EU, Germany and EDB offer technical support to organic agriculture producers, exporters

Panelists: EDB Chairman Suresh De Mel (right), Institute of Policy Studies Research Fellow Asanka Wijesinghe (left) and Achala Samaradivakar (second from right) 

The European Union (EU), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Export Development Board (EDB) have launched the Organic Agriculture webinar series;

EU Delegation to Sri Lanka Head of Cooperation Jenny Correia Nunes

one-of-a-kind, accessible and educational video episodes that explore a variety of topics including organic certification, organic practices and successful organic farming methods across Sri Lanka. 

The move is in recognition of Sri Lanka’s potential in the organic agriculture sector and its’ importance for food security. The series, facilitated by local and international experts, will support local producers, sellers and exporters who are looking to expand their businesses to meet demands of the local and European markets.

The Organic Agriculture webinar series falls under the project “Support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Organic Agriculture Sector in Sri Lanka” funded by the EU and BMZ and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. 

Since 2021, the project  supports organic food producers in Sri Lanka to access new markets in the EU and provide private sector investment opportunities. The program is collaborating with national institutions such as the EDB to address necessary regulatory and policy changes for the domestic organic food sector. 

Support is also provided to the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) to digitalise insurance services in the agri-food sector. The overall aim is to increase the share of Sri Lanka’s national organic market through improved standards, digitalisation,  investment and increased consumer demand.

EU Delegation to Sri Lanka Head of Cooperation Jenny Correia Nunes said: “The European Union is promoting inclusive rural growth through a more productive, sustainable and resilient agriculture industry in Sri Lanka for years now. Through  this project we encourage better organic agriculture practices, more investments and exports. Our support to the agriculture sector will continue and we are committed to provide much needed assistance in times of crisis.”

EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel said: “The collaboration of the public and private sector and the donor community is important in promoting organic exports. Their assistance will help strengthen the private sector and ensure technical support to streamline policies in developing the organic agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.”

The Organic Agriculture webinar series episodes can be watched for free on the YouTube channel of the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives (regular uploads to follow): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHMviwS_73BUe6tUFJXyJQ/playlists.