For many years, SUSTAIN organized short-term activities in response to requests for assistance from developing countries. These requests came from local businesses, organizations, universities and educational institutions, USAID missions and other international donors, host country governments, and others. SUSTAIN staff carefully evaluated each request in consultation with expert volunteers to determine the nature of the problem and the most appropriate type of assistance. Assistance was offered in many forms, including technical consultations, technical assistance, assessments, workshops, and other activities to best address the needs in the field.

Guatemala (December 1995). Fruits & Vegetables Processing Training
A SUSTAIN volunteer trained PROFRUTA technicians in the processing of fruits and vegetables, a natural source of vitamins and minerals, in Guatemala. In a letter to SUSTAIN, the Executive Director of PROFRUTA stated that as a result of this activity, technical assistance was now being provided "to groups of indigenous peasants (men and women), who are interested in performing agro-industrial activities as a means of diversifying their income sources".

Ohio & Pennsylvania, U.S. (November 1995). Visit of Russian Dairy Personnel to U.S. Facilities
A SUSTAIN volunteer from a Pennsylvania dairy plant hosted technicians from two Russian dairies on a tour of dairy and packaging plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

U.S. (October/November 1995). USAID/Africa Bureau Trade and Investment Promotion Advisors Workshop
Two SUSTAIN volunteers participated in a workshop organized by USAID/AFR, on trade and investment in food industries. Participants included representatives from African municipal, regional, and national governments who promote trade and investment through technical assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. Volunteers covered topics including food processing technologies, marketing, and natural products.

Guatemala and El Salvador (September 1995). Assessment of Food Safety & Quality Assurance Training
A SUSTAIN team conducted a review and impact assessment of previous SUSTAIN workshops on food safety and quality assurance in Central America. The team gathered input from industry, government and participants at prior workshops to assist in designing future training in food hygiene, plant sanitation, Good Manufacturing Practices, quality assurance and HACCP.

Guatemala (September 1995). INCAP Anniversary Conference
SUSTAIN offered a presentation on "Globalizing Trade & Nutrition: Opportunities to Improve the Diet of Central American Populations".

Russia (Tver Oblast) (September 1995). Dairy Processing II Training
In the second of a pair of workshops on dairy product processing, production, packaging, and marketing, a SUSTAIN volunteer provided training and one-on-one technical assistance to dairy processors.

Honduras (August 1995). Fruits & Vegetables Processing Training
A SUSTAIN volunteer conducted a workshop on fruit and vegetable processing technologies, including instruction on preservation techniques, quality control, and canning regulations for employees of local food processing operations. The workshop was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Northern Honduras.

Russia (June 1995). Marketing Training
Two SUSTAIN volunteers conducted a workshop on the fundamentals of marketing for small and newly-privatized food manufacturing businesses. Topics included consumer trend analysis, packaging, pricing, advertising, and promotion.

Anaheim, CA, U.S. (June 1995). Forum at the IFT Annual Meeting
SUSTAIN sponsored a forum at the Institute of Food Technologists 1995 Annual Meeting entitled "Food Safety and Quality Challenges in Emerging Markets: Sharing the Means to Address Barriers and Opportunities". Speakers addressed the problem of food contamination and possibilities for the harmonization of standards in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

Washington, DC & Anaheim, CA, U.S (May/June 1995). Participant Training - Uganda & Madagascar
USAID/AFR/PSG&E and SUSTAIN hosted the Director of the Ugandan Bureau of Standards and the Manager of AFAFI, a company in Madagascar, at the 1995 Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists. SUSTAIN also organized informational meetings for the Ugandan participant in Washington, D.C. with organizations including the National Food Processors Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Indonesia (May 1995). Organic Coffee Technical Assistance
A SUSTAIN volunteer provided technical assistance in roasting, grinding, packaging, and equipment needs for processing, marketing, and distribution of organic coffee to a coffee cooperative at the request of CLUSA/Indonesia as part of USAID's Indonesian Enterprise and Trade Development Project for East Timor.

Washington, DC, U.S. (April 1995). USAID/Africa Bureau Collaborators Workshop
SUSTAIN volunteers and staff participated in a workshop organized by USAID/AFR to evaluate, prioritize, and plan USAID private sector development objectives and activities in sub-Saharan Africa. Workshop participants included individuals from African universities, businesses, and governments.

Guatemala (March 1995). Bakery Technologies & Quality Control II Training
A SUSTAIN volunteer conducted the second of a pair of workshops for millers and bakers on baking and quality assurance. Topics included baking techniques, ingredient functionality, equipment and plant maintenance, and quality control for the prevention of food-borne disease.

Russia (January/February 1995). Dairy Product Development I Training
A SUSTAIN volunteer conducted the first of a pair of workshops and technical assistance activities in dairy product development, diversification, and quality control.

Nepal (January/February 1995). Dairy Processing Assessment: Quality Control on Farm and Processing
A SUSTAIN volunteer assessed options for small dairy farmers and food processors to improve milk quality, diversify processing technologies, and improve packaging, storage, and handling. Product safety and the prevention of food-borne disease were emphasized.

El Salvador (January 1995). Turnaround Assessment: Fisheries Cooperative Facility
A team of two SUSTAIN volunteers assessed the "turnaround" potential of a fishery cooperative. Examined were the financial status of the cooperative, the condition of the fishing fleet, processing facility and equipment, and the market demands for cooperative products.

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