Food and Agri Workshop by FTF-I

The workshop was for 2 days from 24 and 25th of March 2011 on Food and Agri produce. There were more than 15 organizations participating in this workshop from all over the Country. But there are many from Uttarakhand Region who are involved in food and agri producers and many a organization who have achieved a lot in their own field.

Even though we do not export any food and agri products, FTF-I invited us in the workshop as we are one of their local members. They wanted us to help them with the hotel booking and managing other work during the workshop.Besides, IM fair trade shops in Sweden was looking for some food producers.

This was my first time in the food and agri workshop and I have not met with majority of the producer groups. Even the ones from Dehradun.So, it was interesting to meet and interact with some local food producers and SHG groups who are doing so well in their field and have made their mark immensely. One of them being UMANG who shared their story and inspired us all.

From our office, one of our senior staff Miss Dhondup Dolma attended the workshop and project officer Kalsang Thupten and I assisted FTF-I.

The surprise package was the declaration of Mr. Ajay Sharma, to conduct a free nutritional analysis for UMANG products and certify them accordingly. MR. Ajay is currently working as the Senior Manager Marketing for Food Research & Analysis Centre (FRAC) under the allied organizations of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). FICCI is a non-government unit but works closely with the Government.

Attending FTF-I workshop always provide me with lots of new information that helps me carry out my work for better and the achievements of each groups/organizations inspires me to stay grounded and humane. I always feel energized after attending FTF-I workshops because I end up making new friends from whom I have lots to learn from.It's not very frequent for me to know about Indian Govt. schemes on food and agri and many more information. Such gatherings and workshop helps me keep informed and updated.

Thank you FTF-I for always inviting me to your workshops.

Tsering Youdon

Fair Trade Forum-India