Interested and suitably qualified persons are hereby invited to tender their applications for consideration under the various project consultancies, guided by the following terms of reference: 

1. Post Title:      Organic Capacity Development and Business Planning  

Description of required services

The Consultant, in collaboration with the National Farmers’ Agro-Business Development Cooperation (NFAD), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries and Rural Development, the National Education Learning Unit (NELU) of the Ministry of Education and RISE project consultants responsible for Public Relations, Policy Development; is expected to develop and conduct a series of training workshops aimed at improving farmer knowledge of and skills in organic farming, along with command of organic agri-business. The workshops will provide business planning resources, as well as hands on farming education and information on organic certification.

 Given the time-frame for implementation of project activities, the Consultant is expected to utilize and build on existing data, knowledge and expertise available from project partners and other reliable sources.

 Key Tasks

A. Development of Training Curricula as follows: 

1. Preparation of training materials and curricula which will include:

a)                                        Introduction to Organic Farming (definitions, stages, challenges and benefits)

b)                                        Presentation of Market research from PR consultancy

c)                                        Presentation of Crop zoning report and production plan from the Farmer capacity Assessment consultant

d)                                        Presentation on Business Model, Sales and Profitability estimates and diversification of production chain; Pricing mechanisms

2. Step  by step process of certification
3. Farming techniques for Storage, transportation, selecting/purchasing supplies, marketing, harvesting, post-harvest handling, packaging, labelling, pest management, nutrient enhancement (fertilising)
4. Introduction to Organic Policy and Standards, and Food Testing Facility
5. Develop an Organic Farming toolkit using products from GEF SGP recipients and other organic producers

B. Conduct of Training Sessions:

1. The Consultants are expected to conduct training for 100 participants in groups of 25 over a period of one week per group
2. Deliver Organic Farming toolkit using products from GEF SGP recipients and other organic producers
3. Design and implement a monitoring and evaluation tool for assessing workshop success

Selection Criteria

All tenders for the consultancy will be evaluated based on the following:

·         Understanding of services to be performed

·         Type of approach and proposed methodologies

·         Qualifications and Experience - Familiarity with organic agriculture and farming techniques

·         Ability to work well independently and manage own time

·         Consultancy fees

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2.    Post Title:     Organic Policy Development 

Description of required services 

The consultant is expected to conduct an assessment of current policies, laws, declarations and guidelines on agricultural production, food quality and safety, food and nutritional security, dangerous goods, phyto-sanitary procedures, pesticide and herbicide applications,  import and export legislation, environmental legislation, plant and animal health and quarantine, public health and other related legislative tools. Existing organic policies – both regional and international should be included in the review to provide best practices for organic production.

The Consultants will be expected to collaborate with the RISE project consultants to inform the way forward for future relevant legislation. 

Key Tasks

A. Review existing policies and develop organic policy, bill and regulations:

• Conduct a literature review on organic agriculture and relevant policies
• Utilize the technical expertise of the Ministry of Agriculture and RISE St Lucia Inc. among others, to develop guidelines for compliance with international organic certification standards
• Develop a national organic policy which builds on existing local codes, standards and certification for organic production; including the need for testing for assurance of food safety and nutritional quality
• Survey of existing institutional structures and requirements for future structures
• Develop National organic legislation (Bill, regulations, guidelines)
• Liaise with the Bureau of Standards for guidance as the official national standards- setting body 

Selection Criteria

All tenders for the consultancy will be evaluated based on the following:

·         Understanding of services to be performed

·         Ability to work well independently and manage own time

·         Familiarity with (organic) agricultural processes

·         Type of approach and proposed methodologies

·         Work programs and execution schedule

·         Qualifications and Experience        

·         Consultancy fees

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3.    Post Title:     Organic Value Chain Assessment and Business Plan Development

The consultant, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, National Farmers Agro-Business Development Cooperation (NFAD) and RISE project consultants responsible for Public Relations, Policy Development and Capacity Development is expected to conduct an assessment of current organic production. This will include an identification of reliable suppliers for inputs, as well as producers of final products, challenges, strengths and opportunities for strengthening the supply and production network. The information gathered will inform the development of an Organic Agri-Business Model for replication around Saint Lucia.

Key Tasks

A. Organic Value Chain assessment:

1. Identify farmers currently undertaking organic production
2. Identify key products which are high value and capable of securing ideal market prices
3. Assess major challenges and deficiencies in organic production (e.g. availability of equipment, supplies, technical skills etc.)
4. Determine base sale price/value using costs of inputs, type of produce, cost of certification, demand for goods (as informed by PR Consultant)
5. Suggest possible export markets
6. Use crop zoning report to identify best organic crops by geographical area
7. Provide recommendations for zonal crop rotation schedules
8. Provide recommendations to policy drafter for organic production in compliance with International standards

B. Develop Organic Agri-Business Model:

1.    Develop an organic agri-business model which can be replicated on farms island wide

2.    Include projection of returns in years 1, 3 and 5

3.    Provide list of reliable organic agricultural producers and suppliers of organic inputs, local and foreign

Selection Criteria

All tenders for the consultancy will be evaluated based on the following:

• Understanding of services to be performed
• Ability to work well independently and manage own time
• Familiarity with (organic) agricultural processes
• Type of approach and proposed methodologies
• Work programs and execution schedule
• Qualifications and Experience        
• Consultancy fees

The Consultant(s) will also be required to attend and contribute to organic policy related meetings and consultations.