EDB steps up efforts to preserve Ceylon Cinnamon

• Calls for EoIs from service providers to establish internal control mechanism for Ceylon Cinnamon GI
• Control mechanism for CCGI to be implemented at three levels — self-control by CCGIA members, internal control by CCGIA and external control by Export Agriculture Department
• Aims to conduct trainings for CCGIA members to improve technical capacities within 6 months

By Charumini de Silva

The Export Development Board (EDB) is stepping up efforts to further preserve Ceylon Cinnamon, with plans to establish an Internal Control Mechanism.

In this connection, the EDB has called for applications from suitable service providers or consultants to set up an internal control mechanism for Ceylon Cinnamon GI Association (CCGIA) as per the Ceylon Cinnamon Geographical Indication (CCGI) specifications and control plan.

“The EDB is working with the cinnamon industry stakeholders in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in the framework of the EU-Sri Lanka Trade Related Assistance to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) for ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ in the European Union (EU),” an advertisement published in newspapers stated yesterday.

The objective of the project is to hire a service provider or consultant who can develop required documents, conduct training programs for CCGIA members to improve technical capacities to implement internal control system as per ‘Ceylon Cinnamon GI’ (CCGI) specifications and control plan within a six-month time period.

The control mechanism for CCGI is to be implemented at three levels as the control plan and they include: self-control by CCGIA members, internal control by CCGIA and external control by the Export Agriculture Department.

According to 2019 Central Bank Annual Report data, earning from cinnamon exports in 2015 was Rs.19,099 and it was increased to Rs.37,315 million in 2018 before coming down to Rs.33,583 million.

As per the notice, EDB together with industry stakeholders has finalised the ‘Ceylon Cinnamon GI Specification’ document and submitted it to the EU along with the GI application.

“The product characteristics and production methods mentioned in the specification document have to be assured and implemented by the members of the CCGIA, comprising stakeholders of the cinnamon value chain, nursery owners, growers, collectors, processors, traders and exporters, to hold the ownership of CCGI,” the notice said.

Further, it is expected to establish a digital traceability platform which will enable the country to record the data of the members of the value chain.

EDB intends to appoint an independent service provider or consultant having competency on establishing internal control mechanisms to ensure CCGIA members’ compliance with the GI specifications.

The ideal service provider or consultant should possess minimum of three years’ experience in work of a similar nature during the recent past, should have a proven track-record of mobilising resources for systems development, should provide evidence of successful client management skills and place special emphasis on capacity development and training to better facilitate the certifying updated food safety and quality certification schemes such as GLOBAL G.A.P, CAP, GMP, GHP, HACCP, Organic and ISO 22000 and knowledge on ISO/IEC 17065.

Prospective companies or individuals are invited to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) on or before 15 July.