Key Issues
The spread of sustainability standards (SS) presents challenges and opportunities for smallholder farmers in developing countries who comprise the majority of the world's poor.
There has been a proliferation of private sector and NGO initiatives to set standards and certification programmes for food since the early 1990s, notably in developed countries.
In addition to the physical quality of food, consumers are increasingly demanding proof of meeting specific production-, environment-, and ethics-related parameters. This includes a wide range of quality, environmental, social or cultural issues such as traceability of products, documentation of best agricultural practices, occupational safety, lower environmental impact, fair return to producers, assurance of labour rights and animal welfare.
While most of these standards aim at shifting towards more sustainable production methods, they can be difficult to meet, can cause additional certification costs and may complicate access to export markets, in particular for small-scale farmers in developing countries. Yet, global markets for certified sustainably produced food products are expanding 2-10 times faster than conventional food markets.
Purpose of the event
The meeting will identify the challenges and opportunities of SS and how to allow producers in developing countries, in particular small-scale farmers, to use them as a tool for promoting trade for sustainable development. Sustainability standards should adequately reflect local conditions and development needs and developing country producers should be their owners, rather than victims. Sustainability standards are of key importance for market access and sustainable development and unless pro-actively addressed can become a serious market entry hurdle.
This side event will:
- Present the key findings and recommendations of the pre-UNCTAD XII event on Making Sustainability Standards Work for Small-scale Farmers, which was held in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania from 7-9 April 2008.
- Launch the book on Private-sector Standards and National Schemes for Good Agricultural Practices - Implications for Exports of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables from sub-Saharan Africa: Experiences of Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.
- Launch the monograph on Best Practices for Organic Policy - What Developing Country Governments Can Do to Promote the Organic Agriculture Sector.
A Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Production and Trading Opportunities for Organic Agricultural Products: A Tool for Poverty Reduction and Environmental Protection in East Africa, will also be signed.
Contact:
Dr. Ulrich Hoffmann
Tel.: + 41 22 917 5780 or 41 22 917 0247
E-mail: Ulrich.hoffmann
unctad.org
Dr. Sophia Twarog
Tel.: 41 22 917 5082
E-mail: Sophia.twarogunctad.org
Quick links: Trade and Sustainable Development Section