TFC - Trade Foundation Course, New Orleans, 23rd-25th September

🌾 Ready to Grow Your Career in Agri Trade?

Kickstart your professional journey in agricultural commodities with Gafta’s Trade Foundation Course the essential first step in the Gafta Professional Development (GPD) Programme.

Designed for those who want to build a strong foundation in international trade, this course takes you through every stage of a commodity transaction from contract formation to risk management helping you understand how the industry really works.

Through a dynamic mix of presentations, discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to navigate contracts, manage risks, and communicate effectively in the global commodities market.

👥 Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for trade professionals who:

🌱 Want a comprehensive introduction to commodity trading and its key principles
📈 Are in the first two years of their career and eager to build expertise
💼 Aim to develop within the agri trade industry and progress to advanced Gafta qualifications like the Trade Diploma and potentially, Gafta Arbitrator status
🔍 Have experience in the trade but want to broaden their understanding of areas beyond their daily work

🎯 Your Next Step

By completing this course, you’ll gain a solid grounding in international commodity trade, setting you on the path to higher qualifications and greater career opportunities within the Gafta framework. You can go on to complete the other GPD courses and enhance your learning in specialist subjects you are interested in.

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📘 Topics Covered

Get to grips with the essential building blocks of commodity trade through engaging, expert-led sessions, including:

🔄 Understanding a Transaction as a Whole: See how each stage connects, from contract to completion
⚖️ Why Gafta Contracts Are Based on English Law: Learn the reasoning and benefits behind this legal framework
✍️ How a Contract Is Formed: Understand the steps and requirements for creating a valid agreement
🚨 Contractual Risks & How to Avoid Them: Identify common pitfalls and strategies to mitigate exposure
⚓ Charterparties Explained: Explore the most common types and how they shape shipping obligations
⏳ Laytime & Demurrage: Learn how these are calculated, what a notice of readiness means, and key points to check in your Gafta contract
💳 Payment Terms: Clarify who pays what, when, and how to manage financial obligations smoothly
🌪️ Exceptional Circumstances: Understand the events that can disrupt trade and how contracts address them

There is 1 exam as part of this training course

Students must pass both exams in order to gain a certificate

The pass grade is 65%

Results are sent 2 weeks after the course closes

Failing students will be allowed 1 x retake within a specified timeframe

Students discovered conferring during the exam, or papers received which are identified as copies will receive an automatic failing grade