This update is particularly relevant for agri-food businesses exporting to the EU, as the rules also apply to non-EU exporters using recycled plastic packaging for products sold on the European market.

Key points include:

• New compliance documentation requirements
• Stronger traceability for recycled plastic content
• Clarifications on imported recycled plastic products
• New electronic registration system for operators
• Transition periods for businesses already compliant with existing rules

The information is available in English, French and Portuguese.

👉 Read the full update here: EU rules on recycled plastic used in food packaging: updates and clarifications - AGRINFO Platform

This may be useful for businesses working on packaging, export readiness, sustainability, or compliance with EU market requirements.

À travers cette nouvelle ligne de publication Avant/Après, nous souhaitons mettre en lumière les parcours d’entreprises accompagnées par le COLEAD dans le cadre du programme Fit For Market Plus (FFM+), financé par l’Union européenne.

Pour ce premier portrait, découvrez l’expérience de Thiossane Business Services, une PME sénégalaise spécialisée dans la transformation de fruits, légumes et céréales locales en produits naturels et nutritifs.

Face à des défis liés à l’accès au financement, à la gestion financière, à la structuration du modèle économique et à la définition d’un plan de croissance clair, l’entreprise a bénéficié d’un accompagnement concret : business plan, coaching, formations, accès aux ressources COLEAD et mise en réseau.

Aujourd’hui, Thiossane Business Services témoigne d’un renforcement de ses compétences, de son leadership, de sa structuration interne et de ses perspectives de développement.

Une belle illustration de l’impact d’un accompagnement adapté, durable et orienté vers les besoins réels des entreprises agroalimentaires.

👉 Suivez-nous pour découvrir d’autres parcours inspirants.

Et vous, quel élément trouvez-vous le plus difficile à construire ?

Partagez votre expérience en commentaire !!!

Phytoalert helps identify phytosanitary risks before symptoms appear, allowing early action to protect crop quality, reduce losses, and improve export reliability.

Key benefits:

• Early detection of pathogens directly in the field
• Reduced treatment costs through preventive action
• Lower agrochemical uses and improved sustainability
• Support for compliance with retailer quality and phytosanitary standards
• Better traceability and reduced export claims

The Caribbean agrifood sector, largely driven by SMEs, is central to food supply and rural livelihoods but faces major pressures such as high import dependence, climate-related risks, food insecurity, and trade constraints.

In this context, agroecology is increasingly seen as a practical and flexible approach to strengthen resilience and sustainability by applying ecological principles like diversification, recycling, and the integration of local knowledge, many of which are already present in traditional farming systems across the region.

This webinar will explore how agroecological approaches can support Caribbean agrifood SMEs in improving productivity and resilience through real-world examples and practical tools. It will highlight SME experiences, discuss how these practices can be applied at farm and enterprise level, and identify key enabling conditions such as access to knowledge, finance, markets, and technical support.

More information: https://agrinnovators.org/innovation-session/caribbean-agrifood-business-session-n21/

Register: https://coleacp-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_THwmjzunQTKs45IJF2bI9Q#/registration 

“Certifications, quality standards, and value chain control are not just technical requirements, they are strategic assets that build trust and unlock better markets and financing.”

Based in Togo, Cajou Espoir is a cashew processing company founded in 2004. The company contributes to local value creation through cashew processing, works closely with producers, supports employment particularly for women and has strengthened its market positioning through quality standards and certifications.

Joel’s message reminds us that, for agrifood SMEs, investing in quality is not only about meeting requirements. It can also help build credibility with buyers, partners and investors.

For agrifood entrepreneurs, what is the biggest challenge in turning certifications and quality standards into real business opportunities: cost, technical capacity, market recognition, or access to the right support?