The Regional Agricultural Trade Expansion Support (RATES) Program
The Regional Agriculture Trade Expansion Support (RATES) program is designed to increase the value and volume of agricultural trade in East Africa. RATES currently supports activities in four sectors: specialty coffee, maize, cotton and textiles and dairy.
RATES works with regional trade associations, national-level trade organizations, private companies and individual entrepreneurs to identify and remove barriers to trade in the region.
RATES also works to increase the competitiveness of coffee, maize, cotton, grain and dairy products in the region. By working with regional trade associations and partnering with the US private sector, RATES is able to increase both the volume and the value of goods traded in these sectors.
To date, Regional trade has increased by 58% in the RATES supported commodities. More information on RATES activities is available at www.ratescenter.org .
Maize
Working closely with major traders and other key stakeholders in the regional maize sector, RATES launched a "Maize Without Borders" initiative last year which has increased regional grain trade by 500%. The initiative aims at achieving a smooth flow of maize, at competitive prices, throughout the ESA region. RATES supported the formation of the East African Grain Council (EAGC) and has trained over 350 small and medium grain traders in EAC grain standards in an effort to help them participate in regional trade. Perhaps on of the major achievements is that through the RATES supported grain trade site, www.tradeafrica.biz, more than 740 million dollars of grain trade has catalyzed through its interactive grain trading platform since 2003.
For more information on RATES activities in maize and pulses trade promotion, go to www.tradeafrica.biz or http://www.ratin.net/
Coffee
RATES is mainly focused on trade in specialty coffee because studies have shown that this is the segment of the market where potential for growth is highest. Working closely with the East African Fine coffee Association (EAFCA), RATES is strengthening EAFCAs' capacity to be the leading authority in the world on East African fine and Specialty Coffees. RATES also provide support to EAFCA's ability to operate as an effective technical and marketing services provider to its member country chapters.
For more information on RATES activities on specialty coffee trade expansion, visit http://www.eafca.org/wwc4/index.asp
Cotton
RATES is supporting efforts to revitalize the regional textile industry and support regional efforts to take advantage of opportunities under AGOA by increasing regional demand for cotton lint that will translate into market opportunities for small farmers. The main aim is to increase the amount of cotton lint and fabric trade within the region before the expiry of the AGOA II provisions in 2008.
For more information on the Cotton program, go to: http://www.cottonafrica.com
Dairy
The RATES regional dairy initiative was launched in October 2003. Like with maize, the aim is to have a borderless flow of dairy products within the ESA region. The initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with ECAPAPA, and Land O Lakes. Key public/private sector stakeholders will be involved in all the interventions.
For more information on the Dairy program, go to: http://www.ratescenter.org/dairy.asp
See Related RATES Stories:
ESADA Hosts 3rd African Dairy Conference and Exhibition
Trading System Starves Area of Cereals
Rise in fertilizer prices linked biofuel demand
Last updated 5/24/2007
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