Three calls for tender have now been launched aimed at concluding contracts for the organisation, management and implement of activities within the Better Training for Safer Food initiative during 2011-12. The three calls concern training on veterinary legislation and on official food controls mainly for EU Member States and training for third countries.

The call concerning EU-based training on veterinary legislation comprises four lots related to programmes on the following subjects: microbiological criteria and control of zoonoses; veterinary and food safety controls in border inspection posts; prevention, control and eradication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies; and the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES).

The call covering EU-based training on official food controls includes five lots for training on: quality schemes in relation to organic farming and geographical indications; best practices for official controls on food and feed of non-animal origin; audit systems and internal auditing; support for controls of compliance with EU law in Member States and third countries; and evaluation and registration of plant protection products and control of their proper use and marketing.

For third country training, the call contains two lots for programmes on EU food rules and food import requirements and diagnosis and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza and other animal diseases.

The deadline for the receipt of tenders for all three calls is 16.00 on 13 September. The tenders on EU-based training on official food controls are to be opened at 14.00 on 20 September, those for third country training at 10.00 on 21 September and those for EU-based training on veterinary legislation at 14.00 on 21 September.

All further information related to the calls for tender can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/eahc/food/tenders.html