The project was one of the first in Myanmar that applied a value chain approach from farmers to market. It covered four regions (Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway and Yangon), and raised a high level of awareness of the urgent need to address food safety issues.

A new approach of building capacity across the value chain through a pool of local experts and within institutions was applied.

Through the project, an important foundation of skills and competences related to food safety and compliance with international standards in the public and private sectors was developed for more than 900 stakeholders.

The project helped raise awareness of the importance of food safety for human health and responsible production among citizens, not only for export but for local consumption. This was the case for oil millers who joined the program to implement food safety systems to improve the quality of their products and supply local consumers.

Strengthened capacity to improve compliance with GAP and SPS measures (including pest control, harvest and post-harvest practices and pesticide use) by farmers

Activities focused on knowledge transfer and strengthening local capacity. More than 20 extension officers were trained to assist farmers in implementing GAP. The department of agriculture is now equipped with a pool of 11 extension officers who  changed their approach to assisting farmers and are able to advise farmers accordingly.

An in-depth food safety training program supported nearly 500 beneficiary farmers to implement GAP. Training of Trainers (ToTs) assisted farmers in implementing GAP and monitored progress made. As a result of the strengthened capacity to improve compliance with GAP and SPS measures, 150 farmers obtained the national GAP certification for their sesame crops and as proven through the final crops’ sample testing, the quality and safety of farmers’ oilseeds have shown an overall improvement.

The project supported the department of agriculture in promoting the newly introduced GAP national protocol (based on ASEAN GAP) and aligned the training materials with these guidelines. The project also promoted the use of the plant protection department’s mobile application for growing techniques and pest management of oilseed crops.

Increased capacity for quality segregation of seeds and GHP at storage facilities

Five beneficiary collectors increased their understanding and implementation of good storage, manufacturing and hygiene practices to be followed in their daily business operations. The physical construction and layout of the warehouses were improved. Practices applied to receiving, handling, storage and dispatch were enhanced, resulting in safe and quality products being traded.

To reach out and further incentivize the engagement of collectors to be part of the oilseed quality value chains, the project collaborated with the four regional commodity exchange centers and experts from interested institutions and government departments. The exchange centers reached out to more than 200 collectors and other intermediaries on improving GHP and GMP.

The quality and food safety manual for oilseeds storage produced by the project was the first of its kind in that it was developed with large contributions from a pool of locals. This resulted in the dissemination of more than 2,000 manuals that provide information on quality and food safety for oilseeds storage. Through the project, 48 pieces of eight different raw material quality control equipment were delivered to selected collectors to improve their sorting and food safety control practices.

Enhanced capacity to apply food safety control systems based on GHP, GMP, HACCP in oilseed processing

Five oilseeds' processors/exporters and six oil millers successfully completed the in-depth training and assistance program, and improved their overall business performance and compliance with international standards. This was achieved by implementing good hygiene and food safety practices across the production process based on Codex standards. Seven of these obtained third-party HACCP certification to facilitate market access.

An increase in annual export sales was reported by processors/exporters in the oilseeds sector applying prerequisite programs and HACCP. As a result of raising food safety awareness in the sector the number of certified mills has been on the rise (two oil mills in 2015, seven oil mills in 2016, 28 oil mills in 2017, 50 oil mills in 2018).

Companies were assisted throughout the HACCP implementation phase by a pool of trainers-cum-counsellors who were trained and coached. Nine of these are now able to advise the companies on GHP and HACCP and have passed a final exam. Their profiles are included in a booklet to promote their skills and services on food safety.

A number of publications were produced and distributed to several organizations, and during trade fairs, including the small and medium enterprise profile booklet. A market guide for oilseed processors has been developed and handed over to the Ministry of Commerce for distribution to other oilseed businesses.

Increased linkages along the sector value chain and to export markets

Several business matchmaking activities were held throughout the project’s duration. Companies were guided to attend international trade fairs and events for the establishment of new linkages for export opportunities. Multiple events were organized between farmers, collectors, processors and exporters from different townships, resulting in business deals with higher margins in comparison to the average market price. Study tours to neighbouring countries were also organized for experience sharing, which improved knowledge and understanding of business deals.

At the local level, the project promoted public-public and public-private cooperation. More than 250 farmers created new contacts with local collectors and buyers; eight linkages between farmer groups, local buyers and respective townships ToTs were established for about two consecutive growing seasons. Four individual value chains are expected to be sustainable beyond the project under the monitoring of the department of agriculture to facilitate trade agreements.