The Mag-Trace initiative (project dedicated to building the capacity of Maghreban farmer’s association in food security and traceability) has launched its first activity on May 11th, 2009, through the implementation of technical assistance missions in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Lead by food security experts already involved in a similar project in Egypt (UNIDO- Etrace) these field visits have provided the opportunity to draw an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the concerned institutions. It has also confirmed that all three countries have the necessary awareness on traceability implementation. The experts in charge of these missions have pointed out the know-how already achieved in some large enterprises and in certain farmer groups in Morocco and Tunisia in terms of traceability system and have underlined the necessity to better mobilise on this subject in Algeria.  A tailored training (Egypt, May 30th-June 4, 2009) specifically dedicated to Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian professionals will address the identified weaknesses and hence reinforce the capacity of the farmers’ associations of the three countries in terms on food security issues.