EU-CDB Regional Food Security Programme Call for Proposals.pptx

Call for Proposals for the projects for agri-MSMEs and producers to provide access to finance, foster innovation, and improve distribution systems to enhance competitiveness and resilience. The Social Protection and Nutrition Project, led by the EU Member State agencies FIIAPP and CPVA, will strengthen the inclusion of food system actors by promoting social insurance schemes and supporting agricultural producers’ access to national social protection systems.

1. EU - Caribbean Regional Food Security Programme 2023-2027

2. EU Response to the Global Food Crisis Impacts of Covid-19 Russia’s war against Ukraine In July 2022, the EU mobilised EUR 600 million to address the food crisis in acp countries , while contributing to sustainable and resilient food systems.

3. EU- Caribbean Regional Food Security Programme Partnership for Economic Resilience & Trade SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Enhanced sustainability, resilience, nutrition and gender sensitivity of food production systems , for local and regional markets. Improved processing and regional distribution systems of food products. Extended inclusivity of national social protection systems , particularly for agricultural actors. Promoted equitable access to nutritious and healthy diets . KEY DATES Presentation of the programme to the OECS Ministerial meeting at the CWA 2023 Signature of the contracts with each implementing partner (November 2023) and launch of the programme. Inception period (January 2024 – September 2024), definition of workplans and selected countries of focus. Partnership for Governance, Security & Human Development Partnership for a Caribbean Green Deal GENERAL OBJECTIVE To enhance the resilience and sustainability of food systems in the Caribbean , promoting food and nutrition security particularly among groups in vulnerable situations. 2023 – 2027 | EUR 19 M | Implemented directly by: Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) – EUR 7 M International Trade Centre (ITC) – EUR 4 M Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture ( IICA ) – EUR 3 M EU Member States Agencies FIIAPP and CPVA – EUR 5 M A Steering Committee , EU and CARIFORUM as co-chairs. A Technical Committee ad hoc for coordination between implementers at technical level. Each component its own governance mechanism.

4. OUTPUTS Increased availability of up-to-date knowledge about competitiveness, capacity and market ecosystem of VC actors. Increased capacities of MSMEs / BSOs to reinforce public-private commercial alliances and business environment. Enhanced capacities of agri-MSMEs , cooperatives and smallholder farmers/fishers on climate-resilient and sustainable practices, value addition and access to markets . Enhanced capacities of BSOs and farmer/fishers organisations to deliver public-private su pport services to Agri-MSMEs , cooperatives and smallholder farmers. Enhanced financial capacities of Agri-MSMEs and cooperatives to develop investment strategies and bankable projects and access to funding from finance and investment support institutions. Increased opportunities for the digitalization, transparency, and traceability of selected VC. Value Chains – Implemented by ITC Duration: 4 years, 2023 – 2027 Budget: EUR 4 M Associated Institutions: CARDI , CPSO + regional/national institutions. Main delivery method: capacity building and channeling investment opportunities with IICA and CDB. Beneficiaries : smallholder farmers, producers, BSOs , Government authorities. Partnership for Economic Resilience & Trade OUTCOME Enhanced competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of prioritized inclusive, gender-sensitive food value chains (VC) at local and regional levels. Partnership for Governance, Security & Human Development Partnership for a Caribbean Green Deal OBJECTIVE To promote inclusive, sustainable growth and food security in the Caribbean region

5. Value Chains – Implemented by ITC Our intervention logic and inception phase Identification of Companies Identification of products/ sectors Validation of market analysis and TA needs Scoping missions Company visits & Institutional meetings for validation of approach & priorities Partnerships with local institutions Define targets and interventions Companies and institutions assessments Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) – Validation of inception May-June-July August - September October February-March-April Trade flows analysis Blue economy approach development Production base and value added products analysis Shared use processing facilities business models assessed Screening of agro -processors, MSMEs and cooperatives Blue economy and food value chains prioritization Companies and institutions support plans Product and market development Trainings, VCD

6. Value Chains – Implemented by ITC Areas of focus Food value chains (Fruits & vegetables, Roots & tubers) Blue economy & artisanal fisheries Regional processing & value addition

7. Value Chains – Implemented by ITC Blue Economy for Food Security & Sustainability Upgrading small scale fisheries, fisher folks and communities Supplier development & quality Promoting innovative and restorative mariculture, aquaculture & conservation Promoting new products using waste and innovation Circular Economy & Innovation Promote market linkages and responsible Trade & investment

8. SPS – Implemented by IICA Partnership for Economic Resilience & Trade OUTCOMES Improved harmonisation of the legislative framework for regional priority commodities. Improved application of SPS Controls by Competent Authorities throughout the supply chain. Increased Food Safety Compliance by Competent Authorities through improved testing capacities . Partnership for Governance, Security & Human Development Partnership for a Caribbean Green Deal Duration: 4 years, 2023 – 2027 Budget: EUR 3 M Associated Institutions : CRFM , CAHFSA + regional/national institutions. Main delivery method : technical assistance, capacity building. Beneficiaries : regulatory and inspection services, competent authorities, laboratories and private sector (producers, fishers, MSMEs ). OBJECTIVE To increase regional production and distribution of fresh and processed products, addressing SPS barriers and solutions to intra-regional trade of agricultural and fisheries products. OUTPUTS Enhanced SPS regulatory environment . Improved efficiency of competent authorities in the enforcement and implementation of SPS controls . Increased food safety compliance capability and capacity of competent authorities and industry stakeholders. Enhanced Food Safety Culture Along the Value Chain and Supporting Services. Enhanced laboratory rationalisation and upgrades for improved testing efficiencies (training, equipment, accreditation for key tests).

9. SPS – Implemented by IICA Inception Phase Actions Collection of baseline information through desktop reviews and analysis of secondary information. Conduct of assessments. Conduct of focus group sessions with key stakeholders. Validation of information collected. Outcomes of the Inception Phase

10. SPS – Implemented by IICA Guiding Principles and Delivery methods Focused approach, driven by regional priorities, use technology and innovation for transformation. Creation of synergies - Integration/collaboration with programme partners and regional and national stakeholders implementing complementary actions. Capacity Building - Direct technical assistance + training – course development, seminars, workshops, study tours Implementation Focus, Delivery & Next Steps Value chains of Focus Root and Tuber Crops Vegetables Fisheries Small Ruminants Critical Actions to Address SPS Bottlenecks Model regulations and harmonised standards and guidelines for intra-regional trade of priority commodities. Laboratory rationalization strategy and upgrades of key laboratories in tests required for the value chains of focus. Capacity building of public sector to enforce food safety controls and private sector in the implementation of international food safety standards (key areas- enforcement of SPS controls, quality assurance schemes, traceability and risk analysis). Information tools and platforms for improved food safety awareness and culture. Immediate Next Steps Formalisation of the work plan through the Governance Committee. Evaluation of the status of national food control systems in select countries.

11. OUTPUTS Increased access to finance ( inc. insurance-based options) to smallholder agricultural and fisheries producers, with a particular focus on women and youth. Enabled Aquatic/ Agri -tech innovative and transformative research and investments in food production solutions with a sustainable and scalable model in the region. Increased sustainable channels for distribution of food-products at a regional level. Investments (production / distribution) Implemented by CDB Duration: 4 years, 2023 – 2027 Budget: Euro 9,843,561 Location of Action: CARIFORUM States Main delivery method: investment grants, technical assistance, capacity building. Associated Institutions : FAO, ITC, IICA, CRFM, CAHFSA, CARDI, CROSQ, CEDA, UWI, CPSO + regional/national institutions. Partnership for Economic Resilience & Trade OUTCOMES Enhanced sustainability, resilience, nutrition and gender sensitivity of food production systems (agricultural and fisheries), for local and regional markets. Improved processing and regional distribution systems of food products. Partnership for Governance, Security & Human Development Partnership for a Caribbean Green Deal OBJECTIVE To support agri-MSMEs and producers to become more competitive and resilient through access to finance, innovation, technology and additional regional distribution channels.

12. Key Findings – Inception Phase Strong interest in agribusiness development (with a focus on AgTech ), the green economy, including renewable energy and logistics & distribution, IT enabled services and transportation ; Assistance required in project development design and support prior and post establishment of the project Consideration to be given on the social dynamic and the ability of small farm holders ability to replicate dynamic systems at scale. It is imperative that large development systems to be proposed by larger firms incorporate systems which streamlines scalability for smaller players. Demand for agro -production systems high, however these may be better linked to interventions capable of incorporating forward linkages in the agri-food value chain protection systems; Inception Phase Overview Activities Conducted : Stakeholder consultations (CIF) Identification of key barriers and gaps in food security. Preliminary Survey of demand for intervention and potential for impact Key Next- steps Needs assessment and policy review by national and regional stakeholders Establishing Partnerships among local NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations impetrative Target Group Small-holder farmers and fisherfolk (including women and youth). Agri-food SMEs/MSMEs, producers, processors and distributors, stakeholders and support institutions (i.e.: BSOs, industry organisations ) engaged in the provision of services, and/or production and marketing of agrifood products within CARIFORUM MS. Intervention Logic – Calls for Proposals

13. Building Production Resilience Building Environmental Resilience Building Social Resilience Higher yield development resulting in high productivity & growth Enhanced market linkages Increased resilience of food systems to natural hazards and climate change Improved regional competitiveness and reduced dependence on imports Strengthen regulatory framework for intra-regional trade Introduction of innovative green and environmentally sustainable practices in Agriculture Improved Environment management systems (ISO4001) in agri-food-industry regional Improved nature-based and agro -ecological solutions Eco-system friendly technological solutions in agriculture production Consumption shift to more highly nutritious food options Reduced obesity in the Caribbean Vulnerable groups (women, children, seniors, PWDs) no longer disproportionately affected CDB Corporate Priorities Alignment to Corporate objectives CDB’s investments in agriculture and its related activities focuses on a transformative agenda aimed at improving productivity and sustainability within the agricultural sector Intervention Logic – Alignment to CDB’s Corporate Priorities

14. 1 Relevance Interventions based on country priorities As outlined in national strategic documents and its alignment with programme objectives and the Bank’s Strategic Framework . 2 Design Adequacy of problem analysis; analysis establishes the rationale for the project, highlights likely constraints, informed by lessons learned 3 Effectiveness A robust work plan to guide the agency’s implementation of the project is in place & mechanisms are in place to mobilise , commercial and donor resources 4 Feasibility the major risks identified and are measures in place to mitigate such; Also, project objectives are expected to be completed within the time frame of the Contribution Agreement 5 Sustainability mechanisms are in place to hold key implementation partners accountable and the benefits generated by the project will be sustained in the longer-term . Guiding Principles Intervention Logic – Calls for Proposals 6 Cost Effectiveness Competitive development that demonstrates cost effectiveness and the ability to reach scale to satisfy market demands. .

15. EU-CDB Call for Proposals Overall Programme Objective To enhance the (environmental and social-economic) resilience and the sustainability of food systems in the Caribbean, in order to promote food and nutrition security, particularly among vulnerable communities and marginalised groups. Budget: €9,843,561 (€400.000 – €570.000 per project) € 1,378,273 available per Window Regional Projects: up to €670.000 per project # of Projects : 2 to 5 per window Location: CARIFOURM member States Date of Call for proposals 1: Oct 7 – Dec 9 Date of Call for proposals 2: March 18 – May 12

16. EU-CDB Regional Food Security Programme Partnership for Economic Resilience & Trade Partnership for Governance, Security & Human Development Partnership for a Caribbean Green Deal You may Scan the QR Code for further details of the EU-CDB Regional Food Security Programme

17. Partnership for Economic Resilience & Trade OUTCOMES Social protection systems for agricultural actors are more inclusive. Access to nutritionally adequate and healthy diets are improved. Innovation for sustainable agriculture and circular economy is promoted. Partnership for Governance, Security & Human Development Partnership for a Caribbean Green Deal Duration: 4 years, January 2024 – January 2028 Budget: EUR 5 M Associated Institutions : regional/national institutions. Main delivery method : technical assistance, capacity building, grants, peer to peer exchanges. Beneficiaries : small producers, fisher-folk, agri-business operators, cooperatives and producer organisations with special considerations for youth, women and vulnerable groups. Priority Countries: OECS Countries (S aint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica). OBJECTIVE To increase the social inclusion of all actors in the food system while enhancing equitable access to nutritionally adequate diets . OUTPUTS Supported national and regional capacities to formulate broader and inclusive policies for agricultural actors. Strengthened coverage and shock-responsiveness for social protection systems developments in the agricultural sector. Fostered spaces for policy dialogue in the areas of social protection and food and nutrition. Improved data information in the agricultural sector. Strengthened agricultural organizations and systems. Promoted awareness raising on the importance of healthy diets with a multidimensional and inclusive approach. Supported transition strategies to the circular economy . Analysis of innovation strategies and ecosystems for sustainable agriculture . Social Protection and Nutrition – Implemented by EU Member State Agency

18. INCEPTION PHASE - ROADMAP I. Identification of relevant stakeholders . II. Meetings with institutions and civil society organizations . III. Establishment of priority working lines at national and regional level. IV. Validation of areas of work . V. Development of the work plan . VI. Submission of the inception report . GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR INTERVENTION Demand oriented approach: Countries define their own priorities. A rich regional/national dynamic is promoted. Public technical cooperation: exchange of experiences (peer-to-peer). Horizontal dialogue with countries and regional actors: Scoping missions to the OECS countries policy roundtable discussions. Policy dialogue Social Protection and Nutrition – Implemented by EU Member State Agency JUNE 2024: 1st Scoping Mission Saint Lucia Grenada Saint Vincent and the Grenadines SEPTEMBER 2024: 2nd Scoping Mission Saint Kitts and Nevis Antigua and Barbuda Dominica

19. INCEPTION PHASE – PRIORITY WORKING LINES C1: Social Protection C2: Agriculture and Nutrition C3: Innovation and Circular Economy TOOLBOX TO DEVELOP THE INTERVENTION Technical assistance: i.e. formulation of legislative frameworks Comparative studies : i.e. relation between malnutrition and gender Training courses for public servants Seminars or workshops Study Visits Grants (CPVA) Strengthen access to complementary coverage in the agricultural sector Improve tailoring agricultural and fishing insurance Enhance farmers associations and cooperatives (youth and women) Promote climate resilience plan Assist data collection and analysis Expand school feeding / gardening programmes Support food and nutrition policies Increase awareness on healthy diets Enhance technology in the food and nutrition sector Foster climate-smart actions Pilot transtion to circular economy Innovation a grifood sector Social Protection and Nutrition – Implemented by EU Member State Agency