The UNDP Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU) is currently examining a complaint filed by a single recipient of raspberry seedlings procured as part of UNDP’s livelihoods recovery effort in Bosnia and Herzegovina. That programme was implemented in the wake of the 2014 floods.

As a result of the review, and as per established procedures, UNDP made public a draft report on this case on 15 January 2018. In light of recent media queries, UNDP wishes to highlight the following facts:

• UNDP imported the raspberry seedlings from an EU member state, following a competitive international tender procedure. The selected supplier provided all the necessary licences and certificates for production and distribution of raspberry seedlings, as well as official documentation confirming the supplier is under regular quality and health control by relevant government authorities in the country of origin. Before the shipment was sent, the health of the imported plants was verified by the phytosanitary inspection authorities in the country of origin. A phytosanitary certificate and a valid import permit were issued by relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• During distribution, concerns were raised regarding the condition of the seedlings, resulting in the immediate cessation of the distribution.
• 81 farmers who planted the seedlings received replacement packages consisting of either new seedlings or agricultural equipment, depending on their personal preference.
• Agrobacterium Tumefaciens does not present human health or safety concerns. Soil contamination has not been established.
• Since the selected supplier failed to meet the provisions of the contract, the contract was cancelled, payment for delivered seedlings was not made, and seedlings were collected and destroyed, or returned to the supplier.

The above case is still being reviewed by UNDP’s Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU). All conclusions from the final report will be made public.

SECU was established to ensure the highest environmental and social standards at UNDP, and we take the allegations – and the health and livelihoods of communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – with utmost seriousness.