WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/GEN/847 
17 June 2008 
 (08-2836) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures  
  
 
UPDATE ON THE OPERATION OF THE STANDARDS AND  
TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY 
 
Note by the Secretariat
1 
 
 
Overview 
 
1. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) is a global programme in capacity 
building and technical co-operation established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 
United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Bank, the World 
Health Organization (WHO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).  It assists developing 
countries to comply with food safety, animal and plant health (sanitary and phytosanitary or SPS) 
measures in international trade.  Other intern ational organizations, donor s and developing countries 
also participate.  
2. The STDF has two main aims:  
• to assist developing countries enhance their expertise and capacity to analyze and to 
implement international sanitary and phytosan itary (SPS) standards, improving their human, 
animal and plant health situation, and thus ab ility to gain and maintain market access;  and  
• to act as a vehicle for co-ordination among technical co-operation providers, the mobilization 
of funds, the exchange of experience and the di ssemination of good practice in relation to the 
provision and receipt of SPS-related technical co-operation. 
 
3. Applications for STDF funding may be made at any point in the year but should be received 
45 days prior to each Working Group meeting to be c onsidered at that time.  The next deadline for the 
submission of project proposals is  27 August fo r the Working Group meeting on 10 October 2008.  
More detailed information on the STDF can be found on the website
 (www.standardsfacility.org). 
Operating Plan for 2008-09 
 
4. An Operating Plan for 2008-09  was adopted by the Policy Committee in November 2007.  
The operating plan focuses on four main thematic areas:  (i) coordination;  (ii) project development;  (iii) project implementation;  and (iv) dissemina tion of results.  Greater emphasis is placed on the 
STDF acting as a forum for information exchange and coordination in the supply and receipt of SPS-
related 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. G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 2  
 
  Coordination 
5. The STDF organized a workshop on SPS-related capacity evaluation tools developed by 
international organizations on 31 March 2008.  Some 200 delegates from the WTO’s SPS Committee, 
including 15 developing country o fficials funded by the STDF, attended.   The meeting  considered the 
merits of specific and generic tools;  role of the beneficiary in the choice of tool, its application and 
end use;  public dissemination of results versus c onfidential usage;  and scope for collaboration and 
cooperation in the future development and use of these tools.  Broad agreement emerged on the need 
to strive towards harmonization of approaches wh ile respecting the needs of beneficiaries.  
Information about the workshop, including the pr esentations and podcasts of some sessions, is 
available on the SPS gateway
 of the WTO website.  
6. Within the framework of the Aid of Trade In itiative, the STDF organized regional workshops 
on the mobilization of capacity building resources in th e area of food safety, animal and plant health.  
These  took place in Cambodia (20-21 May 2008), Uga nda (28-29 May 2008) and Guatemala (11-12 
June 2008).  The workshops were the culmination of a year-long project in the Greater Mekong Delta 
Sub-region, East Africa and Central America to  synthesize the results of existing SPS capacity 
evaluations, develop an inventory of technical assist ance and identify "gaps" still not being addressed.   
7. Participants at these workshops ag reed that this work:  (i) provided an important opportunity 
for government agencies and donors to discuss expe riences in the provision of SPS-related assistance 
and agree on outstanding priorities;  (ii) promoted a common vision of outstanding needs among government agencies at both the national and regiona l level;  and (iii) created a valuable foundation 
on which to mobilize future SPS-related assistance fr om development partners.  Complete information 
about these workshops, including natio nal and regional balance sheets and conclusions, is available on 
the STDF website
. 
8. The outcomes of these workshops will be evalua ted at the STDF Working Group meeting in 
June 2008 as a basis for the development of furthe r research work in this area in 2008-09.  The 
Secretariat will report in detail on these events in a separate background document.  
9. In response to the WTO/OECD request for info rmation (GEN/SPS/816), a total of 24 projects 
in East Africa, the Greater Mekong Delta Sub- Region and Central Amer ica were submitted as 
examples of "good practice" in SPS-related technica l co-operation.  Country-level research will be 
carried out in June and July to seek the views of be neficiaries of the identified projects on elements of 
good practice in project design, implementation,  outputs and the achievement of higher order 
objectives, which could be replicated in future assistance.  The findings will be analyzed and 
compiled for presentation to a wrap-up wo rkshop in Geneva on 6 October 2008.   
10. The STDF is organizing a half-day information session on private standards on 26 June 2008, 
which will be open to SPS Committee delegates.  Th e focus will be on practical aspects of compliance 
with private SPS-related standards.  Recent developments in the private standards area and options for 
reducing compliance costs and promoting dialogue w ill be presented by representatives of the Africa 
Observer Project, the Global Food Safety Initiative,  CMi and the World Bank, followed by plenary 
discussion. 
11. The STDF is organizing a meeting in October 2008 on initiatives to combat fruit flies in West 
Africa.  The meeting will provide an opportunity for concerned national a nd regional organizations, 
donors and other stakeholders to discuss mechanisms  to control fruit flies and mobilize funds for a 
multi-year action plan for this purpose.    G/SPS/GEN/847 
 Page 3 
 
 
  Project development 
 
12. Project preparation grants (PPGs) are a key mechanism for future STDF programme 
development.  PPGs are designed to turn good ideas into projects.  As such, they can help overcome constraints faced by developing countries in the arti culation of their needs.  To date, a total of 27 
PPGs have been approved.   
13. Project preparation grants are also a mechan ism for ensuring synergy with other on-going 
initiatives.  For example, they can support project  development for priority actions in the SPS area 
which have been identified in Diagnostic Trad e Integration Studies (DTI S) conducted through the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework programme (EIF).   
14.  The main criterion in awarding preparation gran ts is the likelihood that the project developed 
may receive funding.  Final project funding may be  provided by the STDF or from another funding 
source (e.g. a bilateral donor).  Much greater emphasi s is being placed on the use of PPGs to provide a 
basis for donor interventions and as a vehicle for mobilizing funds for projects developed by the 
STDF.  
Project funding 
 
15. The STDF funds technical cooperation activities which: 
• address underlying issues of SPS capacity building in  beneficiary countries (in particular in 
low income countries, or on a regional basis), ideally through innovative, preventative and / or pilot projects which may be replicated by other donors;  and  
• which aim to address gaps in SPS information, training materials or which aim to improve 
coordination among SPS technical co-operation providers through collaborative projects. 
 
16. Information on how to apply, eligibility criteria and application forms can be found in the 
STDF Operational Rules
.  A target of 12 projects to be funded through the STDF has been set in the 
Operating Plan for 2008-09.  
17. An overview of the current status of STDF projects and PPGs is provided in Annex 1.  
Information dissemination  
 
18. The STDF is developing a short film to rai se awareness about the importance of SPS capacity 
for international trade and econom ic development.  The film wi ll provide an introduction to SPS 
issues and their impact on trade and showcase exampl es from three countries that have been affected 
by SPS issues.  The selection and contracting of a production company to support this work is in 
progress following a tender process, and identification of case study countries is underway.  Filming will be carried out in the case study countries fro m August onwards and on the margins of the SPS 
Committee meeting in October 2008.  It is hoped that  the film will be finalized by November 2008.    
 
  
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 4 ANNEX 1 
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF STDF PROJ ECTS AND PROJECT PREPARATION GRANTS  
12 June 2008 
 
(a) Projects awaiting contracting 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 127 Support for SPS 
information systems in BeninImprove information 
flows on SPS requirements, 
particularly in the 
private sector in 
Benin. FAO, Benin 
Chamber of Commerce Benin 363,858 Nov-07 To be 
confirmed (TBC) Approved at 
Nov-07 Working Group (WG) meeting. Discussions 
ongoing with FAO on 
contracting. Deadline for 
contracting Nov-08. 
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 461,359 Nov-07 TBC Approved at  
Nov-07 WG meeting. Project originally 
approved in Sep-05.  
Approval revoked in Mar-07 due to 
implementation delays. 
Project updated and resubmitted. Discussions 
ongoing with FAO on project 
contracting.  Deadline for 
contracting Nov-08. 
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.   TBC Benin 470,575 Nov-07 Apr-08 / 
Mar-10 Approved at  
Nov-07 WG meeting. 
Project originally approved in Feb-06.  
Approval revoked in 
Mar-07 due to implementation delays. 
Project updated and 
resubmitted. Draft contracts 
submitted to 
applicant and supervisory 
agency.  
Meeting with beneficiary in 
Benin in Feb-
08.  Signature of 
contracts and 
implementation. 
  
   G/SPS/GEN/847
 Page 5 
(b) On-going projects funded by STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 171 East African 
Phytosanitary Centre Build phytosanitary capacity 
and increase market access through the establishment of 
an East African 
Phytosanitary Centre. Kenya Plant 
Health Inspection 
Service, 
Univer-sity of Nairobi, CABI, 
International 
Plant Protection 
Convention 
(IPPC) Kenya and 
East Africa 843,240 Nov-07 May-08 / 
May-10 Approved at  
Nov-07 WG meeting.  Contract 
signed (May-08).  Inception report. 
STDF 170 Strengthening 
the capacity of 
government SPS 
officials in NepalTrain government officials 
on implementation of SPS 
measures.  Project supports 
Integrated Framework (IF) 
Diagnostic Trade Integration 
Study (DTIS).  FAO Nepal 321,600 Mar-07 Mar-08 / 
Mar-10 Implementation 
ongoing. Contract 
signed  
(Mar-08).  
Project 
steering 
committee established 
and inception 
workshop held (May-08).   Inception report. 
 
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 469,000 Mar-07 Mar-08 / 
Feb-10 Implementation 
ongoing.  Contract 
signed  
(Mar-08).  Inception report.  
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 6 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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.   International 
Trade Centre (ITC) Yemen 
Seafood Exporters 
Association 
(YSEA) 462,804 Jun-07 Sep-07 / 
Aug-09 Implementation 
ongoing.  (Approval 
rescinded in 
Mar-07 due to implementation 
delays of over 
one year). First mission 
by ITC (Oct-07).  First bi-
annual report 
received  (Mar-08).  
Second 
tranche disbursed.  Second bi-
annual report. 
STDF 173 Assessing 
capacit y buildin g 
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.  WTO Food safety 
authorities in 
selected APEC member 
economies 96,500 Mar-07 Aug-07 / 
Apr-09 Implementation 
ongoing.   Training 
workshop in 
Beijing (Nov-07).  Report 
on training 
and financial report 
received.  Final report to 
be submitted. 
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. WTO Member 
countries of the 
Inter-American 
Institute for Cooperation on 
Agriculture 
(IICA) 585,588 Oct-06 Oct-07 / 
Feb-09 Implementation 
ongoing.  Contract 
signed  
(Oct-07). Inception report 
to be submitted.  
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 South Pacific 
Forum 
Members 261,780 Oct-06 Aug-07 / 
Jul-09 Implementation 
ongoing.   Inception 
report 
approved. First interim 
report received.   
   G/SPS/GEN/847
 Page 7Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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. World Bank Plant health 
services and horticulture 
exporters in 
Rwanda 526,674 Jun-06 May-07 / 
Apr-09 Implementation 
ongoing. Inception 
report approved.  
Mid-term 
report received 
(May-08). Mission to 
Rwanda planned  (Jul-08).   
 
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) Mali 508,000 Jun-06 Feb-07 /  
Feb-09 Implementation 
ongoing.   Inception 
report approved. None required. 
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.  WTO Brazil (results 
will be shared 
with partners in Peru and 
Bolivia) 619,664 Feb-06 Jul-06 / 
Jul-08 Implementation 
ongoing.   Discussion of 
project results 
and broader market access 
issues.  
Extension 
granted until 
31 Dec. 2008. End of project 
report. 
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 600,000 Sep-05 Dec-05 /  
May-08 Implementation 
ongoing. Request for 
project 
extension until 
Jun-08 granted. End of project 
report. 
STDF 79 Quality 
information on 
SPS issues – a prerequisite for 
capacity buildingImprove 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  Jun-06 / 
May-08 Implementation 
ongoing. Project status 
report due 
(Jun-08).  End of project 
report.  
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 8 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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, FAO Mali, Ethiopia 
and Djibouti 305,000 Sep-04 Oct-06 /  
Apr-07 Implementation 
ongoing.  One project activity 
to prepare 
revised STDF 64 application. Project 
extension granted until 
Jul-08. Report on 
implementation to be presented 
at WG meeting 
in Jun-08. 
 
 
(c) Completed projects funded by STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 120 Risk analysis 
and risk 
assessment 
training in IndiaEnhance knowledge and 
skills of Indian officials on 
risk analysis and risk 
assessment procedures. WTO India 244,050 Feb-06 Dec-06 /  
Dec-07 Completed.  Final animal 
health 
training 
finalized. 
 Evaluation 
consultant 
contracted for 
plant health 
component. 
STDF 15 Expanding SPS 
capacities at 
national and 
regional levels Develop a training 
programme and core group 
of trainers to deliver training 
for veterinary officials.  OIE, WTO OIE delegates 
from Mali, 
Thailand, 
Egypt, Common-
wealth of 
Independent States (OIS) 
and Latin 
America. 130,614 Sep-04 Sep-04 / 
Dec-07 Completed.  Evaluation  
ongoing. Dissemination 
of evaluation 
report.  
   G/SPS/GEN/847
 Page 9Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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. 
Information available on 
IPPC website 
(https://www.ipp
c.int/servlet/CD
SServlet?status=
ND01ODQ1NS
Y2PWVuJjMzP
SomMzc9a29z ). Evaluation  
ongoing.  Dissemination 
of evaluation report. 
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 
distributed at Jun-07 WG 
meeting.   
 STDF 
attended IFIF annual 
meeting at 
FAO (Oct-07).  
Evaluation 
results 
reported to 
IFIF meeting. Awaiting 
finalization of manual prior to 
approval of final 
payment.  Awaiting 
progress from 
FAO.  
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. 
Training 
materials available on 
IPPC website 
(https://www.ipp
c.int/servlet/CD
SServlet?status=
ND00OTEyNyY
2PWVuJjMzPSo
mMzc9a29z ) Evaluation 
completed 
and discussed at WG 
meeting in 
Jun-07. None.  
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 10 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 14 Evaluation of 
capacity of national 
veterinary 
services  Develop a veterinary 
capacity evaluation tool based on the IICA 
Performance Vision Strategy 
document. OIE IICA  37,000 Nov-03 May-06 Completed.  Evaluation 
completed (http://www.o
ie.int/eng/oie/
organisation/e
n_vet/_eval_t
ool.html ). None. 
STDF 20 Country-based 
plans for SPS-related 
development Carry out baseline studies of 
SPS capacity and apply cost-benefit analysis to examine 
returns on investment in 
terms of foreign trade and an improved SPS situation.   WTO Peru and 
Uganda 170,862 Sep-03 Nov-04 / 
Mar-07 Completed. 
Update of information 
being 
undertaken by Prom Peru. 
Independent 
evaluation to be contracted. Meeting held 
with Peruvian authorities in 
Sep-07.  Peru 
updating analysis. Identify 
contractor for ex 
post evaluation. 
STDF 19 Model 
arrangements 
for SPS 
stakeholder 
involvement at the national levelImprove SPS-related 
information flows and 
information sharing between 
the public and private sector 
with positive spin-offs for market access WTO Sri Lanka and 
Paraguay 291,218 Sep-04 Dec-04 / 
Apr-07 Completed.   
Awaiting final 
project report.  
Independent 
evaluation to be undertaken.   Various 
correspond-
ence with 
project 
managers.   Follow-up 
dependent on 
receipt of final 
report.  
Independent evaluation to be 
commissioned.    
STDF 9 Model 
programme for developing food 
standards within 
a risk analysis framework  Strengthen capacity of low 
income countries in the Asia Pacific Region to develop 
food standards based on 
international requirements and participate in Codex FAO Asia Pacific 
countries 70,848 Nov-03 Mar-05 / 
 Sep-06 Project 
completed.   None 
required. Final project 
report on STDF website.   
   G/SPS/GEN/847
 Page 11Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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 
planned.  Contact with 
FAO on status of 
project.   Final report 
received (Jun-08).  Contract 
independent 
evaluation. 
STDF 5 STDF Database Establish a data base 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 73,474 Jun-03 Jul-03 /  
Dec-05 Project 
completed. 
Database available on 
STDF website 
(http://stdfdb.wt
o.org).  Report 
submitted to SPS Committee 
(G/SPS/GEN/72
6). None 
required. None required.  
 
 
(d) Projects developed by STDF but funded by other organizations 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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. To be 
determined. Fish processing 
sector in Cape 
Verde  Jun-07 To be 
confirmed  
(TBC) Approved in 
principle by the 
WG.  Funding sought outside the 
STDF. Information from 
local donor that 
funding may be available in 2008. Follow-up 
with local 
donor and national 
authorities.   
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 12 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 126 Support for the 
establishment of the Horticulture 
Development 
Council of Tanzania Assist the 
Tanzanian horticulture sector 
to address SPS 
issues.  Project responds to a 
priority need 
identified by the IF. To be 
determined. Tanzania 
Horticulture Association  Jun-07 TBC Approved in 
principle by the WG.  Funding 
initially sought 
outside the STDF.STDF Secretariat 
met applicant and donors in Tanzania 
in Oct-07 and 
Feb-08 to discuss project.  Donors 
requested updating 
of project document. Update of 
project proposal to 
address donor 
comments. 
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.   To be 
determined. Burundi 513,000 Mar-07 TBC Project approved 
by WG.  Funding 
secured. Mission to 
Burundi (Apr-07) 
as part of IF work.  Agreement 
reached with EC 
on funding through STABEX.  Follow-up on 
final implem-
entation arrangements.  
STDF 66 Project 
preparation grant 
in Mozambique  Improve SPS 
compliance for 
horticulture exporters in 
regional and 
international markets.  Project 
based on IF DTIS.UNCTAD Mozambique 20,000 Mar-05 TBC Project funded by 
United Kingdom 
Department for International 
Development 
(DFID).  None required.  
None required. 
  
   G/SPS/GEN/847
 Page 13(e) Projects for which approval has been revoked by the Working Group  
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight AgencyBeneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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 invited to resubmit project for 
funding. Project to be 
reformulated by OIE 
and FAO as part of STDF 13.  Reporting by 
OIE and FAO 
at  WG meetings in 
2008. 
 
  
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 14 STATUS OF APPROVED PROJEC T PREPARATION GRANTS (PPGS)2  
 
(a) PPGs awaiting contracting 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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   TBC Burkina Faso Apr-08 Pending.   Contact with 
authorities in 
Burkina Faso.  Mission planned 
early Jul-08. 
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.   TBC Republic of 
Moldova Apr-08 Pending. International 
consultant 
identified. TORs 
drafted.  Contact with MCC. 
Awaiting 
government 
clearance. Mission of 
international 
consultant 
planned for Jul-08.   
 
(b) PPGs currently being implemented 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 
105 Compartment-
alization Design a demonstration project on 
how to apply 
compartmentalization.  OIE Brazil and 
Thailand Jun-07 Implementation 
ongoing.  Project contracted. Fieldwork in 
Brazil and 
Thailand. 
STDF 
191 Enhancing Sierra 
Leone's national SPS capacity Design a national SPS framework.  TBC Sierra Leone Jun-07 Implementation 
ongoing. Fieldwork 
ongoing. Final report 
expected (Apr-08). 
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. TBC  Nigeria Mar-07 Implementation 
ongoing. Fieldwork 
ongoing. Report expected 
(Apr-08).  
                                                      
2 All PPGs are funded from the ST DF.  The budget for PPGs is US$2 0,000 unless otherwise indicated.   
   G/SPS/GEN/847
 Page 15Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 
165 Improving fruit 
production SPS 
controls in 
Madagascar  Assist Madagascar to establish 
pest-free places of production.   TBC Madagascar Mar-07 and 
Nov-07 Implementation 
ongoing. Project contracted. Report expected 
(Nov-08). 
STDF 
100 Strengthening food 
control systems in  
Cape Verde, particularly in the 
fisheries sector Develop a project proposal to 
strengthen food control systems in 
Cape Verde through use of the FAO/WHO "Guidelines to Assess 
Capacity Building Needs in 
Official Food Control Systems".   WTO Cape Verde Sep-05 Ongoing. Approved for 
funding outside 
STDF. Ongoing follow-
up. 
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 Ongoing. Draft project 
document tabled 
at WG meeting 
(Nov-07).  Revisions 
requested from 
applicant. Project reviewed 
for WG meeting 
(Apr-08). 
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 Ongoing. UNIDO/ 
COMMARK 
second mission to Zambia (Nov-07).  
Project developed 
for funding. Follow-up with 
COMMARK and 
UNIDO. 
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 Approved. Project approved 
at WG meeting 
(Jun-07). Redrafting of 
project document 
to reflect local 
donor comments. 
  
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 16  
(c) Completed PPGs resulting in a project which has been funded 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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 Completed Project tabled at 
WG meeting 
(Nov-07).   Funding being 
sought outside 
STDF. 
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 Ongoing. Project approved 
for funding. None. 
STDF 127 Stren gthenin g 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 Ongoing. Project approved 
for funding (Nov-
07).  Discussion with 
FAO on 
implementation. 
STDF 88 Nepal SPS 
training project 
preparation grantEvaluation of the training needs of 
Nepal's SPS authorities and design 
a training programme. FAO Nepal Sep-05 Project approved 
at WG meeting 
(Mar-07).  Project approved 
and contracted.. None required. 
STDF 113 Project 
preparation grant 
to survey food 
safety needs in Burundi  Apply the FAO/WHO "Guidelines 
to Assess Capacity Building Needs 
in Official Food Control Systems" 
to survey the food safety situation in Burundi and develop a trade-
related project. WTO/ Burundi 
Standards BureauBurundi Feb-06 Project approved 
at WG meeting 
(Mar-07).  
Decision to seek non-STDF 
funding. Mission to 
Burundi (Apr-07). None required. 
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 approved 
at WG meeting (Jun-06). None required. None required. 
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 approved 
at WG meeting 
(Jun-06). None required. None required. 
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 approved 
at WG meeting 
(Aug-05). None required. None required.  
   G/SPS/GEN/847
 Page 17Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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). None required. None required. 
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). None required. None required. 
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). None required. None required. 
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 approved 
at WG meeting 
(Sep-05). None required. None required. 
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 sect or.  Project based 
on needs identified in IF DTIS 
report.  UNCTAD Mozambique Mar-05 Project funded by 
DFID. None required. None required. 
 
 
(d) Completed PPGs for projects which have not  been funded 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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. Shortcoming in 
iInitial fieldwork 
and resultant project documents.  
Follow-up 
research work in 
Benin pointed to 
flaws in approach. Discontinued.  
  G/SPS/GEN/847 
Page 18 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
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. Sept-04. Initial laboratory 
survey completed 
but no final project 
document submitted. PPG discussed 
with Caricom 
Secretariat at 
regional SPS workshop (Jul-07).  
Laboratory report 
circulated to participants. Suspended. 
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. 
  None required. 
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.  None required. 
 
(e) PPGs revoked by the Working Group 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval dateStatus Actions since last 
WG (04/04/08) Next action 
needed 
STDF 68 Project preparation 
grant on SPS 
cooperation for South Asian Association for 
Regional Coperation 
(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. Letter sent to 
SAARC.  STDF to 
work with SAARC on new application. None required. 
__________