among SAARC countries. TBC SAARC Mar-05 Delay in implementation for over two years.  
WG meeting (Mar-07) decided to withdraw 
PPG approval and invite SAARC to re-apply. 
 
 
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