SCOPE OF WORK
Consultant Name: Project/Activity Name: USAID/Sweden FARMA II Project {Bosnia} Activity # Assignment/Job Title: Training on Laboratory Analysis of Pollen in Honey Assignment/Job Type: Full Time Part Time STTA X Nationality: USA TCN X CCN Engaged By: Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. Reports to: MAPs & Honey Sector Lead & Chief of Party Assignment Period: Start Date: November 21, 2016 End Date: December 9, 2016 Total LOE: Total LOE: 11 days Onsite: 10 Offsite: 1 Travel:
USAID/Sweden FARMA II - Description of Project USAID and the Government of Sweden have awarded Cardno Emerging Markets USA a five-year US$16.2 million contract for implementation of the Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (FARMA II) project in Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH). The purpose of the FARMA II Project is to create agricultural and agribusiness economic opportunities for BiH farmers and entrepreneurs. FARMA II will achieve this by assisting farmers and agricultural producer organizations to adopt European Union (EU) and international agricultural and food standards and new production techniques, produce new high value products and expand their access to both foreign and domestic markets. The FARMA II team will also provide support to the BiH government to implement new and revised laws and regulations that comply with EU and international requirements.
Background
Pollen analysis is the only tool to determine the number of pollen crumbs according to which a declaration of monofloral honey can be made. Apart from the analysis of the type of pollen crumbs that are present in honey, the analysis can determine presence of an allergen in honey, which is very important for persons that are allergic to certain plants. Based on pollen crumbs type, the honey is declared as monofloral (it is necessary that certain plant family’s pollen crumbs dominate) or polyfloral (honey made of nectar from the flowers of different plant families). The By-law on Honey and other beekeeping products regulates required percentage of pollen crumbs in order for honey to be declared as honey of acacia (20%), lime tree (25%), sunflower (40%), alfalfa (30%), sage (15%), chestnut (85%), heather 20%), rosemary (30%), lavender (20) and Dalmatian laburnum (20%). Pollen crumb is as unique for each plant as it is the fingerprint of a human. Besides pollen crumbs, this analysis can determine presence of spores, chad, humus particles etc. Pollen analysis is the analysis which, corroborated with chemical analysis, enables determination of adulterated honey. Pollen analysis can also be used to determine geographic origin of honey. Besides basic characteristics, honey that is placed in the market should contain a specter of plant species in order for a consumer to make a choice.
Monofloral varieties are gaining popularity, especially in the leading EU honey markets. The consumption of these products is expected to grow, relative to blended honeys. The EU as a whole produces mainly polyfloral honey but beekeepers often maximize the production of monofloral honey. 1/3 of German honeys are sold as monofloral honey. The main monofloral honey produced in the EU is Acacia honey. Honey attributes, such as specified floral origins, often lead to a premium price due to their organoleptic or pharmacoactive properties. As mentioned earlier, the only way to determine the origin of honey is to conduct pollen analysis. Production of monofloral honeys is especially possible in countries such as BiH which have an environment favorable to monofloral production. Honey produced in BiH is of excellent quality, due to excellent biodiversity and absence of industrial crops for honey. Honey flavor and essence depends on geographic area and vegetation. It is expected that once beekeepers are able to proof the quality and origin of honey (analysis), there will be more opportunities for export as well as on domestic market. According to BH Agency for statistics, the total number of hives in BiH was 393,000, producing 4,926t while the number of beekeepers is estimated at 6,500 – 9,800.
In order to conduct pollen analysis, the laboratory staff needs training on how to recognize which pollen crumb is of which plant species. Daily, one person can conduct analysis of three honey samples. The Mostar laboratory staff was partially trained during the last year, but need additional training in order to be able to perform pollen crumbs analysis on their own, while the laboratory staff from Sarajevo laboratory did not have any trainings on this subject. It is therefore recommended to engage a consultant with practical experience, to conduct training on pollen analysis for the laboratory staff of Mostar and Sarajevo Institutes. At least 8 lab persons will be covered with training, after which, they will be able to conduct pollen analyses on their own. This will lead to accreditation of new methods in scope of laboratory. New method will provide an accurate declaration of honey. Monofloral honey almost entirely from one floral source is of higher commercial value than polyfloral honey. For correct labeling, honey must be proven with a new method. In the future this type of analysis is of great importance for the domestic market as well as for control of imports and exports and it will be essential to assure the quality of the results of pollen analysis in honeys. One of the requirements for accreditation is to participate in proficiency testing scheme organized in order to strengthen technical competency of the laboratories carrying out pollen analysis in honey and examine the harmonization among the methodologies. For participation in PT is necessary to have enough knowledge and experience of staff who perform the analysis. Purpose of the Activity:
The purpose of this activity is to provide training and technical assistance to the laboratory staff of the Agro-Mediterranean Institute in Mostar and Federal Agricultural Institute in Sarajevo on how to conduct pollen analysis in honey. Federal Agro-Mediterranean Institute, Mostar and Federal Agricultural Institute, Sarajevo are planning to organize an event “Days of Honey in FBIH” where they will promote the importance of honey quality analysis. The event will be held at the end of November 2016 in Sarajevo. Prior to the event, these institutions plan to announce a public call for interested beekeepers to send in samples of honey which will be analyzed free of charge. Analyses will include organoleptic analysis, physical and chemical composition analysis and pollen analysis. They expect to receive up to 100 honey samples from different honey producers. The best quality honey, based on these three analyses will get an award which could be used for honey quality promotion. Activities: The consultant is expected to provide training and technical assistance consisted of following activities: Conduct both theoretical and practical lessons to laboratory staff of Mostar and Sarajevo Institutes Conduct practical lessons on how to make a preparation for microscopic analysis Conduct tests on capability of laboratory staff to conduct analysis on their own Prepare plan and documentation for the process of verification of standard method DIN 10760 that will lead to accreditation methods.
Assignment Beneficiaries:
Agro-Mediterranean Institute of Mostar and Agricultural Institute of Sarajevo Beekeepers throughout BiH
Assignment Deliverables:
Training of laboratory staff and technical assistance on-site The provision of a detailed report containing general instructions and observations, with specific recommendations for laboratories Plan and documentation for the process of verification prepared.
Timing and Level of Effort (LOE) :
The proposed timing for this assignment is a start date for the field work on the 21.11.2016 and an end date for the field work on the 2.12.2016. The total number of billable days for the assignment is 11 days, the final report is due no later than 09.12.2016. The Institutes of Sarajevo and Mostar are obliged to cover the costs of transportation, accommodation and per diem. FARMA II will cover the consultant’s fee.