An agricultural service centre and outgrowers' programme in the DR Congo The province of Katanga in the south of DR Congo is known for its natural resources that are currently exploited by various mining companies. The agricultural sector however, is hardly developed. Almost all fruit and vegetables are imported from South Africa, Tanzania or Zambia.Gocongo Enterprises SPRL established a 60 ha farm outside Lubumbashi in 2008 and the long-term vision is to grow to 400 ha. Therefore, the company has invested in this project in a service centre consisting of drying, milling, and (cold) storage facilities. The service centre not only supports the own farm, but also neighbouring smallholder that make use of the storage and milling facilities as well as other services as sales of agricultural inputs, agricultural training and marketing.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Gocongo Enterprises has developed an extensive CSR policy. The general business principles cover human rights, labour standards, the environment, business integrity and the responsibilities of GoCongo towards its customers, employees, business partners and local communities.Next to developing the farm and its marketing activities, the company is involved in a wide range of CSR activities. A CSR manager has been appointed and is taking care of health and safety, primary education, professional training (especially agricultural education), literacy courses, kindergarten and a community development programme. Most of these services are free of charge, or charge a modest contribution.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsTwenty-seven people will be employed: three managers, ten sales agents, five warehouse staff and nine drivers and security guards (three high, fifteen medium and nine basic skilled).Two years later this is expected to grow to 103 people (nine high, 57 medium and 37 basic).Employees will receive a salary and two meals a day which together represents a value of about 60% above local minimum wages.Additionally, all employees receive free medical care at the farm, and (if needed and wanted) free housing on the farm.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThe entire business opportunity in fact is new to the region. It will enhance knowledge on agricultural production in general, and on storage, drying and milling in particular.•	Chain effectsThe most important chain effect is the effect on consumers. The prices for agricultural products like potatoes, maize and onions will come down because of the (future) year round availability of these products, and because of the overall increase in production, once storage facilities are available.A second major effect is the impact on smallholder farmers. Next to the agricultural training courses that have already been given to more than 60 farmers, the farmers will benefit from all other services that GoCongo will avail to them. Some of the 'graduates' of last year have already started successful own businesses. Others have started working for GoCongo. Within the PSI project, at least 100 outgrowers will be contracted.Last of all, some 25 retailers are expected to benefit from this project as well.•	EnvironmentThe impact on the environment will be neutral. The energy efficiency of the cold stores will be optimised by taking proper isolation measures.Employees will be trained on good environmental practices in order to minimise impact. As environmental impact assessments are not (yet) institutionalised in DR Congo, an EIA will not be conducted.•	Position of womenThe partners expect to employ 10 women (out of 27 employees in total). Two of them will be in management positions. To establish a commercially operated agricultural service centre that facilitates storage, cold storage, drying, milling and pressing of locally grown agricultural produce in order to make year round supply to the local food market possible, and which sup