TC24-14

The Workshop is organized by the Agriculture and Commodities Division (AGCD) in cooperation with the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC). It is a Level 3 specialized training activity implemented within the WTO Progressive Learning Strategy and it represents the highest level of learning among WTO training activities. The Workshop offers specialized training to capital-based government officials with direct responsibility in the preparation and/or analysis of notifications under the Agreement on Agriculture.

The objectives are:

1) to enable Members to fulfil their agricultural notification and transparency obligations in a timely manner in line with the 'Notification Requirements and Formats' prescribed by the Committee on Agriculture (CoA) and those emanating from the ministerial outcomes under the agriculture negotiations; and
2) to increase the capacity of Members to examine agricultural notifications and participate in the review process of the CoA.

The 2023/24 edition of the workshop has been organized in two phases. The first phase took place virtually from 3-5 October 2023. In Phase I, participants had an overview of the notification requirements in the domain of agriculture. This included an in-depth examination of the requirements in the area of domestic support, which are one of the most complex and detailed notification obligations under the Agreement on Agriculture. Additionally, participants learned how to reply to the Export Competition Questionnaire, forming part of the Nairobi Export Competition Decision. Participants were also able to practice the preparation of notifications using the new online agriculture notifications system (AG-IMS).

The second phase, which is the subject of this activity request, will be carried out in-person, in Geneva during 15-17 October 2024. This phase of the workshop will cover the remaining notification requirements and will feature a 'notification clinic' where participants will be able to interact one-on-one with WTO Secretariat staff to discuss their draft notifications and specific notification-related issues. Phase II will also have a focus on the CoA review process where participants will also have the opportunity to interact with Geneva-based delegates in a panel discussion focused on the work of the Committee, including its review process and the importance of Members' compliance with their transparency obligations under the Agreement.

The Workshop will be delivered in English.