WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/GEN/969 
20 October 2009 
 (09-5177) 
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 (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 June 2009 in relation to the following th ree themes in the STDF’s Operating Plan for 2009 
(http://www.standardsfacility.org/files/va rious/STDF_198_Add.1_Operating_Plan_2009_Eng.pdf ):  
(i) coordination and information dissemination; (ii)  project development; and (iii) project funding.  
Coordination and information dissemination 
4. As part of the EC-funded "PAN-SPSO" progra mme, the STDF and the African Union Inter-
African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR), in close collaboration with the WTO, Codex, OIE 
and IPPC Secretariats, organized two "training-of-t rainers" workshops held in Nairobi, Kenya (13-16 
July) and in Bamako, Mali (20-23 July).3  The workshops were target ed at English- and French-
                                                      
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 
(http://www.standardsfacility.org ). 
3 PAN-SPSO is an initiative funded by the European Commission and implemented by AU/IBAR.  It 
seeks to enhance the effective participation of African countries in the standard-setting activities of Codex, OIE G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 2  
 
  speaking officials of several Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and a  selected group 
of African SPS experts.  The STDF is also carrying out a scoping study on the establishment and functioning of regional and national SPS coordinati on mechanisms in Africa.  The objective is to 
compile information about existing coordination me chanisms and provide guidelines on the feasibility 
and modalities available to further establish such m echanisms - both at regi onal and national levels. 
5. The STDF Secretariat has organized three majo r events in the second half of 2009.  In 
collaboration with the World Bank’s Development Research Group, a semina r entitled:  "Climate 
Change and Agriculture Trade:  Risks and Respon ses" was organized in Washington, D.C. on 22-23 
September.  The meeting was attended by over 100 representatives from international organizations, 
regulatory and development agencies, research, academia and the private sector.  Discussions on the 
first day focused on the connections between climat e change, agricultural trade and food security.  
The second day focused on SPS risks and responses to  climate change.  Speakers emphasized that 
climate change is already having impacts on food saf ety and animal and plant health and that these are 
likely to become more intense, with implications  for the future development and implementation of 
SPS-related standards.  While some countries have st arted to consider how climate change will affect 
agricultural production and SPS risks, many are still ignoring or denying the linkages.  Yet 
notwithstanding data gaps, action cannot wait.  There was agreement that strengthening food safety, 
animal and plant health systems is critical to t ackle the challenges faced.  This will require more 
support to develop capacities in prediction, surv eillance, diagnosis, risk assessment, regulatory 
frameworks, etc. 
6. On 29-30 September, the STDF joined forces with ECOWAS to co-host a workshop in 
Bamako, Mali, on the implementation of a regional acti on plan to control fruit fly in West Africa, in 
close collaboration with the World Bank and th e Europe-Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Liaison Committee 
(COLEACP).  Close to 100 participants, including government representatives, private sector, civil 
society, research institutions and de velopment partners, validated the regional action plan, prepared by 
COLEACP, and adopted the Bamako Declaration, outlining a roadmap of recommended actions to 
commence implementation of the action plan in the months to come. 
7. A workshop on the use of economic analysis to inform SPS decision-making. organized by 
the STDF Secretariat, will be held on 30 October in Geneva back-to-back with the meeting of the SPS Committee.  The workshop will discuss the costs a nd benefits of strengthening SPS systems.  
Relevant experiences and lessons from both develope d and developing countries will be presented, as 
well as guidelines to assist countries in applying economic analysis in SPS decision-making.  More 
information about these three events, including  summary reports, background documentation and 
presentations, is available on the STDF website ( http://www.standardsfacility.org
).  In addition, the 
STDF Secretariat will prepare short briefing notes summarizing the main discussions and conclusions emerging from the events. 
8. The STDF Secretariat, in collaboration with the OECD, is undertaking a study on indicators 
to measure the performance and ensure sustainab ility of SPS-related technical cooperation.  Building 
on earlier work on Good Practice in SPS-Related Technical Cooperation, STDF's work on SPS 
indicators is a direct response to the demand for a more rigorous monitoring and evaluation of Official 
Development Assistance (ODA) that is now at the fo refront of the internati onal development agenda.  
Inputs are being received from STDF partners, donors and beneficiaries, which will enable the study 
to highlight successful processes and indicators to quantify performance, as well as constraints faced.  
An introduction to this STDF work will be give n to the OECD Development Assistance Committee 
(DAC)/Trade Committee Working Party meeting on Ai d for Trade in November 2009.  The study will 
be ready by the end of this year.  
                                                                                                                                                                    
 
and IPPC, as well as the WTO SPS Committee.  The STDF  provides technical advice and is a full member of 
the PAN-SPSO Stee ring Committee.  G/SPS/GEN/969 
 Page 3 
 
 
  9. The STDF also participated in and contributed to the following events: 
•  The East Asia and Pacific Regional Agribusiness Trade and Investment Conference, 
organized by the World Bank and the Internati onal Finance Corporation, in Singapore on 30-
31 July.  This event sought to initiate a long-te rm effort to stimulate increased intra-regional 
trade and investment in the agrifood sector, c onsistent with best practices in critical areas 
such as assuring compliance with food safety, environmental and social standards; 
• The APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum (FSCF) , held in Singapore on 30 July, to discuss 
successes and challenges faced in strengthening food safety systems within APEC; and in a 
workshop, as part of the FSCF meeting, en titled "Examination of Hot Issues in Risk 
Analysis", organized by the Partnership Training Institute Network (PTIN); 
•  A workshop on WTO SPS Measures, organized by the Asian Development Bank Institute 
(ADBI) in collaboration with FAO, held in Bangkok, Thailand from 8 to 11 September, 
where more than 30 mid-level and senior ag riculture officials were briefed on recent 
developments in the WTO SPS Committee and current STDF activities; 
•  A roundtable on the development of the globa l Food Safety Knowledge Network (FSKN)  
organized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (G FSI) and Michigan State University, held in 
Washington, D.C. on 28 September.  The FSKN aims to strengthen the food industry's response to the complex food safety knowledge and training challenges that affect emerging 
markets;  
•  A session on SPS transparency and implications  organized by the International Agricultural 
Trade Policy Council (IPC) at the WTO Public Forum (30 September);  
• WTO training seminars, including for Asian countries (Lao PDR, 3-7 August), and in 
Indonesia (6-8 October);  and 
• The 19th Geneva Week for non WTO-resident Members and Observers in Geneva (26-30 
October). 
10. The STDF film:  "Trading Safely:  Protecting Health, Promoting Development", was shown 
at the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Rome on 3 June, and on the margins of the Second Global 
Aid for Trade Review in Geneva on 6-7 July, as well as in a large number of SPS-related training 
events.  The film was widely distributed throu gh STDF partners, donors and observers.  The STDF is 
currently developing a short (8-minute) version of th e film, as well as a short institutional clip about 
the mission and functions of the STDF.  These two new products will be available on the STDF 
website by the end of the year. 
11. A number of improvements have been made to the STDF website 
(http://www.standardsfacility.org
), and additional changes are underway.  These changes include the 
addition of new links with film material devel oped by other organizations , as well as information 
received from Working Group members and obser vers on their existing and forthcoming SPS 
activities and initiatives.  A compilation of informati on received in advance of the previous Working 
Group meeting is available on the website.  Partne rs, donors and observers are encouraged to use the 
STDF website to exchange information on thei r work building capacity in the SPS area. 
Project development 
12. 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 G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 4  
 
  their needs and are a mechanism for ensuring synergy with other on-going initiatives, in particular the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) 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 37 PPGs have been approved and funded by the STDF since its inception. 
13. At the STDF Working Group meeting in J une 2009, four PPGs were approved: 
• STDF/PPG/298:  Capacity Building Programme  on Pesticide Residues and other Harmful 
Substances in Cocoa in Africa (Internat ional Cocoa Organization - ICCO);  
• STDF/PPG/302:  Project Preparation Grant to Support the Competitiveness of Cabbage in the 
Niayes Region (Senegal); 
• STDF/PPG/303:  Project Preparation Grant to Conduct a Total Diet Study for Sub-Saharan 
Africa (Centre Pasteur du Cameroun - CPC); 
• STDF/PPG/305:  Project Preparation Grant on Institutionalizing SPS for Agricultural Health 
and Food Safety Systems in Africa (African Union Commission). 
Project funding 
14. A total of 37 projects have been approved for STDF funding.  At the STDF Working Group 
meeting in February 2009, one ne w project was approved for funding: 
• STDF/PG/259:  Strengthening Vietnamese SPS capacities for trade by improving safety and 
quality of fresh vegetables using a value-chain approach. 
 
15. An overview of the current status of STDF pr ojects and PPGs is provided in Annex I.  Since 
its inception, the STDF has devoted 61 per cent  of  project resources to Least Developed Countries 
(LDCs) and Other Low Income Countries (OLICs), as shown in Figure 1 below.
4  Figure 2 indicates 
that 54 per cent of the number of STDF Projects and PPGs has gone to Sub-Saharan Africa, 15 per 
cent to Latin America and the Caribbean and 12 per cen t to Asia.  In addition, 14 per cent of projects 
and PPGs can be classified as global. 
       Figure 1:            Figure 2: 
STDF Projects and PPGs (US$)
39%61%
LDCs / OLICsOthersSTDF Projects and PPGs (number)
15%5%
14%
12%54%
AsiaSub-Saharan 
AfricaLatin America 
& Caribbean
Other
Global
 
                                                      
4 The STDF aims to devote at least 40 per cent of Facility project resources to LDCs and OLICs.  G/SPS/GEN/969 
 Page 5 
 
 
  16. 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 24 December 2009 .  
  G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 6 ANNEX 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/PG/
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 Contract with IICA requires 
signature. 
STDF/PG/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 Contracts with AGEXPORT 
and OIRSA require signature. 
 
STDF/PG/
259 Strengthening 
Vietnamese SPS Capacities for Trade  Strengthening the Vietnamese 
SPS capacities for trade by improving safety and quality of fresh vegetables using the 
value-chain approach  FAO and Fruit 
and Vegetable Research Institute 
Vietnam Vietnam 543,770 Jun-09 TBC Approved in Jun-09. FAO 
currently processing the project through its internal review channels prior to contracting 
(expected by end of 2009).   
STDF/PG/
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 funds for 
related capacity building 
component.  Potential donor identified.  Discussions planned 
and availability of funds should 
be confirmed by Nov-09. 
 
TBC: To be confirmed 
 
  
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 7(b) Ongoing projects funded by STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
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. Progress 
report received in May-09. 
STDF/PG/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. Progress 
report received in Jan-09. 
STDF/PG/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. . Awaiting 
progress report from ITC 
STDF/PG/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/PG/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. First progress 
report received in Sep-09.  
  G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 8 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
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 Jul-09   
/Feb-11 Implementation ongoing. 
Inception report received. 
STDF/PG/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. Progress 
report received in Sep-09. 
STDF/PG/
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. 
Extension granted by Working 
Group until 31-Dec-09. Awaiting progress report from FAO/IPPC. 
STDF/PG/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. Progress 
report received in Aug-09.  
STDF/PG/
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. 
Progress report received in Jun-09.  
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 9Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
170 Strengthening 
the capacity of 
government SPS officials in Nepal Train government officials 
on implementation of SPS 
measures.  Project supports Integrated Framework (IF) 
Diagnostic Trade Integration 
Study (DTIS).  FAO Nepal 434,698 Mar-07 Apr-08 / 
Mar-10 Implementation ongoing.  Approx. 
90% of in-country training 
completed. Third backstopping mission planned (Dec-09). Latest 
progress report received Oct-09. 
STDF/PG/
171 East African 
Phytosanitary Centre Build phytosanitary capacity 
and increase market access through the establishment of 
an East African 
Phytosanitary Centre. CABI /FAO Kenya and East 
Africa 729,375 Nov-07 May-08 / 
May-10 Implementation ongoing. Third 
progress report expected. 
STDF/PG/230 Establishment of 
Pest Free Areas for Lethal Yellowing 
Disease in 
Coconuts  Build phytosanitary capacity 
to implement international standards to manage LYD in palms and thereby expand 
market access for coconuts. FAO Mozambique 385,528 Jun-08 Jun-09 Implementation ongoing. 
Awaiting inception report from FAO/IPPC. 
STDF/PG/246 Development of 
SPS Action Plan for Cambodia Identify actions to be taken 
to enhance the SPS system in Cambodia. FAO Cambodia 199,360 Jun-08 Apr-09 / 
Apr-10 Implementation ongoing.  STDF 
participation in project steering 
committee meeting (Jul-09).  
Inception report received (Aug-09). 
STDF/PG/255 Regional 
Initiative on the fight against 
fruit flies in 
West Africa Conduct tests in pilot mango 
orchards using different fruit fly control and other 
Integrated Pest Management 
techniques to monitor and control fruit fly populations 
in 8 pilot countries. CIRAD/ World 
Bank 8 West African 
countries 313,220 Oct-08 Apr-09 / 
May-10 Implementation ongoing.  Progress 
report received in Jul-09.  
  G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 10 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
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 Implementation on-going. 
 
 
(c) Completed projects funded by STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
5 STDF Database Establish a database 
covering the period 2001-03 
to:  i) help reduce 
duplication and gaps in 
activities;  and ii) track SPS-
related technical assistance flows and trends.  WTO Database 45,100 Jun-03 Jul-03 / 
Dec-05 Completed. Report submitted to 
SPS Committee 
(G/SPS/GEN/726). 
STDF/PG/
9 Model 
programme for developing food 
standards within 
a risk analysis framework  Strengthen capacity of low 
income countries in the Asia Pacific Region to develop 
food standards based on 
international requirements and participate in Codex. FAO Asia Pacific 
countries 70,848 Nov-03 Mar-05 / 
Sep-06 Completed.  Final project report 
on STDF website.  
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 11Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
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. 
STDF/PG/
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. External evaluation 
ongoing. 
STDF/PG/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/PG/
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/969 
Page 12 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
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 Completed and evaluated. 
(Paraguay) 
STDF/PG/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/PG/
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/PG/
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 Completed and evaluated.  
Awaiting Feed Manual from FAO/IFIF. Part of project funds not yet disbursed.  
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 13Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
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.  Final 
project report received but not 
yet approved. Awaiting revised final project report from 
UNCTAD. 
STDF/PG/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  Apr-06 / 
Jun-09 Project completed in June 09. 
Awaiting final project report 
from FAO. 
STDF/PG/
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/PG/
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 Completed.  External evaluation 
ongoing. 
STDF/PG/120 Risk analysis 
and risk 
assessment 
training in India Enhance knowledge and 
skills of Indian officials on 
risk analysis and risk 
assessment procedures. Regulatory 
Affairs Services 
GmbH and 
Canadian Food Inspection 
Agency India 95,060 Feb-06 Nov-06 / 
Oct-07 Completed and evaluated.  
  G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 14 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget 
(US$) Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status 
STDF/PG/
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 Completed. Final project report 
available on STDF website.  
STDF/PG/
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 and evaluated.   
  
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 15STATUS OF APPROVED PROJEC T PREPARATION GRANTS (PPGs)1  
 
(a) PPGs awaiting contracting 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight AgencyBeneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
262 Strengthening veterinary 
services and promoting 
market access of animal 
products from Sahel countries to North Africa Review of regional strategy to 
strengthen veterinary services CILSS (Permanent 
Interstate 
Committee fro 
Drought Control in the Sahel) Mali, Niger, 
Burkina Faso Feb-09 Contract with CILLS requires signature. 
Implementation to start in Nov-09.  
  
  
(b) PPGs currently being implemented 
 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
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/PPG/191 Enhancing Sierra Leone's 
national SPS capacity Design a national SPS 
framework.   CARANA 
Corporation Sierra Leone Jun-07 Final report submitted. Validation 
workshop  held in May 2009.  Ongoing discussions with the AfDB and the EIF focal point to determine funding source. 
STDF/PPG/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 Oct-09. 
                                                      
1 All PPGs are funded from the STDF.   
  G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 16 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
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 Validation workshop planned for Oct-09. 
Funding avenues to be explored in-country 
(AFD, Arab authoritie s, EIF). To be 
submitted to Dec-09 Working Group meeting for co-financing. 
STDF/PPG/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 Implementation on-going. First mission 
planned in Nov-09. 
STDF/PPG/298 Capacity Building 
Programme on Pesticide Residues and other 
Harmful Substances in 
Cocoa in Africa Assist cocoa-producing 
countries in Africa to produce cocoa that meets the food 
safety requirements of the 
EU, the USA and Japan. International 
Cocoa Organization 
(ICCO) Cameroon, Côte 
d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and 
Togo Jun-09 Implementation on-going.   
STDF/PPG/ 
286 Accessing new 
ornamental plant market by reducing 
phytosanitary issues 
through participatory research and extension 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 Final project will be submitted to the 
STDF for funding in Dec-09. 
STDF/PPG/302 Project Preparation 
Grant to support the competitiveness of 
cabbage in the Niayes 
region Improve the quality of 
cabbage by putting in place systems which will follow 
GAP schemes, facilitate 
traceability and HACCP. WTO  Senegal Jun-09  Implementation on-going.  
STDF/PPG/
303 Project preparation 
grant to conduct a total diet study for Sub-Saharan Africa Elaborate a manual 
describing a methodology to conduct a regional TDS to evaluate the risks of chemical 
contamination of food. Centre Pasteur du 
Cameroun (CPC) Sub-Saharan 
Africa Jun-09  Implementation on-going.   
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 17Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
305 Institutionalising SPS for 
agricultural health and 
food safety systems in 
Africa Conduct a scoping study to 
inform and assess the 
necessity of further action 
needed in the SPS area at the level of the AUC and the 
Regional Economic 
Communities. WTO  African Union Jun-09  Implementation on-going.  
 
  
(c) Completed PPGs resulting in a project funded by the STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
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). 
STDF/PPG/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 meeting (Feb-
06). 
STDF/PPG/65 Project preparation 
grant in Guinea  Develop a project proposal that 
builds on the UNCTAD 
evaluation of costs of compliance 
in the tropical fru it sector.  Project 
based on needs identified in IF 
DTIS report.  UNCTAD Guinea Mar-05 Project approved at WG meeting (Sep-
05). 
STDF/PPG/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).  
  G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 18 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
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 approved at  WG meeting (Mar-
07).  
STDF/PPG/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). 
STDF/PPG/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). 
STDF/PPG/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).  
STDF/PPG/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). 
STDF/PPG/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). 
STDF/PPG/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 approved at WG meeting (Oct-
08).  
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 19Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
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).  
  (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/PPG/
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. 
Implementation on-going by UNIDO. 
STDF/PPG/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. Funding sought outside the STDF. 
STDF/PPG/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/PPG/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 by the WG.  
Funding sought outside the STDF.  
  G/SPS/GEN/969 
Page 20 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
105 Compartment-
alization Design a demonstration project on 
how to apply compartmentalization.  OIE Brazil and 
Thailand Jun-07 Approved in Oct-08. At SPS Committee 
meeting in Jun-09, Brazil reported that it would fund project (STDF 265) resulting 
from STDF PPG 105. 
STDF/PPG/
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/PPG/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 by the WG at the Oct-08 meeting. Revised project document will be submitted 
for funding at the Dec-09 meeting. 
STDF/PPG/
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 WTO Burkina 
Faso Apr-08 Project preparation grant completed. 
Validation work held in April 2009 and 
final report submitted in Aug-09. Funding 
sought outside the STDF. 
STDF/PPG/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 Ongoing efforts by FAO to identify 
funding.  Meetings in Moldova (Oct-09) 
with potential donors.  Project discussed 
with Millennium Challenge Corporation (Sep-09). 
STDF/PPG/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. 
Decision to seek non-STDF funding. 
 
 
  
 
  
   G/SPS/GEN/969
 Page 21(e)  Completed PPGs which have not been approved for funding 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight Agency Beneficiary Approval date Status 
STDF/PPG/
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/PPG/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. Project  not accepted for 
funding. 
STDF/PPG/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/PPG/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. 
 
 
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