The European Union Support to Agriculture Competitiveness and Rural Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EU4Agri) is a 4-year project (2020-2023) primarily funded by the European Union (EU) under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). Worth EUR 20 million, the project is implemented jointly by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Czech Development Agency (CzDA). In line with the Strategic Plan for Rural Development of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2018-2021) – Framework Document, the project objective is to increase the competitiveness of agricultural production and rural jobs and services. In this context, the project will focus on raising investments in the agri-food sector and increasing the knowledge and skill levels of agricultural producers and other participants in the value chain through the expanded provision of advisory services, as well as on improving economic opportunities in rural areas. The project will also enhance the policy environment through a coherent and complementary set of activities, including strengthening of institutional capacities and services, as well as improvements in policy and regulatory frameworks.

Accordingly, the project expected results are as follows:

Higher levels of production of safe and quality food based on introduced innovative practices, while preserving the natural resources and the countryside, are sustained; and
Policy actions are implemented in EU aligned manner, based on sector services and systems improved.
The food system, from production to consumption and waste, has a significant impact on the environment, health, and food safety. Thus, the purpose of this consultancy is to assist the project team to take these important considerations into account and inbuild them in the envisaged agriculture support schemes. In this context, the Consultant is to consider the sustainability concepts and requirements for a greener agriculture, which refers to ensuring the food availability and contributing to the quality of rural livelihoods, while efficiently protecting and managing natural resources and improving resilience and equity throughout the food supply chain. Further, the Consultant is to refer to EU practices, experiences, and strategies, including the European Green Deal and the Western Balkans Green Agenda that among other promote sustainable agriculture and set directions for carbon-neutral agri-practices.