Strengthening and Integrating Agricultural Health and Food Safety Systems and Services for Enhanced Food Security and Increased Market Access
Predominant Lines of Action of the 2010-2014 MTP
Agricultural Health and Food Safety:
Line 2, Modernization of the national sanitary and phytosanitary services;
Line 3, Food Safety
Level: Country
National
The problem
While Trinidad and Tobago has made some progress in developing its agricultural health and food safety services over the years, these services continue to be delivered in an uncoordinated manner which results in duplication of effort and less than optimal use of scarce human and financial resources. In addition, the private sector, and in particular small and medium sized enterprises have not been empowered with the information and tools necessary for them to adopt the practices required for effectively accessing domestic and export markets. The project therefore seeks to address these deficiencies.
General objective
To promote and facilitate the development of a strengthened and more integrated agricultural health and food safety system which facilitates national food security and increased market access for SMEs in particular.
Specific objectives
1. To enhance the capacity of public sector officials and stakeholders in the agri-food sector in technical areas relating to agricultural health and food safety;
2. To strengthen the systems in place for knowledge management including the those for generating, analyzing and disseminating information relating to AHFS;
3. To facilitate greater inter-agency and multi-stakeholder dialogue and interaction on AFHS issues;
4. To provide technical assistance aimed at facilitating the adoption of agricultural practices (GAPs) and food safety standards (HACCP, GMP,) for increased market access and trade, with emphasis on SMEs.
Beneficiaries
The Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the private sector including SMEs, other State Agencies involved in agricultural development.
Duration
4 years (2011 – 2014)
Description of activities, outputs, results, and achievement indicators
Specific objective 1
To enhance the capacity of public sector officials and stakeholders in the agri-food sector in technical areas relating to agricultural health and food safety;
Activity
Conduct training programmes in areas of AHFS based on needs of public and private sector stakeholders.
Outputs
1. Courses on AHFS
2. Training materials, including manuals
3. Documents containing results of application of training methodologies and tools
Expected results
Enhanced capacity in public and private sectors to utlize and apply AHFS principles and practices leading to better management of pest and diseases, increased adoption of practices and food safety standards and increased access to markets
Achievement indicators
At least two (2) training programmes conducted and 25 persons trained in agricultural health and food safety related issues
Specific objective 2
To strengthen the systems in place for knowledge management including the those for generating, analyzing and disseminating information relating to AHFS;
Activity
Provide assistance in strengthening system for knowledge management as it relates to AHFS
Outputs
1. Knowledge management system strengthened with website interface, development and circulation of fact sheets
2. Available Information on AHFS is identified and brought into central knowledge management system
Expected results
General public, public sector and private sector including SMEs are better informed to act and make decisions relating to the AHFS system
Achievement indicators
Knowledge management system for AHFS reviewed and recommendations presented for strengthening system by mid 2012
Activity (2)
Conduct assessments using various PVS tools – SPS, Food safety, Plant health and animal health
Outputs
1. Reports with information and findings of Assessments
2. Documents with proposals for strengthening AHFS system
Expected results
Increased efficiency and effectiveness in programme and project design as it relates to strengthening the AHFS system
Achievement indicators
Assessment of the Animal Health and plant health system conducted in 2011 and 2012. Updates of assessments in SPS and Food Safety conducted in 2012 – 2013
Specific objective 3
To facilitate greater inter-agency and multi-stakeholder dialogue and interaction on AFHS issues;
Activity
Provide fora for inter-agency and multi-stakeholder dialogue and interaction on AHFS issues
Outputs
1. Dialogue, fora, meetings, consultations
2. Agreed strategies and plans of action for addressing AHFS issues
Expected results
Increased levels of cooperation and integration in the design and execution of projects and programmes relating to AHFS
Achievement indicators
Support provided in convening at least one multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder fora annually.
Specific objective 4
To provide technical assistance aimed at facilitating the adoption of agricultural practices (GAPs) and food safety standards (HACCP, GMP,) for increased market access and trade, with emphasis on SMEs.
Activity
Provide technical assistance in facilitating the adoption of GAPs, HACCP. GMP , etc by SMEs in particular
Outputs
1. Technical assistance programme targeted at SMEs
2. GAP protocols and similar instruments documented
Expected results
Private sector and SMEs in particular are empowered with information and skills to adopt standards required for accessing markets
Achievement indicators
At least one GAP Protocol developed annually and support provided in developing grades and standards for two commodities annually. Technical assistance programme developed in collaboration with CARIRI and NAMDEVCO targeting SMEs.
Comment: The project and its activities are linked to three instruments of technical cooperation, namely “Knowledge management”, “Training in subjects related to IICA’s areas of competence” and “Direct Technical Cooperation” as these are applied to strengthening the agricultural health and food safety system in Trinidad and Tobago. The project will be executed in close collaboration with MFPLMA, Ministry of Health, stakeholders along the value chain and other developments partners.