The official launch of the second phase of the project took place on 12 June. "Trainer of Trainers. This second phase will contribute to the process of adaptation of the cocoa value chain of the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo and OrellanaThe EU has been working on the implementation of the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products, through training, awareness-raising and production data recording.
This new phase of the project is a joint initiative of the Agency for Regulation and Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Control of Ecuador (Agrocalidad) and the AL-INVEST Verde programme, funded by the European Union, with technical support from Trias. The launch event brought together nearly 100 representatives from the public and private sector, committed to the sustainable strengthening of the cocoa value chain in Ecuador.
During the inauguration, Francisco UreñaThe EU Commissioner for Development Cooperation, Attaché of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union in Ecuador, highlighted the importance of the collaborative work between national and international partners to support the cocoa sector in its adaptation to the EUDR Regulation. He stressed that this alliance also contributes to improving living conditions in rural areas and strengthening territorial governance.
Ute SonntagThe coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems Project of the SAFE Programme, implemented by the German-GIZ Cooperation, underlined the positive results of the first phase of the project, in which a solid technical network of 86 trainers was formed with high levels of commitment and success. In this new phase, he said, "the focus will be on transferring knowledge to the territory, promoting traceability as a daily practice and strengthening the competitiveness of the sector with special attention to the inclusion of small producers".
Emilio CalvoThe director of AL-INVEST Verde/Component 2, implemented by FIAP and IILA and leading this initiative together with Agrocalidad, explained that this second phase seeks to consolidate multi-stakeholder cooperation to increase the collection of information in several rural areas of the country and to strengthen the registration of cocoa crop production data in Agrocalidad's GUIA system.
From Agrocalidad, Larry RiveraThe general coordinator of Plant Health, emphasised the importance of preparing all links in the chain (production, collection, trade and export) to comply with the requirements of the EUDR, through a collaborative strategy of training and strengthening local capacities. For his part, Daniela CerónThe director of Phytosanitary Certification, reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and Agrocalidad to facilitate the implementation of the registration of operators in the GUIA system, promoting close coordination with local governments and social organisations.
Yessenia EcheverríaAgrocalidad's Sanitary Certification Analyst, explained that trainers and implementers will have to register as operators of agricultural sanitary services in the GUIA system, which will allow them to officially participate in key activities such as training, geo-referencing of plots, rural extension and support for the registration of producers, in accordance with national technical guidelines and adapt to comply with the European regulation.
Paulina EspínTrias Coordinator in Ecuador, highlighted the strategic value of this second phase as an opportunity to move towards a more traceable, responsible and sustainable cocoa production. She highlighted the fundamental role of Agrocalidad and the GUIA system in facilitating productive registration and the crucial role of trainers as multipliers of knowledge and agents of change in the territories. We are not only planting cocoa," he said, "we are planting confidence, future and sustainability for the country.
Paul VázquezTrias' adviser, Trias' adviser, explained that the second phase of the project will follow a cascade methodology to train producers, collectors, cooperatives, traders and exporters. The training modules will address topics such as EUDR, traceability, geo-referencing, good agricultural and commercial practices, as well as the use of the GUIA system. The goal is to reach 60 trainers, 1,800 implementers and 30,000 operators.
Finally, Rosa OlivaThe AL-INVEST Verde technical specialist, highlighted the progress made by Ecuador in adapting the cocoa sector to the EUDR. She stressed the importance of the articulated work between public and private actors and the use of the GUIA system as an official tool for the registration of production information. He pointed out that the success of this second phase will depend on the practical application of knowledge in the territory, especially with small producers, and emphasised that adaptation to the EUDR Regulation is a collective process that requires trust, transparency and permanent collaboration.
The second phase of the "Trainer of Trainers" project will offer a comprehensive training programme to a previously selected group of volunteers. Classes will be held virtually from 14 July to 15 August, Monday to Thursday, between 18:30 and 20:00, and will culminate with two face-to-face sessions on 28 and 29 August. Shortlisted volunteers will be able to register for the training by means of an application form that will be shared by the project organisers via a link.