Canada has pledged CAD 250,000 to support food, animal, and plant health standards through the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), a global partnership promoting safe and inclusive trade. This contribution was welcomed by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who emphasized its significance for agricultural innovation and global food security.
"I thank Canada for its longstanding commitment to the STDF. Canada's contribution will allow the STDF to advance agricultural innovation, facilitate safe trade, and promote global food security. This support is necessary for fostering inclusive trade and enabling developing countries to actively participate in the global marketplace," said Okonjo-Iweala.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, also highlighted Canada's role in supporting international efforts for food security and sustainable economic growth. "Canada has a role to play when it comes to supporting efforts to improve food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable economic growth around the world. This investment will create opportunities for developing countries to enhance their trading relationships and competitiveness while supporting a safe and secure global food system."
This latest donation brings Canada's total contributions to the STDF to CHF 7.4 million since 2001. Additionally, Canada has contributed over CHF 15 million to WTO trust funds over the past 22 years.
The STDF was established by multiple 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 is managed by the WTO.
Supporting United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), STDF aims at driving inclusive trade while contributing to sustainable economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction.
Developing economies are encouraged to apply for SPS project grants through STDF with over 250 projects funded benefiting least developed countries so far.