Canada Boosts Global Safe Trade with CAD 250K for SPS Capacity in Developing Nations

In a significant show of support for inclusive, rules-based international trade, Canada has pledged CAD 250,000 (approximately CHF 152,000) in 2025 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), further bolstering efforts to enhance sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities in developing and least-developed countries (LDCs). The funding will help countries meet international food safety, animal health, and plant protection standards—crucial prerequisites for accessing global agricultural markets.

The new contribution brings Canada’s total commitment to the STDF to CHF 7.6 million since 2005, underscoring the country’s long-standing leadership in supporting safe and inclusive trade. Canada’s cumulative contributions to WTO trust funds have now exceeded CHF 15 million over the past 23 years.

STDF: A Catalyst for Safe and Inclusive Global Trade

The STDF is a unique global partnership housed and managed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), and co-founded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Bank Group, World Health Organization (WHO), and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). It was established to help countries strengthen their SPS systems and safely integrate into global value chains by aligning with international standards such as Codex Alimentarius, WOAH codes, and the International Plant Protection Convention.

As of 2025, the STDF has funded over 260 projects, directly benefitting producers, exporters, regulators, and consumers in developing countries. These projects have improved food safety systems, facilitated agricultural exports, and enhanced overall trade readiness.

The STDF’s newly launched 2025–2030 Strategy emphasizes scalable, impact-driven solutions that respond to evolving SPS challenges. It aims to improve food safety, reduce poverty, support sustainable economic growth, and enhance climate resilience, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Global Leadership: Canada’s Strategic Investment in SPS Development

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the Canadian contribution, stating:

“Compliance with international standards enhances food security in both importing and exporting countries by facilitating trade in agricultural products. The long-term impact of STDF-related programs will benefit producers, traders and governments along global and regional value chains.”

Echoing this sentiment, Heath MacDonald, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, emphasized that this investment reflects Canada's global commitment to safe food systems:

“The Government of Canada will continue to support global efforts to adopt international standards for food safety and animal and plant health. Investing in capacity-building projects like the STDF will help improve food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable economic growth around the world.”

Knowledge Sharing in Action: Canada’s Technical Support and Expertise

In addition to its financial support, Canada is actively involved in the STDF Working Group and contributes technical expertise through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). In 2024 and 2025, Canadian officials spearheaded several initiatives aimed at strengthening food safety systems in developing countries, including:

• Hosting regulatory exchange visits: In 2024, CFIA welcomed food safety officials from Honduras and Belize, providing hands-on learning about Canada’s risk-based food safety model.

• Webinar collaboration: In March and April 2025, CFIA co-organized virtual training sessions attended by more than 100 participants, including food safety experts from across Africa. The sessions focused on the application of Codex Guidelines on voluntary third-party assurance (vTPA) programmes, a key component in building trust-based food safety systems.

• Upcoming engagement: In September 2025, CFIA will host another technical learning visit for officials from Rwanda and Uganda, continuing its knowledge-sharing initiative and reinforcing support for risk-based, science-driven regulatory approaches.

These efforts are part of Canada's broader agenda to promote robust SPS systems in low- and middle-income countries, helping them meet international trade standards while improving public health outcomes and environmental sustainability.

Toward Stronger Global Trade Systems

Canada’s 2025 donation not only affirms its dedication to the multilateral trade system but also strengthens the STDF’s position as a global leader in safe trade and development. By helping countries build SPS capacity, the STDF enables producers and governments to participate more effectively in international trade, boost agricultural export revenues, and uplift rural livelihoods.

Developing and least-developed countries are actively encouraged to apply for STDF project and project preparation grants, which provide both technical support and financial backing for SPS initiatives. Guidance on applications and project design is available through the STDF's website.

As the international community continues to navigate complex trade, climate, and food security challenges, Canada’s contribution highlights the transformative power of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and sustained investment in institutional capacity.