TC22-4

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 2021/22 edition of the workshop was organized in two phases. The first phase took place virtually from 20-22 October 2021. In Phase I, participants had an overview of the notification requirements in the domain of agriculture with an in-depth look at those requirements in the area of domestic support, which are one of the most complex and detailed notification obligations under the Agreement on Agriculture. Participants also 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, subject of this activity request, will be carried out in-person, in Geneva during 13-16 September 2022. The second phase of the workshop will cover the remaining notification requirements and will include a 'notification clinic' where participants will be able to interact one-on-one with WTO Secretariat staff to discuss their draft notifications and their specific notification-related issues. Phase II will also have a focus on the CoA review process in response to Members' call for an increased participation of developing country Members in the work of the CoA. Phase II of the workshop has been organized back to back with the September 2022 CoA meeting to expose participants to the work of the Committee. Participants will be invited to share their experiences during an Information session organized in the margins of the CoA meeting.

The Workshop will be delivered in English.