CFC Partners with European Patent Office and Competa IT to Build More Inclusive Value Chains
Amsterdam, 9 October 2025 — Dr. Mauro Boero, Principal Patent Examiner of the European Patent Office, and Mr. Andy Haxby, Managing Director of Competa IT, visited the headquarters of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) in Amsterdam to explore collaboration opportunities within the framework of the CFC’s Humanizing the Value Chains initiative.
This meeting followed a previous discussion earlier this year between Dr. Boero and Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC, during which both parties exchanged ideas on how innovation, technology, and storytelling could be leveraged to make value chains more inclusive and equitable for smallholder farmers.
Building on that dialogue, Dr. Boero introduced Mr. Andy Haxby to Ambassador Belal, recognizing their shared vision and complementary expertise. Mr. Haxby, Managing Director of Competa IT, leads the development of the Fair-Trade Software, applying Fair Trade principles to the IT sector to promote sustainable digital employment and international partnerships
Discussions centered on how technology and human-centered innovation can help smallholders gain more visibility, fairer compensation, and stronger resilience within global value chains. Ambassador Belal emphasized the CFC’s commitment to forging partnerships that combine innovative solutions with impact-oriented financing to uplift vulnerable producers.
Mr. Haxby shared his perspective that “technology is not the problem; the real challenge is telling the right story.” He explained how fair-trade software solutions can create digital bridges between producers and markets, enhancing transparency, inclusion, and shared value.
Dr. Boero reiterated his support for initiatives that blend technological innovation with social impact, stressing the unique potential of cross-sector partnerships in advancing sustainable development goals.
The parties agreed to explore potential pilot projects under the Humanizing the Value Chains initiative, focusing on how storytelling, traceability tools, and fair-trade digital solutions can empower smallholder farmers.
This visit marks a significant step forward in advancing the CFC’s vision to humanize value chains connecting technology, storytelling, and fair-trade principles to create more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable global markets.
About the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC):
The CFC is an intergovernmental financial institution based in Amsterdam, working in over 100 countries to support inclusive economic development through impact investing in commodity value chains.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]