From 9-13 November 2015 27 development specialists and partners of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs participated in a learning journey on food safety. Key issues and approaches to address public health in the context of agribusiness development in developing and transition countries were shared and reflected.
AalbertsFoodWise delivered for the organizing agency, Centre For Development Innovation, the preparation, coordination and implementation of the journey.
In particular:
- Needs assessment, selection of topics and methodologies, as well as content delivery in the area of Regulatory Foundations of Food Safety, EU Food Law, Private food safety certification and consumer perception of food safety risks.
- Delivery of content matter specialists, key note speakers (AHOLD, GLOBALGAP, Food and Veterinary Office), and moderation of a seminar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 45 participants.
- Editing of public report (available soon).
Participants valued the journey for its richness, and gained insights applicable to their own practice. For many, the expert contributions and discussions increased the understanding the importance of many other stakeholders when they will develop new or monitor existing programmes.
Participants expressed that, in order to improve agrifood supply chains, a clear vision is required on the interplay between sector development and public controls on food safety. Interventions should aim at:
- a fair level playing field for small, medium and large producers, food business operators and quality and safety infrastructure service providers,
- longer term sustainability in developing agrifood markets, nationally, regionally and internationally,
- preparedness for potential food safety crises and capable of dealing with emerging risks, in order to limit the disruption of trade, increase trust and reduce costs among stakeholders in the food supply chain.
The learning journey is an example of how the Netherlands and World Bank are giving shape to the new partnership ‘Food for All’, which was launched by Minister Ploumen and the World Bank in Rotterdam, May 2015. The agreement focuses on strengthening collaboration in key strategic areas such as food, nutrition and health; inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth with a focus on pro-poor value chains and market transformations that better link farmers to markets and ecologically sustainable food systems for climate-smart, resilient agriculture.
See for more information:
Announcement: A Learning Journey on Food Safety, CDI Wageningen 2015
Wageningen UR News Item: World Bank visits Wageningen UR to learn on food safety
Food & Knowledge Business Platform: WBG Learning Journey on Food Safety
World Bank News Item on ‘Food For All’ Partnership:: Netherlands, World Bank Group Partner to Transform the Agricultural Sector: New partnership to mobilize knowledge and innovation
Comments are closed