The first meeting of the Interim Steering Committee (ISC) for the GFAR Global Partnership Program (GPP) on Linking Farmers to Markets (LFM) was held at the GFAR Secretariat offices in Rome, in June 4-6, 2007. 

The objectives were to define the parameters of the LFM-GPP in (i) developing a long term plan, (ii) devising the structure for a large global project, based on regional field implementation, (iii) reaching agreement on the interim phase budget and defining the “terms of reference” for 4 regional studies and (iv) outlining important short term activities to be led by the ISC and regional representatives and fora, to manage activities, that would raise the profile of the LFM GPP and mobilise significant funds to fund longer term activities.
The meeting was successful and all stated objectives were met. The ISC is formed by a set of diverse stakeholder groups through various resource institutions (IICA, FAO, CIAT, IFAP), representatives of four regional fora (AARINENA, APAARI, FARA, FORAGRO) and the GFAR Secretariat. It is fully operational and is ensuring the smooth development of the GPP and its coherence with GFAR’s guiding principles.
For more information on LFM GPP and its first ISC Business Planning meeting download the report here or visit the LFM website on EGFAR.