Please be informed that the ComMark programme came to an end on 31 December 2009. Should you have any queries or need further assistance , please contact the relevant sector staff member(s):
- Agribusiness Sector Specialist - Lucille Gavera (+27 83 290 1260) or Mike De Klerk (+27 82 452 7749)
- Textiles & Apparel Sector Specialist - Andy Salm (+353 8623 88523)
- Tourism Sector Specialist - Wouter Schalken (+264 8120 89650) or click here for information on ongoing tourism projects in Southern Africa
2008 Africa Regional Conference: The Business of Organic - Integrating the Cotton and Textile Supply Chain
Africa is a major production area of organic ingredients for apparel, food, home and beauty products as well as the location of many high quality manufacturers of textile, apparel, home, food, and beauty products. Brands and retailers including Aveda, Coop Switzerland, Marks & Spencer, Nordstrom and Woolworth's South Africa are offering their customers a growing variety of certified organic and fair trade products from Africa.
Participants will look at the global organic cotton market, the competitive position of Africa and explore next steps in developing an "Organic Africa" strategy. Training sessions will focus on issues across the chain on costs, certification, labeling, business cases and sourcing organic cotton fiber through fabrics.
Conference highlights:
- Learn from worldwide organic cotton experts.
- Participate in a variety of workshops relevant to your situation.
- Listen to local experts like Yuichi Kashiwada, President of Phenix. Phenix is the only company in Uganda manufacturing garments from knitted fabrics using locally produced organic cotton. You will also visit the Phenix mill on Friday 27 June.
This is the most informative discussion about African organic cotton farming practices and opportunities available - don't miss this valuable conference.
Invitation:
Co-hosts ACTIF, CDO and NOGAMU and sponsors, Nordstrom and ComMark cordially invite you to join us for a series of meetings focused on expanding the production and use of organic fiber in the region. For more information and to register for the conference, please visit Organic Exchange.
Meeting fees:
- Conference Participants $550
- Organic Marketplace fee: $120 booth, no fee for farmers.
- For NGO fee, please contact Heather Hocker at heather@organicexchange.org to determine if you qualify for a discount.
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Terry Young, Director of Member Services at terry@organicexchange.org.
For questions, please contact Organic Exchange at conference@organicexchange.org.
