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.
Update on Ukraine
A grant program has been initiated to support organic producers in the current situation and preserve and strengthen the capacity of the organic sector of Ukraine in the mid- and long-term. Information on how to get a grant as well as how to donate to the program can be found here.
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.
2nd Call for Public Private Partnerships for Albania
IFOAM - Organics International calls for proposals for Public Private Partnerships in Albania. The main objective of this co-financing mechanism is to support organic export ventures that help increase production and trading capacities of organic sector stakeholders in Albania to become more competitive in the international market. The PPP co-financing facility shall enable and foster business partnerships among the Swiss and European sourcing industry and local business actors from Albania that contribute (a) to value addition, (b) help create jobs, (c) create public goods for the sector and (d) develop relevant capacities that foster sustainable organic business development with focus on exports in Albania.
Applications will be accepted until April 27, 2022.
Please find an explanation of the OT4D Co-Financing Facility, requirements and modalities here.
The Expression of Interest must be submitted electronically to HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, OT4D@helvetas.org
Organic Trade 4 Development in Eastern Europe (OT4D) Foundation Course in Albania (OFC-Albania)
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Organic Trade 4 Development in Eastern Europe (OT4D) Leadership Course in Ukraine (OLC-Ukraine)
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