<p></p><p>The Ambassador of the United States of America Her Excellency C. Patricia Alsup has disclosed that the United States Department of Agriculture has spent $8.6 million on Senegambia Cashew Value Chain Enhancement Project (CEP2), with funds generated from the monétisation of donated soybean meal sold in Senegal to major animal feed producers.</p><p>She made this revelation during a two-day pre-marketing season stakeholders consultative meeting on the Senegambia Cashew Value Chain Enhancement Project (CEP 2), organised by International Relief and Development (IRD). <br></p> <p>The forum brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous season, to open a dialogue between buyers and sellers, and to assess the prospects for this current season. <br></p> <p>According to the US Ambassador, the project targets 20,300 smallholder cashew farmers and processors within the major cashew growing region in Senegal and The Gambia. <br></p> <p>The project she said, serves to remind them of what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration. "We are of course fully aware that it is you - the stakeholders, growers, and traders - who have provided the crucial buy-in and commitment needed to ensure the continued success of this project." <br></p> <p>As we approach the final year of CEP2, she said, it is important that they pause to consider its impact so far. "I have been told that the previous phases benefitted about 3,000 cashew farmers and processors in The Gambia, and that the project's focus on optimising the cashew value chain not only yielded an increase in the quantity of the product, but also a marked increase in the quality." <br></p> <p>Ambassador Alsup indicated that in order for The Gambia to maintain its reputation as a provider of sweet tasting, high-grade cashews, and to remain competitive in the world market, the emphasis must continue to be on quality. "Clearly, cashew harvesting is becoming big business in The Gambia, and that is the beauty of this initiative; it treats the production and processing of cashews as exactly that - a business". <br></p> <p>She said the goal is to capitalise on this increase in quality and turn it into higher profits for all actors in the value chain. The cashew, she said, is truly a product that merges business and developmental goals. "We want to see an increase in the incomes of cashew farmers and producers, for this is one step in the right direction toward alleviating poverty and increasing the standard of living of Gambians throughout the country. <br></p> <p>"The Government of the United States is committed to this cause, and my staff and I will work with you to achieve this endeavour." <br></p> <p>Boubacar Sowe, Country Director, IRD- Senegal/The Gambia, informed the meeting that this is the 5th time such an important marketing forum is organised under the Senegambia Cashew Value Enhancement Project (CEP2). <br></p> <p>He thanked the stakeholders and the US Embassy for their valuable contribution and the Ministry of Agriculture and Trade for their unflinching support. <br></p> <p>At the forum, IRD awarded certificate of excellence to 12 farmers and D20, 000 as a token of appreciation to each of the awardees.</p><p>The most outstanding awardee was Kebo Gaye of Katakor West Coast Region.<br></p><p></p>