DILI, 03 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Peteris Ustubs, EU Director for Asia Pacific, accompanied by EU Ambassador Thorsten Bargfrede and senior officials, visited EU-funded, ILO-implemented agroforestry training sites in Liquiçá and Ermera. The delegation saw firsthand how the Agroforestry Skills for Employment and Resilience Programme is transforming rural livelihoods through cacao and vanilla production.
The initiative, a partnership between the EU and ILO, focuses on skills training, climate resilience, and economic diversification by strengthening agroforestry value chains.
Currently, this initiative has delivered strong results across both sites, with CNEFP Tibar in Liquiçá training 101 participants in vanilla and cacao production—resulting in 4,360 vanilla and 11,040 cacao plants cultivated—while submitting a Level 2 Agroforestry Skill Set Certification to Timor-Leste’s National Institute for Workforce Development (INDMO) to formalise these skills within the national TVET system. Meanwhile, Mary MacKillop Today in Ermera has trained 434 farmers in vanilla production and established five agricultural cooperatives, with 125 members now skilled in cooperative management, ensuring sustainable market access and collective growth. Both partners continue to provide ongoing monitoring and mentoring to reinforce long-term success.
Peteris Ustubs, EU Director for Asia Pacific stated: “The EU is proud to support Timor-Leste’s farmers. Sustainable development starts from the ground up, and by strengthening the full value chain—from production to market—we turn skills into livelihoods. The dedication here is inspiring, and we’re committed to helping farmers succeed.”
Simao Barreto, Director of CNEFP Tibar said: “The EU’s funding, channelled through the ILO, has strengthened our institution and empowered farmers. Together, we’re achieving real change.”
The programme aligns with Timor-Leste’s goals for sustainable agriculture, youth employment, and climate adaptation. By providing market-relevant skills and cooperative support, it helps farmers to increase productivity in cacao and vanilla and improve incomes by expanding market linkages for farmers to sell their products.
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