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CNFA And Callivoire Inaugurate the First Farm Service Center (FSC) in Côte d’Ivoire
The Farm Service Centers (FSCs) established by CNFA and Callivoire in Côte d’Ivoire will present producers in the Ivorian cocoa sector with a range of specialized services and advice, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the agricultural activity and improving the living conditions of farmers.
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food for Progress-funded Maximizing Opportunities in Cocoa Activity (MOCA) implemented by Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), an international agricultural development organization based in Washington, D.C., inaugurated the first FSC in Côte d’Ivoire. This FSC, called “Boutique Callivoire,” is part of a partnership between MOCA and Callivoire, a subsidiary of the UPL Group, to promote local trade and access to first-class input services and agricultural advice.
The launch ceremony took place on Feb. 1, 2021, at the Royaume Hotel, Abengourou. Adhering to the guidance of local health officials due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was attended by approximately 50 participants, including high-level attendees such as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Koneban Kouassi Adjoumani; the Mayor of Abengourou, Amoikon Kouakou Banga; and the prefect of the region of Indénié-Djuablin and the department of Abengourou, Assamoi Florentin. The U.S. Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E.M. Richard K. Bell, and the USDA regional representative, Dan Archibald, delivered virtual speeches.
Following the call for proposals MOCA launched in early 2019, Boutique Callivoire was one of four organizations selected to receive a grant to establish FSCs in Côte d’Ivoire. With an investment budget of $97,299 (52,428,069 FCFA)—including MOCA’s grant, Callivoire’s support and Boutique Callivoire’s contribution—the FSC will offer a wide range of approved and quality phytosanitary products. Through this grant, Boutique Callivoire will also provide competitive services such as local advice and training in agricultural best practices and the safe use of phytosanitary products and household disinfection.
Following the launch of this FSC, MOCA will continue to work with the three other grant recipients over five months to finalize the establishment of their FSC.
“The concept of Farm Service Centers introduced in Côte d’Ivoire by CNFA through MOCA offers an opportunity to empower farmers to transition from a subsistence farming system to a commercially oriented one,” said Marc Steen, MOCA’s chief of party. “The partnership between CNFA, Callivoire, and visionary Ivorian entrepreneurs will bridge the gap between farmers and quality agricultural inputs and services, leading to a sustainable market-driven economy.”
Callivoire will advertise new inputs and services and define appropriate marketing conditions for inputs and loans for start-up inventory.
“Our contribution will be to make the professionalization of agrodealers an essential lever in the modernization of our agriculture,” said Diomandé Messotigui, general manager of Callivoire.
By ensuring infrastructure compliance with environmental standards and developing new skills, MOCA and Callivoire’s FSC will attract more clients. In addition, the provision of innovative services as well as the proposal of a wider range of input products to Ivorian producers and households, will be an asset to increase the FSC’s competitiveness.
“Farm Service Centers such as these are made possible by funding from the USDA Food for Progress program, which helps countries around the world strengthen and modernize their agricultural sectors,” said Archibald. “Through the CNFA-MOCA project, the United States intends to empower Ivorian farmers to become more marketing-oriented by increasing their profitability and income.”
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About CNFA: Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) is an international agricultural development organization that specializes in the design and implementation of sustainable, enterprise-based agricultural initiatives. We work with businesses, foundations, governments, and communities to build customized local and global partnerships that meet the world’s growing demand for food. Since our inception in 1985, we have designed and implemented enterprise-based agricultural development initiatives to facilitate market access, enhance agribusiness competitiveness, increase productivity, and improve access to inputs and financing in 47 countries around the world.
About Callivoire: Established in Côte d’Ivoire since 1986, Callivoire is an agricultural solutions company focused on the development of Ivorian agriculture and the well-being of the population. Subsidiary of the UPL group, the fifth world leader in the plant protection industry, Callivoire operates in the fields of crop protection, Bio Solutions, fertilizers, seed supply, public hygiene solutions, and agricultural equipment. As a technical partner, Callivoire brings its expertise and know-how to help farmers, NGOs and businesses realize the full potential of their agricultural projects.