On July 23, 2023, a momentous Stakeholder Coordination and Learning Workshop took place in Herat, hosted by Hand in Hand Afghanistan Organization (HIHAO). The purpose of this assembly was to pave the way for the ambitious “Organic Growth: Taking Afghanistan’s Certified Saffron Value Chain to Scale” project.
Led by HIHAO authorities and passionately presented by the proficient project team, this gathering saw the active participation of prominent stakeholders, including NGOs, INGOs, the Agriculture Directorate, the Afghanistan National Saffron Growers Union (ANSGU), select companies, farmers, processors, media representatives, and HIHAO itself.
The primary objective of this compelling workshop was to strengthen coordination with stakeholders, beneficiaries, and local entities. Notably, it encompassed comprehensive updates on the project’s remarkable progress while fostering knowledge exchange on the vital subjects of Organic and ISO 22000 certifications.
The profound significance of the “Organic Growth” project in Herat province cannot be understated. Spanning a commendable 5-year duration, from July 2021 to July 2026, the project boasts a substantial budget of 1.2 million US dollars, thoughtfully provided by the Danish government’s esteemed agency DANIDA. In this noble endeavor, Hand in Hand International and Conflictfood stand as esteemed international partners, contributing their valuable expertise and resources.
At the heart of this ambitious initiative lies a noble aspiration – to uplift the livelihoods of Afghan farmers and saffron companies. This laudable aim will be realized through unwavering support for investing in organic and ISO 22000-certified products, which hold immense value and enjoy high demand in the global markets.
With unwavering determination and a shared vision for progress, the participants of this workshop embark on a journey towards sustainable growth, economic empowerment, and the elevation of Afghanistan’s saffron value chain to unprecedented heights on the global stage. Together, they forge a path toward prosperity, catalyzing transformation and empowerment within the local communities and beyond.
