On the 6th of April, Vincent Omer-Decugis, CEO of the family group Omer-Decugis et fils, and COLEACP treasurer, signed a financing agreement for the "Fit For Market (FFM)" programme concluded between COLEACP and the French Development Agency (AFD).
This new agreement serves as recognition of the results of the Rungis-based association, which supports and aids the development of a sustainable and competitive agriculture and agribusiness, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the fruit and vegetable sector. For over 15 years, COLEACP has been providing technical assistance to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across sub-saharan Africa with the aim of boosting their competitiveness in a sustainable economic, social and environmental context.
The FFM programme has been designed and is implemented by COLEACP. It is co-financed by the European Union and the AFD, each contributing 20 and 5 million euros respectively. FFM aims to open up access for SMEs to fruit and vegetable markets such as Rungis, which pools a great many French and European importers and distributors.
By creating jobs in SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially for young people, COLEACP's action thus tackles the roots of economic migration whilst consolidating the fruit and vegetable sector, a driver of technical, social and economic progress in Africa, as well as in Europe.
COLEACP is a civil society organisation whose main purpose is to support the development of an inclusive and sustainable trade in agricultural and food products (fruit and vegetables in particular), primarily in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and between these countries and the European Union (www.coleacp.org).
The family group OMER-DECUGIS & FILS was founded in 1850 on rue Pierre Lescot in Paris, twenty one years before the creation of Les Halles. It has earned its reputation and developed its expertise around the production, import, ripening and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially tropical varieties. Present on the Rungis National Interest Market since 1969, it has since grown to incorporate the companies SIIM and BRATIGNY and also holds stakes in production units in Africa and Latin America.
For more information:
COLEACP