Organic Trade 4 Development in Eastern Europe (OT4D)
Implementing Target Countries:
Albania, Serbia and Ukraine
Consortium:
IFOAM - Organics International (Lead Agency),
Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation,
FiBL
Local Implementing Partners:
Albania Association of Marketing (AAM)
Serbia Organica
Green Dossier
Overview
Europe has favourable natural conditions for organic farming and huge growth potential. The ever-increasing demand in the Swiss and European markets and an emerging domestic market for healthy food in Eastern Europe provides interesting business opportunities in particular in exportation and local market development. A number of actions were identified such as strengthening sector institutions, value chains and advisory services, producer group development as well as the development of market strategies and raising consumer awareness.
The overall goal is to increase and enhance jobs in the organic sector, particularly for youth and women, and to contribute to the multiple positive effects of organic farming in terms of economic growth, innovation and natural environment.
The OT4D project is supported by State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by IFOAM - Organics International in joint collaboration with the consortium Helvetas / FiBL. IFOAM – Organics International and its consortium works together with the country coordinators / national country offices. They are the local implementers in Albania, Serbia and Ukraine with close collaboration with the different Swiss agencies such as Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) and embassies as well as other complementary programs in the region.
Concrete Objectives
Organic exports will be developed and supported through public engagement with the Swiss and European organic sourcing industry. The Swiss and European organic sourcing industry will be invited to participate in a call for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project with the objective of increasing the competitiveness and value addition of existing or new supply chains originating from the Western Balkans (Serbia and Albania) or Ukraine. The PPP projects will be able to apply for financial support by the OT4D co-financning facility which will be opened soon. The private sector is expected to contribute at least 50% of the PPP project costs. Learn more here.
The implementation of Organic 3.0 in the partner countries contributes to the sustainable growth of their organic sectors. At the core is the development of the domestic market, including both the demand and supply side. The focus is on capacity development for value chain stakeholders, producers and processors, sector institutions and market systems plus advocacy and awareness raising.
Organic Trade 4 Development in Eastern Europe (OT4D) Foundation Course in Albania (OFC-Albania)
Read more
Organic Trade 4 Development in Eastern Europe (OT4D) Leadership Course in Ukraine (OLC-Ukraine)
Read more
