Sweden has pledged SEK 30 million to support safe agricultural trade in developing economies through the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution aims to enhance small-scale farmers', producers', and traders' access to international food markets. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for Sweden's commitment, stating, "We thank Sweden for its continued generosity and commitment to the STDF, and to improving people's lives through trade."
The STDF is a global partnership established by several organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. It facilitates safe trade by addressing sanitary and phytosanitary needs, supporting inclusive development.
Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, highlighted the importance of this work: “STDF’s work to strengthen farmers', producers' and traders' access to international food markets helps boost food security by facilitating trade flows while offering the potential to improve income opportunities for communities.”
Sweden's contributions since 2005 total approximately CHF 17.86 million. The recent funding will be used from 2024-2026 to develop projects that strengthen SPS capacity and knowledge sharing among small-scale farmers. These efforts are aligned with Sweden's reform agenda for development assistance.
The collaboration has helped increase export growth in plants, animals, and foods within target economies. STDF projects have also enhanced sustainable economic growth and climate change resilience.
Sweden is also involved in developing the next STDF strategy for 2025-2030, aiming to improve performance through a strengthened Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Framework.