Ireland's Generous Contribution to Global Food Safety and Trade
The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), a global partnership dedicated to promoting safe and inclusive trade, has received a significant boost from Ireland. This generous contribution, totaling €2.9 million (CHF 2.8 million), highlights Ireland's unwavering commitment to supporting developing countries and bolstering global food security. The contribution brings Ireland's total support to the STDF to over €2.9 million since 2007.
Overcoming Trade Barriers and Empowering Producers
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for Ireland's generosity, emphasizing the critical role the STDF plays in enabling developing countries to participate in global food markets. She highlighted the challenges faced by small-scale farmers and producers in these countries, often struggling to meet sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. The STDF, through the support of countries like Ireland, is instrumental in overcoming these obstacles, empowering producers and facilitating inclusive trade.
A Multi-Stakeholder Effort for Sustainable Development
The STDF represents a collective effort by leading international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the WTO. This collaborative platform has been instrumental in addressing evolving trade needs and promoting sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Empowering Developing Countries Through Project Funding
The STDF's impact is evident in the numerous projects it has funded, exceeding 250 in number, benefiting LDCs and other developing economies. The STDF provides both SPS project and project preparation grants, enabling developing countries to enhance their SPS capacity and effectively participate in international trade. Developing economies and LDCs are encouraged to apply for these grants, with detailed information available on the STDF website.
A Shared Responsibility for a Sustainable Future
The STDF's work underscores the importance of international collaboration in building a more equitable and sustainable global food system. By facilitating safe and inclusive trade, the STDF empowers developing countries to participate in the global marketplace and contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for all. Ireland's continued support is a testament to its commitment to achieving these goals and promoting a world where everyone benefits from the opportunities of international trade. The contributions of Ireland and other member states continue to be crucial to the STDF's mission, enabling the organization to address the evolving needs of its beneficiaries and promote sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction.
This funding will be used to support the STDF's work in providing technical assistance to developing countries, helping them to improve their SPS systems and gain access to global markets. The STDF is a vital tool for promoting inclusive and sustainable trade, and Ireland's continued support is a testament to its commitment to achieving these goals.
