Embassy of the United States

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USAID Helps Open Model Spice Processing and Training Center

USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn right cuts the ribbon on a new Model Spice Processing and Training Center in Matale. The center was built with assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through The Competitiveness Program (TCP).   At left is Spice Council Chairman Sarada de Silva, and second left is USAID Economic Growth Office Director Dick Edwards.  Photo:  TCP

MATALE, September 5, 2007:  Under the leadership of the Spice Council, the Sri Lankan spice industry opened a new Model Spice Processing and Training Center in Matale. The center was built with assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through The Competitiveness Program (TCP).

TCP is helping the Sri Lankan private sector to compete more successfully in international markets, leading to more foreign investment, and more better-paying jobs that will help raise the standard of living for the country’s rural areas, including Matale.

As part of USAID assistance to the spice industry, TCP helped create the Spice Council, providing them with short term technical assistance, market research, workshops, study tours and visits to trade shows.

“Together with the Spice Council, we have also formed a smallholder farmer organization and jointly developed this model spice processing and training facility,” said USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn at the inauguration event. “It is our hope that this center will improve the quality and consistency of spices produced by smallholder farmers, and help Sri Lankan spices become more competitive in international markets.”

TCP is also linking farmers with exporters and processors who will help them obtain higher returns and increase their incomes. The training center will help over 100 farmers in the area enhance their knowledge on best practices in cultivation of spices and how to improve their post harvest processing techniques. The center will also become the focal point for the transfer of technology to spice producers in the Matale area so that the quality is high and conforms to the high standards required by the importing countries. 

“It is also our hope that this facility will be a model for other farmer groups in the surrounding villages as well as those in other spice growing districts in the country,” Ms. Cohn added.  “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it is our sincere hope that this center is replicated by others so that the production of spices in Sri Lanka achieves a higher quality and consistency.”