Ulaanbaatar/MONTSAME/. The COVID19 Pandemic has resulted in many unintended consequences; one being the glaring holes in our global supply chains, particularly in the food and beverage sector. As Mongolia continues to face shortages in fresh fruits, vegetables, and other imported produce, the further development and promotion of the local agri-food sector is now critical.  

With 1.76 million Euros in financing from the European Union SWITCH-Asia programme, during a period of four years, the Switching on the Green Economy (SOGE) Project aims to support 1,500 agri-food and beverage MSMEs, 30 agri-food and beverage business associations (BA) and 750 retailers to adopt circular economy practices through a market-based eco labelling system, capacity building, behaviour change and access to green finance. By adopting these practices, the hope is that local businesses will sell and buy locally grown and produced food and beverages in Mongolia. 

The SOGE project is designed and implemented by People in Need (PIN), together with Caritas Czech Republic INGO, the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association, and the Development Solutions NGO. In line with the country’s national strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7% by 2030, this is the first SWITCH-Asia project in the Agri-Food and Beverage Sector to be implemented in Mongolia. 

This project reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to green growth and development in Mongolia. It will promote locally produced food and beverages to improve Mongolia’s supply chain stability and environmental sustainability, said Axelle Nicaise, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia.  

G.Tuvdendorj, Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism, also expressed his appreciation for the initiative: “The Government of Mongolia appreciates the European Union's continued support to green our economy. We look forward to working closely with the [SOGE] project to help the green transition of SMEs through eco-labelling that's inspired by the EU's Farm-to-Fork Strategy.”

Due to the food and beverage sector’s heavy environmental impact, it is imperative to find innovative ways to transition to a low carbon circular economy and accelerate poverty reduction. That is where learnings from the EU’s From Farm to Fork Strategy and adopting resource-efficient practices can come into play.  

"We are grateful for the EU’s generous and timely contribution to this project. The Government of Mongolia is committed to supporting the EU and SOGE Project team to strengthen the agri-food and beverage sector," said T. Jambaltseren, State Secretary, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry.  

As we continue to rebuild the national and global economy, we must put an emphasis on building back greener. The project will support Mongolia by bringing expertise from the EU’s From Farm-to-Fork Strategy, the EU Green Deal, and other global best practices. We are extremely grateful to the EU, the Government of Mongolia, and our partners for entrusting this important work to us, said Tim Jenkins, Country Director at People In Need. 

The SOGE Project merges PIN’s 30 years of global experience in leveraging the capacities of market actors to unleash large-scale systemic changes in the green economy with Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association’s cutting-edge green finance innovation, Development Solutions NGO’s renowned nation-wide business mentorship programmes and CCR’s network of experts working in the areas of waste management, recycling, and circular economy. 

Source: People in Need