At present, the volumes of food product exports from Africa to Europe are low in comparison to those coming from Asia and South/Latin America. However, this trade in food to UK and other European markets can provide a significant source of income for African smallholder farmers, agribusinesses and agricultural workers in African countries. FRICH aims to improve the lives of poor Africans by connecting them to these markets in an equitable and sustainable way, increasing European imports of food from countries north of South Africa and south of the Sahara.
The FRICH challenge is aimed at the European food sector and is to find innovative ways to bring more African foods to the continent. The competitive Fund supports new ideas that connect African farmers with global retailers through innovative business partnerships. FRICH achieves results by removing blockages to market access and making sure that European shoppers know what differences their purchases make to poor farmers.
On 24 October 2012, Justine Greening, the Secretary of State for International Development, announced that 15 new projects have been funded as part of the 4th round of FRICH. See press release.
In total, FRICH is now supporting 25 innovative partnerships, in Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principé, Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. These partnerships focus on a range of products including tea, coffee, fresh produce, berry fruits, juice/smoothies, flowers, tilapia fish, beef, baobab, flowers, palm oil, peanuts and vanilla. This website showcases these projects and the developmental impacts that they are working towards.
FRICH is not currently accepting applications for project funding. Information on any future funding rounds will be provided on this website.
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