WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “The United States is a longstanding supporter of the STDF and of WTO technical assistance more generally. This latest contribution reflects the US’ continuing commitment to enhancing developing countries’ sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities through science-based approaches, helping them meet international standards and access markets. This will help producers participate more effectively in regional and global value chains, and will contribute to raising export revenues, incomes and living standards. The STDF’s global partnership is a practical example of how Aid for Trade can simultaneously contribute to poverty reduction, enhanced food security and better protection of the environment.”
H.E. Ms. María Pagán, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO said: “The United States continues to invest in technical assistance to support the implementation of the WTO SPS Agreement. This work facilitates agricultural trade, increasing availability, access and affordability of safe and nutritious food, and is especially relevant as the SPS Committee prepares to report on the work programme of the SPS Declaration, Responding to Modern SPS Challenges, at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13). We recognize STDF’s important contributions in delivering programmes and disseminating results that are effective, transparent and science based. We welcome the renewal of our investment in a partnership that accelerates the transformation toward more resilient, sustainable and inclusive food systems that help support global food security.”
Non-compliance with international SPS standards and requirements can lead to market rejections and economic losses for producers as well as food recalls and health risks for consumers. The STDF will use the new contribution from the USDA to strengthen the ability of small-scale farmers, producers and traders to access global and regional food markets by developing and implementing innovative and collaborative SPS projects.
The long-term partnership with USDA will also enhance STDF’s coordination and knowledge platform by identifying lessons and promoting good practices to improve SPS capacity development outcomes globally, including on cross-cutting topics such as gender inclusion and climate change, and their impact on agri-food trade.
Overall, the United States has contributed approximately USD 29 million to various WTO trust funds since 2002.
Public and private sector organizations in developing and least-developed countries are encouraged to apply to the STDF for project and project preparation grants. The next deadline for submission of funding proposals is 1 March 2024. Information on eligibility criteria and how to apply is available here.
The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership to facilitate safe and inclusive trade, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the WTO, which houses and manages the partnership. The STDF responds to evolving needs, drives inclusive trade and contributes to sustainable economic growth, food security and poverty reduction, in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Share
Reach us to explore global export and import deals