WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/GEN/829 
25 March 2008 
 (08-1325) 
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 considered at that time.  Forthcoming deadlines 
for the submission of project proposals are 25 Apr il and 2 September for the Working Group meetings 
on 27 June and 17 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;  and (iii) project implementation and iv) disseminatio n 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.  The Operating Plan  includes a budget based on the target level of donor 
funding of US$5 million agreed as part of the STDF Medium Term Strategy (2007-2011)
. 
                                                      
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/829 
Page 2  
 
  Coordination 
 
5. On 15-17 November 2007, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the 
World Bank organized a workshop to examine issues re lated to investment in laboratory infrastructure 
in developing countries which provide services for f ood safety and agricultural health.  A total of 40 
participants attended the meeting – about a third of whom were resource persons from developing 
countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas.  The me eting was also attended by  a number of delegates 
to the SPS Committee, officials from EU regulatory agencies, private lab operators and donor agencies.  The immediate purpose of the workshop was to provide input for the finalization of a guide 
being jointly developed by the World Bank and UNIDO to assist in assessing and making investment 
decisions in laboratory infrastructure.  More de tails on this event can be found in document 
G/SPS/GEN/823.  
6. Further thematic events on different aspects of SPS-related technical assistance are planned in 
2008.  A workshop on SPS capacity evaluation tools will take place in Geneva on 31 March 2008.  A 
variety of SPS capacity evaluation tools have been developed:  (i) specific tools (e.g. looking 
exclusively at a particular thematic area, for exampl e plant health), (ii) generic tools (which look at 
the SPS system as a whole) and (iii) related tools which treat one aspect of the SPS area in a more general setting (e.g. the interface between food safety,  health and trade).  This workshop will provide 
an opportunity for the Committee to discuss these tools, Me mbers’ experience of their use, scope for 
collaboration between international organizations in  their further development, and the sharing of 
results.  An overview of the capacity evaluation tools to be discussed can be found in document 
G/SPS/GEN/821.  
7. The STDF is collaborating with the Orga nization of Economic  Co-operation and 
Development (OECD) in research on good practice in  the area of SPS-related technical cooperation.  
To this end, a request for information was circulated to  the SPS Committee on 18 January 2008 in 
document G/SPS/GEN/816.  The request was addressed to donors willing to share good practice on 
SPS-related technical co-operation in three regions : Central America, East Africa and the Greater 
Mekong Delta Sub-region.
2  The deadline for the submission of information was 28 February 2008.  
Table 1 below sets out the replies received to date.  Results of this research will be presented at a joint 
STDF-OECD workshop on good practice in SPS-rela ted technical cooperation.  This workshop is 
tentatively scheduled to be held back-to-back  with the SPS Committee meeting in October 2008. 
Table 1:  Replies to document G/SPS/GEN/816 
Member Region Project title 
Australia 
 Greater Mekong Delta 
 • Sanitary and Phytosanitary Capacity 
Building Program  
• South East Asian Foot and Mouth 
Disease (SEAFMD) Program Phase 3 
Canada Central America  • SPS Assistance in the Americas 
Chinese Taipei Central America • Provision of food safety in Panama  
• Technical assistance project for papaya 
in Peten, Guatemala 
                                                      
 2 The pilot countries survey ed within each region are as follows:  Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, 
Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama (Central America);  Ke nya, Tanzania and Uganda (East African Community);  
and Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam (Greater Mekong Delta Sub-region).  G/SPS/GEN/829 
 Page 3 
 
 
  Member Region Project title 
Costa Rica Central America  • Establish options for fruit and vegetable 
exports trough setting up fruit fly free areas and areas of low prevalence using integrated pest management including the Sterile Insect Technique in Central America and Panama  
• Integrated coffee berry borer 
management  
Sweden East Africa • Quality infrastructure for food safety – 
international training programme 
Switzerland  Greater Mekong Delta • Market Access Support through the 
Strengthening of Capacities related to 
Standards, Testing and Conformity 
(Vietnam) 
• Zoonotic and animal diseases affecting 
trade in Viet Nam. National capacity building and SPS obligations  
 
8. In October 2006, the Secretariat issued an anal ysis of data reported on SPS-related technical 
assistance to the WTO OECD Trade Capacity Building Database (TCBDB) and a parallel database 
established with funding from the STDF (G/SPS/GEN/726).  The objective of this work is to identify 
as accurately and completely as possible SPS-relate d technical assistance flows.  SPS information 
reproduced in the TCBDB has had to be supplemen ted from other sources.  For example, the total 
value of SPS-related assistance reported world-wi de in the TCBDB was US$280 million for the 
period 2001-2006.  Additional research put this fi gure much higher, at approximately US$1,093 
million for the same period.  However, even this hi gher figure is an under-estimation.  The Secretariat 
is continuing to examine the way to collect the mo st complete data set.  These efforts have been 
complicated by the decision to gi ve pre-eminence to the OECD’s Credit Reporting System in tracking 
of development assistance flows and to discontinue  reporting within a dedicated SPS code for trade 
policy regulation.  The Secretariat is examining the be st way to proceed in this regard, with a view to 
issuing an update to document G/SPS/GEN/726. 
9. In parallel, work has started on the development of a compendium of technical assistance in 
the SPS area.  A request will be circulated th rough the SPS Committee and the STDF to gather 
information for this document.  It is hoped that a first draft of the compendium should be available for 
the October meeting of the SPS Committee.  
10. The STDF has also been working closely with th e Aid for Trade initiative.  Workshops on the 
supply of and demand for SPS-related technical assi stance were organized in Lima (12 September 
2007), Manila (18 September 2007) and Dar es Salaam  (30 September 2007) as part of the Regional 
Reviews of Aid for Trade held in 2007.  ( G/SPS/GEN/812  provides further information.)    
11. A second phase of these Aid for Trade activities is  now underway.  This includes work with 
beneficiaries to devise balance sheets of SPS needs and assistance, with a view to identifying priority 
needs not addressed through on-going or planned assistance and to mobilize technical co-operation 
funds to address these needs on a priority basis.  Related fieldwork has been on-going in Central 
America, East Africa and the Mekong Delta since January.  The results of this research will be 
presented at three workshops in each region in May and June 2008.  These activities are scheduled as 
follows: G/SPS/GEN/829 
Page 4  
 
  • 21-22 May in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; 
• 28-29 May in Kampala, Uganda; and 
• 10-12 June in Guatemala. 
 12. Results from these three SPS Aid for Trade activ ities will be evaluated at the STDF Working 
Group meeting in June 2008.  If the outcome is deemed positive, further research work will be 
planned in additional regions in 2008-2009. 
Project development 
 
13. 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 25 
PPGs have been approved.   
14. 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).   
15.  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 empha sis 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 
 16. 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. 
 
17. 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.  
18. Independent  evaluations of three STDF projects were completed in 2007.  The projects 
evaluated were: 
• STDF 14 :  Development of the OIE capacity evalua tion tool (Performance, Vision, Strategy) 
in collaboration with IICA. 
• STDF 37 :  Assistance to developing countries in the implementation of ISPM No. 15 
(Guidelines for regulating wood packaging ma terial in international trade).   
• STDF 56 :  Capacity building for implementation of  the Codex Alimentarius Code of Good 
Practice for Animal Feeding.   G/SPS/GEN/829 
 Page 5 
 
 
  19. The total number of projects and PPGs approved by the STDF currently stands at 27 projects 
and 25 PPGs.  Annex 1 provides an overview of the implementation status of all STDF projects and 
PPGs.  Documents and reports pertaining to comp leted, ongoing and approved STDF projects can be 
accessed on the STDF website .  
Information dissemination 
 20. Enhancement of the STDF web site is in pr ogress.  An initial update was carried out in 
December 2007 when the site was transferred from th e World Bank to the WTO.  Further work needs 
to be undertaken to improve the site's content and fu nctionality, particularly in French and Spanish.  A 
Fact Sheet on the STDF was published at the beginning of March 2008 and the first issue of a tri-
annual STDF newsletter will be distribu ted before the end of March 2008. 
21. Discussions are also on-going on the development of a short information film.  This film 
would serve as a training tool to increase awareness among policy and decision-makers about the importance of SPS capacity for human health, econom ic development, and international trade.   
  G/SPS/GEN/829 
Page 6 ANNEX  
 
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF STDF PROJ ECTS AND PROJECT PREPARATION GRANTS  
STATUS OF APPROVED PROJECTS 
14 March 2008 
 
(a) Projects awaiting contracting 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) 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 To be 
confirmed 
(TBC) Approved at  
Nov-07 Working 
Group (WG) meeting.  Discussions 
ongoing with 
implementing agencies on 
contracting 
arrangements. Deadline for 
contracting 
Nov-08. 
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 TBC Approved at 
Nov-07 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.  
   G/SPS/GEN/829
 Page 7Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) Next action 
needed 
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 begin 
implement-
ation. 
 
(b) On-going projects funded by STDF 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency BeneficiaryBudget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) Next action 
needed 
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 TBC Implementation 
ongoing. Contract signed 
(Mar-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 TBC Implementation 
ongoing.  Contract signed 
(Mar-08).  Inception 
report.  
  G/SPS/GEN/829 
Page 8 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency BeneficiaryBudget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) 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).  Inception report 
approved.  First bi-annual 
report due (Mar-08). 
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.  Disbursement 
of second 
tranche of 
funds. 
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 due 
(Mar-08).  
   G/SPS/GEN/829
 Page 9Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency BeneficiaryBudget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) 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. Mission to 
Rwanda planned  
(Jun-08).   
Interim report due (Apr-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. 
Six month extension 
approved (Nov-
07). Implement-ation 
ongoing.  End of project 
report.  
  G/SPS/GEN/829 
Page 10 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency BeneficiaryBudget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) Next action 
needed 
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 (Mar-
08). Concerns raised 
by FAO 
regarding 
accessibility of 
OIE data.  Work with WTO on 
compatibility of 
SPS IMS system and IPFSAPH. End of project 
report. 
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 Apr-08.  
   G/SPS/GEN/829
 Page 11 
 
(c) Completed projects funded by STDF  
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) 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, 
Commonnwealt
h of Independent States (OIS) and 
Latin America. 130,614 Sep-04 Sep-04 / 
Dec-07 Completed.  Evaluation  
ongoing. Dissemination 
of evaluation 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. 
Information 
available on 
IPPC website (https://www.ipp
c.int/servlet/CD
SServlet?status=
ND01ODQ1NS
Y2PWVuJjMzP
SomMzc9a29z ). Evaluation  
ongoing.  Dissemination 
of evaluation 
report.  
  G/SPS/GEN/829 
Page 12 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) Next action 
needed 
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. FAO progress 
report due 
(Apr-08).  
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/829
 Page 13Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) 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/829 
Page 14 Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since 
last WG 
(8/11/07) 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.   Awaiting 
submission of final report by 
FAO.  Contract 
independent evaluation. 
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 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 (8/11/07) 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/829
 Page 15Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Budget in 
US$ Approval 
date Start /End 
Date Status Actions since last 
WG (8/11/07) 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 
implement-tation 
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/829 
Page 16 (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 (8/11/07) 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. 
 
 STATUS OF APPROVED PROJEC T PREPARATION GRANTS (PPGS)
3 - NONE 
 
(a) PPGs awaiting contracting 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (08/11/07) Next action 
needed 
         
 
(b) PPGs currently being implemented 
 
Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (08/11/07) 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).  
                                                      
3 All PPGs are funded from the ST DF.  The budget for PPGs is US$2 0,000 unless otherwise indicated.   
   G/SPS/GEN/829
 Page 17Project Title Objective Implementing/
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (08/11/07) 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/829 
Page 18  
(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 (08/11/07) 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/829
 Page 19Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (08/11/07) 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 (08/11/07) 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/829 
Page 20 Project Title Objective Implementing/ 
Oversight 
Agency Beneficiary Approval 
date Status Actions since last 
WG (08/11/07) 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 (08/11/07) 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. 
__________