USAID-COMPETE PARTNER FUNDING SUPPORT QUARTERLY REPORT APRIL-JUNE 2012

The primary objective of the grant was to strengthen institutional coordination and regional structured grain trading systems through integrated regional market information systems, policy, and reduced barriers to trade. EAGC intensified its membership recruitment drive, and several organizations joined the council's membership, including the Cereal Millers Association of Kenya, USAID COMPETE, ACDI-VOCA Kenya, Mijingu Mines & Fertilizers, and Bupalo Investments Kenya. The council held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Arusha on April 20, 2012, where the new Strategic Business Plan (2013-17) was launched. The new Strategic Business Plan presents EAGC's strategic focus and priorities for the next five years, which include strengthening institutional coordination, formalizing regional agricultural markets, and expanding the Regional Agricultural Trade Information Network (RATIN) into a truly regional market information platform. The plan was developed through an analysis of EAGC's external and internal environment, competitive environment, and stakeholder needs and expectations. EAGC also represented by the Executive Director Mr. Gerald Masila held a meeting with the Government of South Sudan to discuss plans to operationalize the Eastern Africa Grain Council, South Sudan Chapter. A consultative forum with various stakeholders working in the agricultural sector in South Sudan was arranged, where Mr. Masila made a presentation on EAGC's work in the greater Eastern Africa region. In addition, EAGC organized a half-day breakfast meeting with support from USAID COMPETE on May 25, 2012, with over 70 participants attending. The meeting aimed to review EAGC's achievements and obtain feedback on key issues and priority areas specific to the Uganda EAGC Chapter, which would inform the implementation of the new EAGC strategic business plan 2013-17. EAGC also implemented various program activities and achievements, including the Structured Trading Systems (STS) ToT in Kasese, Uganda, which took place on April 3-4, 2012. The council also conducted a review of the Kenya WRS Bill 2012, held WRS stakeholders meetings in Kenya, launched a new RATIN, and participated in the Experts Meeting of the Africa MIS Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Furthermore, EAGC engaged in trade policy activities, including the launch of the Policy Advisory Forum in Nairobi, participation in the AU's Africa Organic Conference in Lusaka, and stakeholders forum on cereals policy in Kenya. The council also developed policy papers on aflatoxin, moisture content, and wheat exports and reviewed the National Export Strategy in Uganda. EAGC also organized annual agribusiness fairs, including a successful Agribusiness Expo in Uganda and progress on the Agribusiness Expo in Tanzania. The council's quarterly report highlights the achievements and activities implemented during the 2nd quarter of 2012 under the USAID-COMPETE funding support.