Ethical BioTrade at CBD
The Union for Ethical BioTrade is a business-driven association whose members are committed to integrating ethical and environmentally sustainable practices into their business models. Ethical BioTrade will be showcasing five of its global members at the CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) COP 9 in Bonn from 19th- 30th May. The CBD is international treaty adopted by 189 countries in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. It sets out criteria for equitable access and benefit sharing, sustainable use and biodiversity conservation.
Through the Union’s verification framework, members can compare their practices with Ethical BioTrade practices. They then develop a work-plan to reach full compliance within five years. For companies at the end of the supply chain, this means establishing management systems that promote Ethical BioTrade. For those at the beginning of the supply chain, this means improving sourcing practices. www.ethicalbiotrade.org (external link). As a founding member, PhytoTrade Africa is pursuing the path towards full membership and will also be encouraging PhytoTrade members to do the same.
Baobab Novel Foods approval imminent
The fruit of the African Baobab tree could soon be latest nutritious and exotic food to hit supermarket shelves in Europe, pending a decision by the European Commission’s Novel Foods Committee expected in the next few weeks. The iconic Baobab is a common feature of the landscape in southern Africa and its fruit has been eaten for generations across Africa. It has an exceptionally high Vitamin C content, is rich in anti-oxidants, natural fibre and an excellent source of calcium and iron.
Under EU legislation, any food that has not been eaten in Europe prior to 1997 is classified as a “novel food” and must gain special approval before it can be used in products for the European market.An application for novel foods approval for Baobab was made by PhytoTrade in 2006 and was supported by an independent committee of scientists appointed by the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA).
‘Baobab fruit pulp is an ideal ingredient for cereal bars and smoothies” said PhytoTrade’s Cyril Lombard. Novel foods approval will be a winner for consumers, manufacturers and producers. It will also be fantastic news for Africa, making a real difference to poor rural communities by offering them a potentially life changing source of income.’ A 2007 report by Ben Bennett of the UK’s Natural Resources Institute estimates that Baobab has the potential to be a billion dollar industry for Africa and could employ over 2.5 million households.
New Baobab Brochure
803kb pdf)
The antioxidant properties of marula oil
137kb pdf)