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USDA Request for Expressions of Interest2016 Borlaug Fellowship Program for

ASIA & LATIN AMERICA: FOOD SAFETY AND POST HARVEST LOSS

NORMAN E. BORLAUG INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCEAND TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

(BORLAUG FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM)

FISCAL YEAR 2016 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTfor

ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA: FOOD SAFETY AND POST HARVEST LOSS

Application Deadline: May 27, 2016Email: [email protected] and [email protected]: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/borlaug-fellowship-program

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA) – 10.777

USDA Funding Opportunity Number: BFP-2016-ASIA & LA-FS-PHL

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http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/borlaug-fellowship-program

mailto:[email protected]




Table of Contents

Summary Of Award Opportunity..................................................................................................................3

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description..................................................................................................4

A. Program Description.........................................................................................................................4

B. Program Responsibilities Of Host Institutions.................................................................................5

Section II: Award Information.......................................................................................................................9

A. Estimate Of Funds............................................................................................................................9

B. Start Dates And Performance Periods..............................................................................................9

C. Type Of Award.................................................................................................................................9

Section III: Eligibility Information................................................................................................................9

A. Eligibility Requirements...................................................................................................................9

B. Cost Sharing And Matching Requirements......................................................................................9

C. Funding Restrictions.......................................................................................................................10

Section IV: Application And Submission Information................................................................................10

A. Address To Request Application Package......................................................................................10

B. Content And Form Of Application Submission:............................................................................10

Host University Administrative Checklist...............................................................................................12

C. Submission Deadlines And Times..................................................................................................14

D. Funding Restrictions.......................................................................................................................14Allowable Costs:.............................................................................................................................14Unallowable Costs:.........................................................................................................................15

E. Other Submisssion Requirements...................................................................................................15

Section V: Application Review Information...............................................................................................15

A. Review Criteria...............................................................................................................................15

B. Review And Selection Process.......................................................................................................16

Section VI: Award Administration Information..........................................................................................16

A. Award Notices................................................................................................................................16

B. Administrative And National Policy Requirements.......................................................................16

C. Reporting Requirements:................................................................................................................16

Section VII: Agency Contact.......................................................................................................................16

Section VIII: Other Information..................................................................................................................17

Section IX: Borlaug Fellow Proposal And Research Plan...........................................................................18

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICEBORLAUG FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Summary of Award Opportunity

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is seeking U.S. universities to host English-speaking agricultural scientists from low and middle-income countries under the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program (Borlaug Fellowship Program). These Fellows have been competitively selected based on research priorities, academic and professional accomplishments, commitment to Borlaug Fellowship Program goals, and leadership qualities. The Fellow’s proposal and research plan appears at the end of this notice. USDA recommends that the program begin in Fall 2016; however, priority should be given to a time that is appropriate for the Fellow’s proposed research topic. The program’s duration should be 12 weeks unless otherwise indicated. Each Fellow has a specific research topic. Here is a summary of the applicants and a brief description of their research topics:

1. Fellow #1 (Female); Vietnam; Enhance technical assistance, role and capacity of research institute in food safety and quality control network to meet export and food safety criteria.

2. Fellow #2 (Female); Mongolia; Learn about Near Infra Red Spectroscope (NIRS) technology for both agriculture and food sector research.

3. Fellow #3 (Female); Vietnam; Update postharvest technologies to reduce the postharvest loss of tropical fruits, especially in litchi, longan, and dragon fruit, to maintain quality and prolong shelf life.

4. Fellow #4 (Male); Philippines; Assessing Post-harvest losses in Seaweed-based Agro-processing Systems.

5. Fellow #5 (Male); Colombia; Establish laboratory methodologies for the determination of pesticides residues under GLP, to obtain representative data leading to establishment of the maximum residue levels of minor crops – tropical fruits and vegetables

6. Fellow #6 (Female); Colombia; Establish laboratory methodologies for the determination of pesticides residues under GLP, to obtain representative data leading to establishment of the maximum residue levels of minor crops – tropical fruits and vegetables

Section IX provides each Fellow’s proposal with background information and research plan.

This notice identifies the Borlaug Fellowship Program deadline, legislative authority, eligibility and proposal requirements, funding restrictions, cost share requirements, allowable and unallowable costs, reporting requirements, program purpose and priorities, focus areas and recommended topics, application and submission information, application review, selection and notification process, agency program contact information, and mailing address.

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CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.777.

AWARD TYPE: Cost Reimbursable Agreement for U.S. Universities DEADLINE: Applications must be received by May 27, 2016.

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY: The legislative authority for the Borlaug Fellowship Program is provided in 7 USC 3319J, Pub. L. 95-113, title XIV, §1473G, as added Pub. L. 110-234, title VII, §7139, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1231, and Pub. L. 110-246, §4(a), Title VII, §7139, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1992. Authority also comes from the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 enacted as Title XIV of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, 7 U.S.C. 3319(a), 7 U.S.C. 3318(b).

FAS reviews proposed project costs to make certain those costs are reasonable and allowable per applicable federal regulations. This program is subject to the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200, grant, cooperative, joint venture, and cost-reimbursable agreement recipients/cooperators (including, universities, non-profits, States, Cities/Counties, Tribes, for-profits, and foreign organizations) are subject to Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations and other legal requirements, including, but not limited to:

1. 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and Central Contractor Registration2. 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information3. 2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons4. 2 CFR Part 180 and Part 417, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government wide

Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)5. 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400. University indirect costs for cost reimbursable agreements are limited to 10% of direct costs (7 USC 3319a).

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program promotes food security and economic growth by increasing scientific knowledge and collaborative research to improve agricultural productivity. This program targets promising, early- to mid-career, English-speaking scientists and policymakers from developing or middle-income countries. Fellows spend 8-12 weeks in the United States and work one-on-one with U.S. scientists in their field. Mentors coordinate the Fellows’ training, and they visit the Fellows’ countries for 5-10 days within 6-12 months after completion of the training in the U.S. to continue collaborative efforts.

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During the program, the Fellows learn new research techniques, gain exposure to the latest scientific developments in various fields of agriculture, access fully-equipped laboratories and libraries, and learn about unique public-private partnerships that help fund agricultural research and science. Equally important, this program provides international scientists and policymakers with opportunities to establish long-term contacts with U.S. scientists and to apply newly gained knowledge from U.S. institutions to their country's research and development programs.

B. PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOST INSTITUTIONS

Assignment of a Principal Investigator (Training Coordinator)The host institution will designate a contact person as the Principal Investigator (PI) responsible for coordinating all administrative and programmatic arrangements.

Assignment of a MentorA key component of the program is matching the Fellow with a mentor. The host institution will select an appropriate mentor for one-on-one work with the Fellow for the duration of the program.

Mentor Roles The mentor will establish a professional relationship, providing guidance and training in

the Fellow’s research and studies. The mentor will work with the Fellow before arrival to discuss appropriate work plan,

site visits, and other arrangements. A work plan should be agreed upon and finalized no later than 2 weeks after the program start date.

The mentor will provide draft of work plan through the PI to USDA/FAS for consultation and approval approximately 2 weeks before the commencement of the program.

The mentor agrees to commit a significant amount of time each week for one-on-one work with the Fellow during the program.

The mentor will continue communicating with the Fellow beyond the end of the program in the U.S. through the mentor visit.

Mentor will submit semi-annual progress reports that indicate all program activities conducted (form SF-PPR).

The mentor may assign other faculty members to assist with Fellow’s training and research activities.

Mentor may not be assigned to multiple Fellows during the same time frame.

Mentor Follow-up Visit The mentor visit is an essential and unique part of the Borlaug Fellowship Program. The

reciprocal visit is required, not optional. The mentor will work with the Fellow to plan a follow-up visit to the Fellow’s home

country. The trip should occur within 6 months to 1 year after the program ends. The PI should provide USDA/FAS with an agenda for mentor’s travel, including goals

and objectives. The PI must consult with USDA/FAS prior to finalizing plans or purchasing plane

tickets for the reciprocal visit. Mentor’s travel information must be provided for

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emergency contact purposes and country clearance (if required by the FAS Overseas Office).

The mentor will provide a trip report highlighting the trip’s activities and results through the PI to USDA/FAS within 30 days after the visit.

The mentor should plan to meet with the USDA/FAS Attaché or staff from the U.S. Embassy while they are traveling, if feasible. USDA/FAS can assist with coordination prior to the trip.

Visa USDA/FAS will provide a DS-2019 for the Fellow to request and obtain a J-1 Visa.

USDA/FAS will provide instructions to the Fellow regarding the application process, the amount of lead-time needed, and any paperwork required. The visa start and end date will be coordinated with the host institution who will be responsible for purchasing round trip plane tickets for the fellow to come to the U.S. for his or her program.

Travel and Transportation The host institution must comply with the Federal Travel Regulations (41 CFR 300 et

seq.). The host institution will provide round trip, economy class, international airfare from the

Fellow’s home to the university. The host institution is responsible for arranging and purchasing all domestic travel related

to the Fellow’s training program. The host institution will provide housing for the Fellow for the duration of the training

program, taking into account gender and cultural norms. The host institution will pay lodging fees directly. The host institution will not require

the Fellow to pay for his or her lodging expenses, whether through reimbursement or advance payment.

Lodging will include a private bedroom, private or shared bathroom, access to a laundry room, and access to a kitchen with pots, pans, and utensils.

Basic necessities, such as sheets, towels, and cleaning supplies (if not already provided), will be provided for Fellow’s use. The Fellow should not have to pay for these items.

Lodging will be within walking distance to the campus/training location or easily accessible by public transportation.

If public transportation is required to access campus/training location, the host institution will provide the Fellow with a bus pass or proper allowance for transportation expenses.

When planning lodging options, the host institution should check with the Fellow and account for any special dietary restrictions or preferences.

Meals and Incidentals (M&IE) The host institution will provide each Fellow with meal and living allowances for the

duration of stay. Daily M&IE allowance shall be calculated based on current GSA per diem rates. The host institution can determine the frequency of per diem allotments, but the Fellow

must receive per diem within the first week of the Fellowship. The PI must inform the Fellow and USDA/FAS immediately if this cannot be accommodated.

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Emergency Health Insurance The host institution will purchase emergency health insurance for the Fellow for the

duration of stay, as required for all J1 Visa holders (22 CFR 62.14). The Fellow will not be required to purchase his or her health insurance and then be

reimbursed. The host institution will educate the Fellow as to what is covered under health insurance

policy, especially highlighting that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered. The host institution will alert USDA/FAS staff if any health/medical conditions arise

during the Fellowship.

Communication The host institution will initiate contact with the Fellow as soon as possible. The host institution will develop the training program in consultation with USDA/FAS

and the Fellow. The host institution will keep USDA/FAS informed regarding any logistical or program

planning. The host institution will notify USDA/FAS immediately upon Fellow’s physical arrival

and departure from the U.S. The host institution will provide USDA/FAS with the Fellow’s temporary U.S. address

and phone number, and emergency contact numbers for the PI, mentor, or other appropriate institution personnel. This information is required so that Fellow can be reached in the event of an emergency.

Fellowship Program The host institution will provide educational materials and supplies to each Fellow

necessary for their full participation in the fellowship. The host institution will pay for all fees related to the Fellow’s training program, such as

(but not limited to) technology fees, administrative fees, laboratory fees, etc. The host institution will arrange relevant field visits to a local farm, processing plant,

private industry, or other related industry as applicable to the Fellow’s training program. The host institution will ensure the Fellow submits an interim and final report (2-3 pages

each) to USDA/FAS before the Fellow leaves the United States. USDA/FAS will provide a report template.

Orientation The PI/Training Coordinator will communicate directly with the Fellow at least 4-8

weeks before his or her arrival in the U.S. to ensure that all pertinent information is provided, including: Name and contact information of PI/Training Coordinator Name and contact information of mentor Institution information, weather information, and clothing needs Housing and M&IE allowance Program plan and anticipated site visits Professional development expectations

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Reminder to bring any necessary prescription medications Explain what is and is not covered under emergency health insurance policy (e.g. no

pre-existing conditions, no dental, etc.) Institution will provide an orientation upon the Fellow’s arrival to acquaint them with

campus and community resources: Explain and demonstrate local bus/transportation options Explain cultural and legal expectations USDA will provide a welcome and orientation packet for mentors

Progress Reports The Principal Investigator or Mentor will submit semi-annual progress reports. The

Principal Investigator or Mentor will use Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR) to submit quarterly progress reports.

The Principal Investigator or Mentor will submit a final report to USDA/FAS within 30 days after the Mentor visit. USDA/FAS will provide additional guidance and a template for the final report.

Reports should include the following: Summary of activities, accomplishments, and any problems encountered or overcome Photographs, when possible Completed program evaluations and action plan

An invoice cannot be paid if a progress report is past due.

Financial Reporting Financial reports will follow the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and

Agreements, 2 CFR 215. Invoices will use the Request for Advance or Reimbursement (SF-270). Invoices will be submitted electronically to [email protected] and

copied to the USDA/FAS program manager and USD/FAS program assistant on a semi-annual basis.

A summary of expenses that aligns expense totals to the agreement’s budget line items must be included.

A detailed breakdown of expenses must be included with SF-270. Payment will not be processed without supporting documentation.

A final invoice must be submitted within 90 days of the end of the period of performance for the agreement.

Costs must be reported in accordance with the regulations that govern the agreement, and must follow the applicable Federal cost principles 2 CFR 200. The institution cannot be reimbursed for costs that are contrary to the specific terms of the agreement or are outside its scope.

A Federal Financial Report (SF-425) must be submitted semi-annually and within 90 days of the end of the period of performance for the agreement.

An invoice cannot be paid if a financial report is past due.Section II: Award Information

A. ESTIMATE OF FUNDS

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http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/grants_forms/SF-425.pdf


http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/assets/omb/grants/sf270.pdf

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/grants/approved_forms/sf-ppr.pdf



Awards are anticipated to range from $25,000 to $40,000 per fellowship. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service will fund agreements for the Borlaug Fellowship Program. For more information on the Borlaug Program, please visit our website at: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/borlaug-fellowship-program.

B. START DATES AND PERFORMANCE PERIODS Activities pursuant to this REI will be for a 2 year period. The estimated start date is on or about July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018. Fellowships will begin between September 2016 and August 2017, depending on appropriate timing for activities to occur based on any seasonal needs for the program.

C. TYPE OF AWARD USDA will enter into a cost reimbursable agreement with State cooperative institutions or other colleges or universities (7 CFR 3319a). Program staff will maintain involvement in the administration of the Borlaug Fellowship Program.

Section III: Eligibility Information

A. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSProposals may be received from U.S. state cooperative institutions or other colleges and universities and minority serving institutions (MSIs). Proposals from smaller academic institutions, MSIs (in particular American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Asian American, and African American institutions) are especially encouraged to apply.

A proposal from a consortium of organizations must be submitted as a single proposal with one U.S. institution serving as the lead and all other organizations as team members, when applicable. An individual mentor must be identified for each Borlaug Fellow. A single mentor may not host two fellows simultaneously. The Principal Investigator (PI) and mentor must hold a position at an eligible U.S. institution.

B. COST SHARING AND MATCHING REQUIREMENTS This program has no statutory formula. This program has no matching requirements.

C. FUNDING RESTRICTIONSThis is a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 U.S.C. 3319a.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGEThis announcement contains all instructions and links to all forms required to complete the application. All applications must be submitted in a single PDF document. The application deadline is May 27, 2016. No mailed or facsimile submissions will be accepted.

B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION:

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http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/USCODE-2010-title7/USCODE-2010-title7-chap64-subchapX-sec3319a/content-detail.html

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/USCODE-2010-title7/USCODE-2010-title7-chap64-subchapX-sec3319a/content-detail.html




Institutions may submit proposals to host more than one Borlaug Fellow. Institutions interested in hosting one or more Fellows should submit a proposal following the guidelines below:

Complete SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance for a single Borlaug Fellow. USDA/FAS cannot accept applications for multiple fellows in a single application.

Indicate the name of the institution applying to host the Fellows. Indicate the country, research interest, and reference number. Identify a Primary Investigator. Identify a Mentor. A Mentor may not be assigned to multiple Fellows who are in the

U.S. at the same time. Provide a tentative research plan based on the Fellow’s research proposal and action plan,

including topics covered, field visits, and other activities. Include a narrative description of the proposed fellowship, how it will be administered,

and the role of the university faculty and support staff. Provide a summary of relevant institutional capabilities for hosting international scientists

and policymakers in the proposed field. Briefly describe the research expertise and international experience of the mentor in the

Fellow’s field of interest. Provide a one to two page curriculum vitae for the mentor and other collaborating

researchers involved in the proposed program. Identify the expected skills or knowledge to be acquired by the Fellow at the end of the

program Provide a program budget using Standard Form -424A- Budget Information Non

Construction Programs, including a detailed budget worksheet (see page 12). Provide a budget narrative. All line items should be described in sufficient detail to

enable FAS to determine that the costs are reasonable and allowable for the project in accordance with federal regulations.

If attendance at the World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa during October 2016 is feasible, the budget should include time and funding for the Fellow and Mentor to attend. An adjustment to the Fellow’s M&IE must be made for the time spent in Iowa.

Complete AD-3030, Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.

Complete AD-3031, Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants

Complete the Host University Administrative Checklist on university administrative policies

Submit all application materials as attachments to a single email. o The primary document submitted in response to this REI with all information

requested should be titled Statement of Work. o Include all application information that is not a specific form in a single PDF

document.

Successful applicants will be required to submit all relevant national certifications and compliance documents prior to awards being issued.

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http://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3031




http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf



HOST UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATIVE CHECKLIST

Please complete the following checklist concerning the university’s policies on providing per diem funds to exchange visitors. This information is for USDA internal use only and does not determine your eligibility to serve as a host institution.

Host University Policies YES NO

Will the mentor listed in the proposal be present for the majority of the fellowship?

Will the mentor be able to spend time meeting with fellow individually each week?

Will the university be able to provide per diem within the first week of the Fellow’s arrival?

Will the university be able to provide fully furnished lodging with kitchen facilities?

Does the university withhold federal tax on the participants’ per diem and housing?* If so, you must list this expense as a separate line item on the budget.

*Note that Borlaug Fellows (as trainees, not students) are considered EXEMPT INDIVIDUALS under the IRS Substantial Presence Test for tax purposes. The exemption falls under one or both of the following categories: either the Foreign Government-Related Individuals standard or the Closer Connection Exception. The only requirement is to complete IRS Form 8843 (Sections 1 and 2). No taxes should be withheld from Borlaug Fellows since they are exempt.

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http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf

http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Exempt-Individuals-Foreign-Government-Related-Individuals




Budget WorksheetHost Institution:Estimated Dates:REI#/Country/Fellow#

SF-424 Category Line Items Rate Days Subtotal

Fellow's Logistical ExpensesTRAVEL/Housing 1. LodgingTRAVEL 2. Meals and IncidentalsOTHER 3. Federal TaxTRAVEL 4. Medical InsuranceTRAVEL 6. Local TransportationTRAVEL 7. Airfare - InternationalTRAVEL 8. Airfare - Domestic (If Applicable)

SubtotalFellow's Professional Development

TRAVEL 1. Field ToursSUPPLIES 2. Educational Materials and IT ExpensesSUPPLIES 3. Shipping Materials

SubtotalHost Institution Fees

PERSONNEL 1. Training Coordinator (Salary)FRINGE BENEFITS 1.b. Training Coordinator (Fringe Benefits)PERSONNEL 2. Mentor FeeFRINGE BENEFITS 2.b. Mentor (Fringe Benefits)SUPPLIES 3. Laboratory Expenses

SubtotalWorld Food Prize Symposium (Oct. 2016; If Applicable)

TRAVEL 1. Domestic TransportationTRAVEL 2. LodgingOTHER 3. Conference Fee

SubtotalMentor Follow up Activity (5-10 Days)

TRAVEL 1. Mentor Airfare – InternationalTRAVEL 2. Mentor Domestic In-Country Travel (If Applicable)TRAVEL 3. LodgingTRAVEL 4. Meals & IncidentalsSUPPLIES 5. Supplies for Trainings/Workshops

SubtotalTotal Program Costs

INDIRECT Indirect Costs/Overhead (10%)Total Request

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C. SUBMISSION DEADLINES AND TIMES

Submit all application materials in a single email. The following forms are required: SF-424, SF-424A, AD-3030, and AD-3031. Include all application information that is not a specific form in a single PDF document.

Funding opportunities will be advertised via the USDA/NIFA listserv. All proposals must be submitted to the email address below with all required forms. Proposals not submitted to the application email address by the stated deadline will not be accepted.

Borlaug Fellowship Program Email: [email protected]

D. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Allowable Costs: To help in this review and to expedite the award process, budgets must include a narrative detailing all line items. The categories listed below are examples of some of the more common items found in project budgets. All items should be described in sufficient detail that would enable FAS to determine that the costs are reasonable and allowable for the project per federal regulations.

1. Salaries and Fringe Benefits: Requested funds may be allocated toward salaries, fringe benefits, or the combination thereof. No more than 20% of the requested funds may be allocated toward salaries, consultant fees, fringe benefits, or the combination thereof. Only individuals that hold positions at eligible U.S. institutions should be listed in this category.

2. Travel: For domestic travel, provide the purpose of the travel and information used in calculating the estimated cost, such as the destination, number of travelers, and estimated cost per trip. There are several restrictions associated with traveling on federal funds. In most cases, airfare must be purchased in economy class from a U.S. carrier. Travelers must also adhere to federally mandated domestic per diem guidelines. Additional information may be found in the circulars listed in the “Legislative Authority” section of this announcement.

3. Supplies:All personal property excluding equipment, intangible property, and debt instruments as defined in this section.

4. Other Direct Costs: Other Direct Costs are those anticipated charges not included in other budget categories, including materials and supplies, lab fees, publication costs, reasonable consultant fees, computer services, sub-awards (the level of detail required for the sub-award budget is the same as the recipient organization), equipment rental, facility rental, conferences and meetings, speaker fees, honorariums.5. Indirect Costs:

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Indirect Costs may not exceed 10% of direct costs.

6. Tax Withholding: Borlaug Fellows (as trainees, not students) are considered EXEMPT INDIVIDUALS under the IRS Substantial Presence Test for tax purposes. The exemption falls under one or both of the following categories: either the Foreign Government-Related Individuals standard or the Closer Connection Exception. Tax treaties might also exist between the U.S. and the Fellow’s home country. The only requirement is to complete IRS Form 8843 (Sections 1 and 2). No taxes should be withheld from Borlaug Fellows since they are exempt.

Unallowable Costs: General purpose equipment (no particular scientific, technical, or programmatic purpose) and scientific equipment exceeding $5,000 or more; entertainment; capital improvements; thank you gifts, and other expenses not directly related to the project are not allowed.

E. OTHER SUBMISSSION REQUIREMENTSAll applications must be submitted electronically as indicated above.

Section V: Application Review Information

All proposals are carefully reviewed by USDA/FAS Program Officers and other FAS staff against the criteria listed below, including others who are experts in a particular field, as appropriate.

A. REVIEW CRITERIA

Technical Expertise and Experience (40 points): Mentor must have appropriate technical background to provide the desired, advanced training. If necessary, other appropriate collaborating scientists should be identified to meet any of the objectives which the mentor cannot address. Mentor’s experience and knowledge of relevant agricultural conditions within the Fellow’s country or a similar location will be considered as appropriate. The trainer’s experience with international training and adult-education will also be considered.

Overall Program (35 points): The overall program plan and design should be relevant to the Fellow’s objectives background. The program plan should be thorough, and it should help achieve the desired post-program deliverables and the Fellow’s research goals and objectives. Relevant agricultural practices within the region of the university will be considered as appropriate. Relevant university resources should be identified. Additional resources/organizations should be identified as appropriate. Site visits and meetings should be meaningful to the content of the program, if included.

Budget (25 points): The proposed budget should be appropriate for the length of the program. The budget should include appropriate cost savings where available. Salary and fringe benefits expenses should not be excessive.

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

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Other factors may also be taken into consideration such as regional diversity and MSI status in the review process. After review by appropriate offices, it is expected that all applicants will be notified within 2 months after the closing date for applications.

Section VI: Award Administration Information

A. AWARD NOTICESApplicants should expect to be contacted by program staff for clarification and additional discussion on any budget related issues before final determination of successful applicants. Any notification by the program office regarding the selection of an institution is not an authorization to begin performance. No pre-award costs can be charged. The notice of award signed by the Deputy Administrator of USDA/FAS/OCBD is the authorizing document. This document will be sent by electronic mail to the university. Both parties must sign this document before the agreement is in force. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the status of their application by email.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTSCertifications regarding debarment Suspension, Drug Free Workplace, Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status, and other national administrative assurances and policies are required. The cooperator must adhere to administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements as contained in 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

C. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: Primary Investigators are required to submit mid-term and final Fellow’s performance reports on the U.S. portion of the Borlaug Fellowship. A final mentor’s visit report including a final evaluation should be submitted no later than 30 days after the completion of the mentor visit.

Financial reports will use SF-425. Progress Reports will use SF-PPR. Invoices will use SF-270.

Section VII: Agency Contact

Applicants can direct questions or request help before the deadline for submission of the application for these funding opportunities via the contact information below:

Borlaug Fellowship General Email: [email protected] Borlaug Asia/Latin America: Sarah Librea, (202) 720-2018 or

[email protected]

Section VIII: Other Information

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The USDA Borlaug Fellowship Program began in 2004. More than 750 Fellows from 64 countries have been trained to date. Additional program information is available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/borlaug-fellowship-program.

Related Requests for Expressions of interest will be distributed by region and topic including: Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, North Africa, East/ Sub-Saharan Africa. This will be posted on the NIFA listserv.

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Section IX: Borlaug Fellow Proposal and Research Plan

Fellow Reference Number

Country Gender Fellowship Length (Weeks)

Research Focus

1 Vietnam Female 12 Food Safety: Enhance technical assistance, role and capacity of research institute in food safety and quality control network to meet export and food safety criteria.

2 Mongolia Female 12 Food Safety: Learn about Near Infra Red Spectroscope (NIRS) technology for both agriculture and food sector research.

3 Vietnam Female 12 Postharvest Loss: Update postharvest technologies to reduce the postharvest loss of tropical fruits, especially in litchi, longan, and dragon fruit, to maintain quality and prolong shelf life.

4 Philippines Male 12 Postharvest Loss: Assessing Post-harvest losses in Seaweed-based Agro-processing Systems.

5 Colombia Male 12 Food Safety: Establish laboratory methodologies for the determination of pesticides residues under GLP, to obtain representative data leading to establishment of the maximum residue levels of minor crops – tropical fruits and vegetables

6 Colombia Female 12 Food Safety: Establish laboratory methodologies for the determination of pesticides residues under GLP, to obtain representative data leading to establishment of the maximum residue levels of minor crops – tropical fruits and vegetables

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Appendix 1: Detailed Borlaug Fellow Proposal and Research Plan

Fellow 1 – Vietnam; Food Safety

The goal of my research is to strengthen the technical, scientific and regulatory capacity of the research institute in food safety management.

Objective 1. General overview knowledge on global food safety principles and quality control systems.Objective 2. Provide information and guidance about US food safety requirements/ standards for seafood.Objective 3. Identify and review significance hazards and potential risk in seafood (shrimp and catfish).Objective 4. Support provisions for the multilateral acceptance of laboratory methods and detection techniques.

In Vietnam, total fisheries production has been growing steadily over the past two decades. Vietnam has maintained its position as the leading catfish provider to the EU in 2014. However, Vietnamese exporters often target the lower end of the market and compete more on price than quality. Increasingly, regulations concerning Food safety are becoming more stringent and enforces. Meeting food safety standards is a prerequisite for access to importing countries. In this context, fish processing industry has made progress on management while the factories operating in this sector are pioneers in the application of regulations and international standards. Vietnamese government has established a system to ensure efficient application of the quality management systems. However, the greater danger for Vietnam is the lack of capacity to monitor and enforce existing regulations. Food control infrastructure in Vietnam tends to be inadequate, due to limited resources and often poor management. A lack of overall strategic direction means that limited resources are not properly utilized. Food control systems may also suffer from poorly or inadequately developed compliance policies. No single entity can alone assure the safety of the food supply. It is important to be aware of the roles and responsibilities of each player in the food supply chain. It recognizes that other types of entities including food safety experts, development leaders, food processors, manufacturers, researchers and trainers can all contribute in building food safety capacity. They should be provided a comprehensive, coherent solution to food safety issues. Processing companies are clearly the most sophisticated and powerful actors in the production chain. However, the processing plants capacities are limited in terms of laboratory equipment as well as technique, human resource. This limits their ability in controlling quality and makes the plants are more or less passive in monitoring quality. Modern food control systems call for science based and transparent decision making processes, and require access to qualified and trained personnel in disciplines such as food science and technology, biochemistry, microbiology, quality assurance.

Food control authorities need to better appreciate the role of science in the risk-based approach, and to take advantage of scientific resources in the international community. At the research institutes where the staffs have higher education as well as being equipped with modern laboratories are more appropriate to develop knowledge and technology to explore the new

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methodology in quality assurance. Hence, the delivery of training material through academic institutions should be encouraged to broaden dissemination of information and to develop the science based food safety systems and standards. The Institutional laboratories have the potential to participate in the international food safety testing laboratories network. They are the key in development of analytical methods for monitoring compliance with the broadest possible range of food safety standards. The research institute will consult and transfer technical advances for farmers, stakeholders, processors. They can develop and strengthen links between private industry, research organizations through information sessions and workshops to enable on-going innovation in food safety.

Through the fellowship, I hope to approach to the latest knowledge in the field of food safety, to be trained in the new methodology in quality assurance. I have University and Master degree in Food technology so that I took some courses about food safety, risk management, HACCP concept, biochemistry and microbiology. Moreover, I attended in many training and workshops on fishery biotechnology, assurance of safety and hygiene in seafood processing… I also participated in the projects related to risk assessment, food processing and preservation. In my Institute, I am a key staff contribution in building-up the laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 standard. Now this is one of the laboratories were authorized by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for quality analysis of feed ingredients and aquaculture feed samples. Working with mentor in US will help me to improve my professional knowledge by incorporating new innovative technology in risk management, give me the overview knowledge on global food safety principles and quality control systems. The mentor will help me to have a different look in identification and assessment of hazards in seafood especially in the Vietnamese products. Besides the mentor also speed up the way to use the update biotechnology in different field of catfish and shrimp industry. And I will be trained about new rapid analytical methods to detect food contamination.

First, the Borlaug Fellowship can help the government in formulating strategies, policies, guidelines and standards to improve the quality and food safety. I will help to create a more efficient system for providing guidance and expert advice to both industry and inspectors. I can contribute to update the analytical methods according to international standard, research and development of methods to rapidly detect the food safety hazards and preventive measures. I will work with enterprises to explore approaches tailored to their operational needs and assist them in achieving compliance and will improve their food safety system. By helping the possessor to incorporate to new innovative technology, they greatly reduce the delay, improving time to result, productivity gains. Besides, I help companies handle complex microbial challenges in their production facilities and with their products. By that we have pioneered for threat and vulnerability assessment. Help manufactures reduce spoilage and food waste while keeping their products fresher longer. As consequence, they are also provided new market opportunities and increased economic value. This will bring increased economic efficiency for producers and farmers as well as reducing processing waste which causes severe and industry limiting environmental pollution. The result will generate significant Greenock19681 improvements in the quality of life.

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Objective 1. General overview knowledge on global food safety principles and quality control systems.Actions: Class room teaching by mentor about some food safety principles and quality control systems such as Hazard Analysis CriticalControl Point System (HACCP), The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), good agricultural practices (GAP), good manufacturing practices (GMP), and goodhygienic practices (GHP).Outcome: general summary of the main contents of the global food safety principles and quality control systems including scope, objective, principles.Time: the 1st week.

Objective 2. Provide information and guidance about U.S food safety requirements/ standards for seafood.Actions: - be provided information and guidance about U.S food safety requirements/ standards for seafood.- Show out the difference between U.S requirements/ standards for shrimp, catfish and those in some main importing countries such as EU countries, Japan and also the exporting countries as Vietnam, Thailand, China.Outcome: overall look on international food safety standards to have orientation on improving the technologyTime: first part of the 2nd week

Objective 3. Identify and review significance hazards and potential risk in seafood (shrimp and catfish).Actions: - make the flowcharts and procedures for producing the food from farm to fork.- Identify hazards, assess their risk and list their control.- Related to the happened actual cases such as microbial infection or antibiotics, pesticides residues. Statistic on seafood borne disease.Outcome: understand the significance hazards and potential risks in catfish and shrimp processingTime: the rest of the 2nd week.

Objective 4. Support provisions for the multilateral acceptance of laboratory methods and detection techniquesActions: - Lab training on food safety testing methods focus on new rapid tests: microbiology (rapid quantitative method for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholera, E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, …), chemistry (antibiotic residue, pesticidesresidues).- Developing validation protocol.Outcome: performance of the new rapid tests, ensure reliability, accuracy and repeatability of its results.

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Fellow 2 – Mongolia; Food Safety

1. The goal of my research is to introduce new, cost and time efficient technology (NIRS) for implementing a concept “Healthy food – healthy people”.2. To achieve this goal, I am intending to adopt Near Infra Red Spectroscope (NIRS) technology in both agriculture and food sector research of Mongolia. Having the NIRS adopted in Mongolia will enable us to improve food safety issue through better analysis of animal feed and human food contamination at all levels. Adopting technology is only a start of the complex research which will require more follow up references, recommendations and methodologies to be translated into Mongolian circumstances. The following objectives are developed in consultation with the Mongolian University of Life Sciences (MULS) in order to adopt NIRS technology in Mongolia:- To determine sample types depending on the research object and prepare the samples for scanning;- To select and test appropriate methods and techniques appropriate for the research;- To analyze preliminary results and workout calibration formula for each type of samples;- Verification of results; and- Reporting the results in scientific articles.3. Mongolia, with about 3 million people living on 1.5 million square kilometers, is the world’s most sparsely populated country. Mongolian food consumption is dominated by local animal products from the livestock grazed on pastureland with no proper management. Meat industry plays an important role in the food sector and is considered to be one of the most potential export sectors for future development of the country. Mongolia annually produces 200-250 thousand tons of meat from 8.2 million livestock and self-sufficient for its domestic meat consumption (MoIA, 2013). Mongolia also exports meat and meat products to Kazakhstan, Japan, Ukraine, Iran, Vietnam and China.

As per statistics of 2007, only 6.4% of the consumed meat and 2.2% of milk were industrially processed, whereas other animal food products were not processed and had inadequate veterinary and hygiene control. Raw animal food materials and products sold in the markets were from uncertain origins and had no quality assurance and hygiene certificates.

Grasslands and arid grazing cover 1 210 000 km2 (80% of the land area) and livestock is fully dependent on it with no monitoring of its’ substance.

Mongolian meat and its sub products might be considered ecologically clean due to its’ free range nature of animal growth. However, pasture and food quality can be affected by several factors, such as i) pasture degradation, increase of weed plants, bare ground and decrease of hay preparation; ii) uncontrolled animal drug utilization and lack of monitoring of drug used animal slaughtering and its’ production; iii) growth in number of illegal artisanal miners (illegal use of mercury and cyanide contaminates the water and soil) and etc.

Mongolia has professional organizations that analyses and controls animal health and food safety. However, these organizations have no constructive technology that monitors all levels of animal food production including soil; pastureland; animal and animal production stages.

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There is a need to develop a rapid, non-destructive and inexpensive technology /NIRS/ to conduct research for reliable quality of pasture and animal feed to produce safe food to the population. Adopting NIRS in Mongolia will avail reliable data source to monitor feed and food quality and security through improved information supply.

For many years, NIRS has been used by the feed and food chain as the main technique to identify chemical composition and contaminants in developed country. In forages, in feaces, in raw agricultural materials including food, NIRS methods are used to determine dry matter, ash, protein, ammonia, fat, pH, lactic acid and volatile fatty acid and heavy metals, antibiotic content as well as in vitro and in vivo digestibility (e.g.,NDF, ADF) parameters.

4. I hope to learn how to use NIRS machine (both stand and portable type) at selected university or institution and process and analyze machine obtained data. I have experience in evaluating chemical composition of animal feed and the effect of protein fraction of animal feed on rumen degradability and whole tract digestion (by in situ, in vitro and in vivo method) during my PhD study at Chungbuk National University of South Korea. Since my PhD completed, I have been working as a lecturer at MULS. The University has 6 animal science research laboratories that analyze feed proximate on samples of hay and fodder concentrates; evaluate chemical composition on meat and dairy products by traditional method. There is a need to upgrade my study/research by NIRS assessment for feed and food safety. We have portable NIRS-512 machine that is sponsored by Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University project which is currently used for only animal nutritional trail. However, we are lacking in analyzing the trail data produced by NIRS – 512 due to lack of knowledge on calibration method. Upon my learning of using NIRS, I would like to extend usage of the machine for feed, fecal and food analyzes through Norman E. Borlaug Fellowship program.

5. Nowadays NIRS technology is a new approach to assess both feed quality and food safety. So I would like to have technical training on usage of NIRS machines and its’ result analysis and evaluations through Borlaug Fellowship program at the appropriate institute, university and research laboratory.

If my application is successful, the usage of NIRS technology will enable me to contribute to the following achievements in my country with my extended knowledge and experience of using NIRS technology and evaluating the results:1. Contribute to pasture quality map development providing appropriate information on pastureland quality through NIRS analysis;2. Contribute to develop pastureland management plan and relevant guidelines to local administrative units based on different status of pasture quality patterns and its’ safety measures to graze livestock for healthy products;3. Consult to determine contamination free zones for meat and dairy production;4. Establish network with peer researchers and improve technology transfer between American and Mongolian research institutes especially in agricultural sector; and5. Provide appropriate information and informed recommendations to policy makers.

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The School of Animal Science and Biotechnology at MULS offers education and research for bachelor, master and doctoral degree in animal and wildlife science, rural development, food and feed nutrition and producing technology. Since 2010, after completed my Ph.D degree inKorea, I am lecturing Animal nutrition and Animal feed manufacturing technology course to undergraduate and master students.

I have some experience in feed quality analysis; in situ, in vitro, in vivo degradability of animal feed techniques; determination of the feed effect on rumen degradability; and whole tract digestibility. This is my early stage of animal nutritionist career, so I would like to develop new technology that is suitable for determine feed and food chemical composition and contamination and microbial contamination. I have developed my study plan with the expectation to achieve my objectives identified in research proposal as part of my application.

Action PlanWeek 1: Travel; University and laboratory orientations; staff introductionsWeek 2: Finalize the research proposal in consultation with the identified institute and mentor and learn to operate NIRS machine and related devices. Infrared spectroscopy has attained a primary position in monitoring the composition of feed and food products before, during, and following processing. It has a wide range of feed and food applications and has proven successful in the laboratory, at-line, and on-line.Week 3: Learn and practice feed and food sample preparation method for NIRS analysis:Week 4: Analyze feed chemical composition by NIRS /determine dry matter, ash, protein content in animal feed.Week 5: Spectra and reference analyze by software application and calibration methodWeek 6: Analyze of feed contamination by NIRS/determine mercury and cyanide content in animal feed. The soil, water and pastureland are contaminated by heavy metals, which directly effects agricultural production.Week 7: Spectra reference analyze by software application and calibration methodWeek 8: Analyze of food chemical composition by NIRS method /determine dry matter, ash, protein content in food.Week 9: Spectra reference analyze by software application and calibration methodWeek10: Analyze of food contamination by NIRS /determine mercury and cyanide content in food.Week 11: Spectra reference analyze by software application and calibration methodWeek 12: Produce and submit final report of study by fellowship

Consumable heavy metals from contaminated agricultural crops on a long-term basis can accumulate in plant crops, and therefore in animals which consume the crops. Once accumulated in animals or crops, to decontaminate or excrete can be difficult, even though the immobilizer assisted management skill is suggested for removing metal-contaminated agricultural soils for safer food production (Kim KR and Kim JG, 2009). In meat-producing (growing) animals deposition of toxic substances in edible products is much harder to establish and adequate sampling and analysis of the excreta for the toxic substance studied is often not feasible (Cornelis Adriaan Kan, 2009).

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The food chain that starts with farmers and ends with consumers can be complex, involving multiple stages of production and distribution (planting, harvesting, breeding, transporting, storing, importing, processing, packaging, distributing to retail markets, and shelf storing. Various study methods can be employed at each stage in food chain. Each of this stage is not controlled regularly because of special nomadic culture in Mongolia. The primary advantage of NIR spectroscopy is that once the instrument has been calibrated, several constituents in a sample can be measured rapidly (from 30 s to 2min), simultaneously and easy. This is desirable advantage for Mongolian sparsely populated nation.

NIRS method for feed and food quality can play a major role in Agricultural sector in Mongolia nowadays, because possibility of contamination pastureland is maybe higher in some areas where rapid growth in number of illegal artisanal miners. This will enable us to closely monitor where to produce meat and its sub products to establish healthy food chain which is a key factor to have healthy population.

In addition, being personally exposed to the institution with similar research area and interest, it will expand my network to my peers in American research institutes and it will develop more collaborative research.

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Fellow 3 – Vietnam; Postharvest Loss

The general objective of the proposal is to be trained on technologies for postharvest storage, processing, distribution and quality management of tropical fruits.

The specific objectives are: Capacity developed for research on technologies for postharvest storage, distribution and

quality management of longan, litchi and dragon fruits Development of the joint research projects

Background information about my research: Postharvest losses remain a major difficulty when addressing sustainable food production and to increase the international trade of fruit and vegetables from Vietnam. Losses of fresh fruit and vegetables contribute to higher food prices by diminishing the supply to the market. They also have an environmental impact as human labour, water, land, and non-renewable resources are used to produce, process, handle and transport food that is ultimately not even consumed. Consequently, reducing postharvest losses of fresh fruit and vegetables provides an essential tool in the fight against food and nutritional insecurity and in improving income of farmers. The possibility to increase food availability without additional investments in agricultural land development and production inputs is attractive from both an economic and environmental point of view, especially in Vietnam where resource-poor farmers are dominated. The losses and wastes typically occur during agricultural production, postharvest handling and storage, processing, distribution and consumption. With adequate investment, supporting research and training, food losses can be drastically reduced. In low-income countries including Vietnam food losses and waste are mainly due to financial, managerial and technical limitations in harvesting techniques, storage and cooling facilities in difficult climatic conditions, infrastructure, packaging and marketing systems. Given that many Vietnamese smallholder farmers live on the margins of food insecurity, a reduction in postharvest losses could have an immediate and significant impact on their livelihoods. To be able to reduce losses in the postharvest supply chain, the critical points and the factors causing the losses need to be identified by monitoring the conditions in the supply chain in parallel to monitoring the actual losses incurred.

Longan, litchi, and dragon fruit are (sub)tropical fruits. These seasonal fruits are predominantly consumed fresh, have a high nutritional value and are economically important for the region. However, they are highly perishable and have a very short postharvest life at ambient temperature. The estimated losses are high, up to 25% due to very poor postharvest practice. Main problems causing economical drop for these fruits are pericarp browning, microbial decay, and chilling injury with the temperature threshold depending on cultivar. All these factors constrain them to enter both domestic and international markets. To increase the economic value of these fruits, strategies to reduce postharvest losses of these high quality fruits with great export potential are urgently needed. This can be obtained by adequate investment in both academic research and dissemination activities.

The general objective of the proposal is to train staff on technologies for postharvest storage, processing, distribution and quality management of litchi, longan, and dragon fruit. The

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trainee will then exploit knowledge of postharvest biology and technology obtained during training in a U.S. lab to strengthen the Vietnamese horticultural sector to reduce postharvest losses and increase the domestic and international market potential of the target fruits. In order to reach this objective, the following main activities will be performed:

Training on improved and novel postharvest treatments to maintain the quality and to prolong the shelf life of litchi, longan and dragon fruits.

Physical, chemical and biological treatments Training on designing the optimal packaging film to reduce the physiological and biochemical

changes during storage and transportation; Training on controlling the supply chain for the target fruits Effect of temperature on fruit quality in the supply chain Effect of relative humidity on fruit quality in the supply chain Effect of gas composition inside the pack on fruit quality in the supply chain Training on quality system for fruit and vegetables Training on advanced analytical techniques: GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, molecular biology,

biotechnology etc. Training on knowledge transfer and dissemination to the horticultural sector on the

enhancement of the use of postharvest technology and quality management procedures for reduction of losses of litchi, longan, and dragon fruit in Vietnam to the benefit of smallholder farmers, regional food supply as well as, on a longer term, to increase fruit exports.

Discussion with the U.S. mentor on the possibilities for joint research projects on postharvest technologies for tropical fruits in general and litchi, longan and dragon fruits in particular.

In order to obtain the above mentioned accomplishments I will work in the lab with colleagues in a U.S lab and discuss with a U.S. mentor.

The Borlaug Fellowship will strongly contribute to enhanced agricultural productivity, economic development, and/or food security in my country though my jobs there. First, I will utilize the knowledge, skills, experiences and procedures that I have accumulated to coach food technology students. Second, I will get more involved in research projects on reducing postharvest losses of fruit and vegetables and their quality systems for domestic consumption and export to enhance the economic value of tropical fruits and to improve the income of farmers. Finally, with the procedures learnt from the training, I will be qualified for the technological transfer both household and industrial scales on thepostharvest supply chain.

Action PlanWeeks 1 - 2: Train on optimal postharvest treatments for litchi and advanced analytical techniquesWeeks 3 - 4: Train on optimal postharvest treatments for longan and advanced analytical techniquesWeeks 5 - 6: Train on optimal postharvest treatments for dragon fruits and advanced analytical techniquesWeeks 7 - 8: Train on modified atmosphere packaging for tropical fruits and advanced analytical techniquesWeek 9: Train on supply chain for the tropical fruits and advanced analytical techniquesWeek 10: Training on quality system for fruit and vegetablesWeek 11: Training on knowledge transfer and dissemination

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Week 12: Discussion with the U.S. mentor on the possibilities for joint research projects on postharvest technologies for tropical fruits in general and litchi, longan and dragon fruits in particular.

Planned outcomes: Trainee accumulates skill and knowledge on postharvest treatments of longan, litchi, and dragon

fruit Trainee accumulates skill and knowledge on technology transfer and dissemination activity so

that she can implement in Vietnam Trainee accumulates knowledge on quality systems of fruit and vegetables, supporting for

domestic and export potential. Agreement between the trainee and U.S. mentor on topics and financial funding sources for joint

research projects

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Fellow 4 – Philippines; Postharvest Loss 1. The goal of my research is to assess the supply chain and post-harvest losses of seaweed-based farming systems in Central Philippines.

2. Specific objectives of the study are the following; to conduct value chain analysis on seaweed-based products (fresh, dried and processed) using the farm to market approach, to identify the extent and causes of post-harvest losses of seaweed farmers and processors, to characterize different post-harvest handling practices among seaweed farmers and processors, to establish appropriate intervention measures to reduce post-harvest losses and increase food security, nutrient retention and rural livelihood, and to illustrate the dynamics of Philippines food safety regulation systems for fresh, dried and processed seaweeds and the measures facilitating compliance capacity with food safety requirements on destination markets such as the United States of America.

3. Farming seaweeds is the largest and most productive form of livelihood among the coastal population of the Philippines. The country is one of the top producers of seaweeds in the world, and aquatic plants next to Indonesia (FAO 2007). Information from the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines for 2004 indicated more than 116,000 families consisting of more than 1 million individuals are farming more than 58,000ha of seaweed mostly in Southern and Central Philippines. Seaweeds are exported either in raw forms (fresh or dried seaweeds) or processed forms (semi-refined chips/carrageenan and refined carrageenan). The major importing countries of seaweeds and its natural products are China, USA, France, Korea, Rep of South and Belgium. Despite the increasing production of seaweeds in the country, postharvest losses, pollution and diseases are becoming significant. Post-harvest and marketing system is a chain of interconnected activities from the time of harvest to the delivery of the food to the consumers. Agricultural commodities produced on the farm have to undergo several procedures like harvesting, drying, threshing, winnowing, processing, bagging, storage, transportation, and exchange before reaching the final consumer. The primary role of an effective post-harvest system is to ensure that the harvested food reaches the consumer, while fulfilling customer satisfaction in terms of quality, volume and safety. However, post-harvest losses are higher in developing countries because of poor transport infrastructure, inefficient farming systems, inferior farm management, and ineffective storage and processing facilities that lead to larger loss of harvested foods, reduction of quality and safety.

For this reason, identifying the best practices in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing seaweed productivity to improve income and nutrition of farm households should be a priority in the Philippines. The recent shift towards “buyer-driven” global value chains (GVCs) extends internationally with global sourcing and the emergence of competing multinational key economic players giving emphasis on product quality and safety attributes. Raising concerns and awareness regarding the safety of food have lead to increasingly strict regulations. Increasing attention has been given to the impact of food safety standards on agri-food trade and notably on developing countries' export performance (Aksoy and Beghin, 2005). A major concern is that food safety standards lead to the exclusion of the poorest farmers, who are unable to comply with stringent requirements due to a lack of technical and financial capacity. Structural inefficiencies in the seaweed-based agro-industry may exacerbate difficulties in complying with food safety measures. Additional compliance costs constitute a burden (especially for seaweed smallholder farmers) and may hinder their participation in high safety discerning value chains and/or a reduction of export volumes due to increased variable costs. Given this premises, it is important to understand the dynamics of Philippine food safety regulatory system imposed on seaweed export and the

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measures facilitating its compliance capacity with food safety requirements on destination markets such as the United States.

4. I hope to assess the supply chain and identify post-harvest losses of seaweed-based agro-processing in Central Philippines especially in the seaweed producing provinces of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Cebu and Ilo-ilo. My research interest in seaweed and seaweed processing motivates me to conduct this study, and to deeply understand the seaweed-based agro-processing in the country. A mentor from the US which is one of the major importers of seaweeds and seaweed products from the Philippines will help me a lot especially in understanding the different food safety requirements imposed (heavy metal contents and other toxicants) which hinder small seaweed farmers from exporting their products to the US and other countries.

5. Seaweed farming is the largest and most productive form of livelihood among coastal population in the Philippines. With a Borlaug Fellowship and the help of my mentor, I will be able to identify the extent and causes of post-harvest losses in seaweed farming in the country and be able to establish appropriate measures in reducing them. With my inherent skills in community organization and people mobilization reinforce by the knowledge and skills I will acquire from the fellowship, it is my best interest to improve the lives of seaweed farmers in my country.

Action PlanWeek 1: University and laboratory orientation and staff introduction Week 2: Field and plant visits. Weeks 3-4: Focus group discussion and consultation with different stakeholders in the region (mentor, food safety officers, representatives from the industry, seaweed farmers)Weeks 5-6: Supply chain analyses Weeks 7-8: Laboratory Analyses (Identification of heavy metals and other toxicants)Week 9: Analyses of the Philippine food safety regulations for export of seaweed and seaweed products Weeks 10-11: Analyses of the US food safety regulations for the import of seaweeds and seaweed productsWeek 12: Documentation of practices, post-harvest handling, distribution and consumer acceptance

Expected Output:1. Different seaweed processing plants visited.2. Linkages with various stakeholders in the region.3. Causes and results of Post-harvest losses identified.4. Strategies on how to improve production practices, post-harvest handling, distribution and consumer acceptance.5. Illustration of the Philippines food safety regulation systems for fresh, dried and processed seaweeds.6. A list of US food safety requirements for the import of seaweeds and seaweed products.7. Documented production practices, post-harvest handling, distribution and consumer acceptance

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Fellow 5 – Colombia – Food Safety and Post Harvest Loss

1. The goal of my research is establish laboratory methodologies for the determination of pesticides residues under GLP, to obtain representative data leading to establishment of the maximum residue levels (MRL) of minor crops, because of there are not this levels for tropical fruits and vegetables from Colombia, being exported to United States and other countries.

2. Identify the elements needed to implement field trials and laboratory in order to obtain data suitable for the registration of pesticides and setting maximum residue limits, using good laboratory practices as a system of quality assurance.

3. Colombia exports fruit and vegetables mainly to USA and Europe. Food safety is one of the buying criteria for consumers in these countries, this criteria applied through the imposition of compliance with the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which determines that foodstuffs enter or not to these countries. The MRLs are defined by each country; however, in harmony with the multilateral international agreements requirements signed by the countries of the world, they have adopted MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius. Many of the foods produced in Latin American countries, do not have a MRL, because studies leading to these technical criteria are lacking.

It is necessary develop studies that lead to the generation of information that can be presented to the FAO/OMS Joint Meeting of Pesticide Residues (JMPR), which corresponds to committee Codex food advisory for this issue. Field trials and laboratory tests needed for the development of these studies should follow the parameters of the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

At present, in my country, Colombia, in Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario – ICA (Agricultural Colombian Institute) we have begun to do this kind of research studies supported by the IR-4 project. However, we have found weaknesses in the adequate implementation of the GLP criteria and the analysis of complex matrices such as citrics and oily crops.

4. I hope to improve the way of carrying out the analysis of pesticide residues for MRL setting and acquire theoretical and practical experience with complex matrices. Moreover I wanted to visit a field trial associated with the development of MRLs. This will allow me to better target research studies have projected in Colombia, related to the establishment of MRLs. Working with a mentor, will allow me to solve technical and logistical concerns about the conduct of studies and execution of laboratory tests following the BPL. Concerns that can only be solved with the experience in a lab used to develop such studies. This fellowship contributes to my country, Colombia, to develop MRL studies with a considerable scientific support. This will allow generate necessary information dependable to establish MRL´s and present them to Codex Alimentarius. The application of these MRL´s will be a strategy to control food safety in primary production of food for internal consuming and exports, moreover, will be a very important quality parameter in the application of Good Agricultural Practices.

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Action Plan

Week 1: Presentation, working program in laboratory, laboratory orientations and staff introductions. Application of GLP principles to field studies: GLP study planes, OECD, EPA, IR-4 program introduction. Organization of supervised field trials GLP program. MRLs. JMPR requirements for field trials to establishment MRLs.

Week 2: Design of residue trials: Trials lay-out. Application pesticides and degradation studies.

Week 3: Sampling pesticide residues: Techniques and procedure for sampling. Packing, labels records, reception, handling and storage.

Week 4: Laboratory theory: GLP, facilities, equipment, environmental conditions control, equipment check, calibration, measurement traceability, matrix effect, spiking, chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry.

Week 5: Standardization and validation of methodologies: validation parameters (LOD, LOQ, repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, robustness); Uncertainty.

Week 6: Quality assurance program: Quality assurance and quality control.

Week 7: Laboratory practice: Standards preparing, equipment check, environmental conditions control.

Week 8: Validation, replicates.

Week 9: Analysis of different matrices (high water content, citrics, oily crops): Sample preparation, extraction, spiking, sampling cleanup and chromatography, mass conditions.

Week 10: Data analysis: Data, calculations, recoveries, RSD, statistic tests, significant numbers, validation data.

Week 11: Uncertainty estimation.

Week 12: Reporting of residue trials Reporting the study, analytical reports, conclusions.

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Fellow 6 – Colombia – Food Safety and Post Harvest Loss

1. The goal of my research is establish laboratory methodologies for the determination of pesticides residues under GLP, to obtain representative data leading to establishment of the maximum residue levels (MRL) of minor crops, because of there are not this levels for tropical fruits and vegetables from Colombia, being exported to United States and other countries.

2. Identify the elements needed to implement field trials and laboratory in order to obtain data suitable for the registration of pesticides and setting maximum residue limits, using good laboratory practices as a system of quality assurance. Colombia exports fruit and vegetables mainly to USA and Europe. Food safety is one of the buying criteria for consumers in these countries, this criteria applied through the imposition of compliance with the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which determines that foodstuffs enter or not to these countries. The MRLs are defined by each country; however, in harmony with the multilateral international agreements requirements signed by the countries of the world, they have adopted MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius. Many of the foods produced in Latin American countries, do not have a MRL, because studies leading to these technical criteria are lacking. It is necessary develop studies that lead to the generation of information that can be presented to the FAO/OMS Joint Meeting of Pesticide Residues (JMPR), which corresponds to committee Codex food advisory for this issue. Field trials and laboratory tests needed for the development of these studies should follow the parameters of the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). At present, in my country, Colombia, in Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario – ICA (Agricultural Colombian Institute) we have begun to do this kind of research studies supported by the IR-4 project. However, we have found weaknesses in the adequate implementation of the GLP criterias and the analysis of complex matrices such as citrics and oily crops.

3. I hope to improve the way of carrying out the analysis of pesticide residues for MRL setting and acquire theoretical and practical experience with complex matrices. Moreover I wanted to visit a field trial associated with the development of MRLs. This will allow me to better target research studies have projected in Colombia, related to the establishment of MRLs. Working with a mentor, will allow me to solve technical and logistical concerns about the conduct of studies and execution of laboratory tests following the BPL. Concerns that can only be solved with the experience in a lab used to develop such studies.

4. This fellowship contributes to my country, Colombia, to develop MRL studies with a considerable scientific support. This will allow generate necessary information dependable to establish MRL´s and present them to Codex Alimentarius. The application of these MRL´s will be a strategy to control food safety in primary production of food for internal consuming and exports, moreover, will be a very important quality parameter in the application of Good Agricultural Practices.

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Action PlanWeek 1 General activity: Staff introduction. Application of GLP principles to field studies. Overview. Detail activity: GLP study planes; OECD, EPA, IR-4 program introduction; MRLs; JPMR requirements for field trials to establishment MRLs.

Week 2 General activity: Designing of residue trials. Detail activity: Trials lay-out; Application pesticide; Degradation studies

Week 3 General activity: Sampling pesticide residues. Detail activity: Techniques and procedure for sampling; packing, labels and records; Reception and handling; storage

Week 4 General activity: Laboratory theory - Detail activity: GLP, facilities, equipment, environmental conditions control, equipment check, calibration, measurement traceability, matrix effect, spiking, chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry.

Week 5 General activity: Laboratory theory - Detail activity: Standardization and validation of methodologies, validation parameters (LOD, LOQ, repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, robustness); Uncertainty.

Week 6 General activity: Quality assurance program. Detail activity: Quality assurance and quality control.

Week 7 General activity: Laboratory practice. Detail activity: Standards preparing, equipment check, environmental conditions control.

Week 8 General activity: Laboratory practice Detail activity: Validation, replicates.

Week 9 General activity: Laboratory practice. Detail activity: Analysis of different matrices (high water content, citrics, oily crops). Sample preparation, extraction, spiking, sampling cleanup and chromatography, and mass conditions.

Week 10 General activity: Data analysis. Detail activity: Data, calculations, recoveries, RSD, statistic tests, significant numbers, validation data.

Week 11 General activity: Data analysis. Detail activity: Uncertainty estimation.

Week 12 General activity: Reporting of residue trials. Detail activity: Reporting the study, analytical reports.

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