Trade Foundation Course, London, 23rd-25th February 2027

New to Agri Trade?

The Trade Foundation Course is the starting point of the Gafta Professional Development (GPD) Programme, providing a comprehensive introduction to the global agricultural commodities trade. Successful participants can continue their development through advanced training programmes, including Commodity Contracts, Commodity Shipping and Commodity Dispute Resolution.

Designed for professionals looking to build a strong understanding of commodity trading, the course explores every stage of a trade transaction, from contract formation and execution through to shipping, risk management and dispute resolution.

Through expert-led sessions, practical exercises and real-world case studies, participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to understand how international commodity markets operate.

Course at a Glance

Format: In-person training
Duration: 3 days
Location: London, Venue: (TBC)
Assessment: Examination Included
Certificate: Awarded upon successful completion
Registration deadline: 1 month prior to start date

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:

Professionals new to the agricultural commodities sector.
Individuals in the first few years of their career looking to build a strong foundation in commodity trading.
Professionals wishing to gain a broader understanding of the trade lifecycle.
Individuals seeking to progress through the Gafta Professional Development Programme.

What You'll Gain

By completing this course, you will:

Understand the lifecycle of an international commodity transaction.
Develop knowledge of commodity contracts and their practical application.
Recognise common commercial and contractual risks.
Understand the roles and responsibilities of the key parties involved in an international commodity transaction.
Gain practical insight through real-world case studies and industry examples.
Build connections with professionals from across the global agricultural commodities industry.

98% of delegates would recommend this course

"Particularly valuable for those new to the industry, this course provided a comprehensive understanding of the grain commodities trading process and the documentation involved at each stage of a transaction."

"The course gave me a much greater understanding of shipping, contracts and Gafta Rules. It highlighted how small details within a contract can have significant commercial consequences, while also providing a great opportunity to network with professionals from around the world."

Important Booking Information

Registration closes one month before the course start date.

Places are limited and registrations cannot be accepted after the booking deadline. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

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The Trade Foundation Course provides an introduction to the key stages of an international commodity transaction and the principles that underpin global agricultural trade.

Participants will explore:

Introduction to Global Agri Trade
Commodity Trading Fundamentals
Contract Formation and Execution
Gafta Contracts and English Law
Shipping, Logistics and Charterparties
Payment Terms and Trade Finance
Risk Management in Commodity Trading
Force Majeure and Contractual Obligations
Claims, Disputes and Arbitration
Communication and Negotiation in Trade

How You'll Learn

Topics are brought to life through a combination of:

Expert-led presentations
Practical exercises
Interactive discussions
Real-world case studies
Industry examples and trading scenarios

The Trade Foundation Course includes one examination, designed to assess participants' understanding of the key concepts covered throughout the programme.

To successfully complete the course and receive a Gafta certificate, participants must achieve a minimum pass mark of 65%.

Examination Information

Assessment: One examination
Pass Mark: 65%
Results issued: Approximately two weeks after the course concludes
Resit policy: One resit opportunity will be offered within a specified timeframe if the required pass mark is not achieved

Academic Integrity

All examinations must be completed independently and in accordance with Gafta's examination regulations.

Any candidate found conferring with another participant during the examination, or submitting work that is identified as copied from another candidate, will receive an automatic failing grade.

Results & Certification

Examination results are issued approximately two weeks after the course closes. Participants who successfully achieve the required pass mark will be awarded a certificate of completion for the Trade Foundation Course.