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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|Ecuadorian Investor: Ethiopia Preferred for flower investment
An investor from Ecuador, investing in floriculture, says the Ethiopian floriculture sector is suitable to the European flower market. Maurice Castillo, owner and General Manager of the Ecuador-based cut flower group, Bellaflor, says that besides its proximity to the European market, the lower transportation cost for flowers has made Ethiopia a preferred market.
The Bellaflor group, which has gained international recognition, has 32 years' experience in producing cut flowers. The company supplies 75 percent of its produces to the US and it has also many customers in Europe and Asia, according to the general manager.
The investor came to Ethiopia last year to engage in the floricultural sector and was granted 73 hectares of land in Welmera Woreda of Oromia Regional State. Half of this land will be used for developing cut flower.
"The launched project will create about one thousand jobs when it goes fully operational," says Castillo. Bellaflor will further 18 million US dollars in the coming three to four years to develop 32 types of roses and summer flowers.
In terms of providing social services for the localities, Castillo says the company has built a 3.2 kilometers long gravel road at a cost of 50,000 US dollars. He also plans to build a health center that particularly cares for newborn and young children.
This year two investors from Equator have invested in the floriculture industry in Ethiopia, says Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency Director-General, Alem Weldegerima.
Other investors from the Middle East, Far East and South America have also entered the Ethiopian market this year to engage in horticulture and floriculture.
Source: HortiBiz
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|New integrated crop protection system for greenhouse horticulture
The Dutch-German 'Healthy Greenhouse' project offers a completely new 'total concept' for crop protection in modern greenhouse horticulture. This new 'Healthy Greenhouse System' enables growers to produce high-quality crops without pests and diseases. After four years of research the results of the Interreg project 'Healthy Greenhouse' will be presented on 1 and 2 October.
Production systems in modern greenhouse horticulture are getting ever larger and more technological. This results in many advantages but makes daily crop inspection more difficult at the same time. How can growers still succeed in producing high-quality plants without pests and diseases?
Within this project, the Dutch and German experts worked hard for four years to find a solution for this problem. They took tomato (high crop) and cyclamen (low crop) as test crops for their research. The result of this research is an innovative crop protection system using the most modern techniques which informs the grower about the presence of pests and diseases before symptoms appear, and advises and facilitates the application of necessary measures. "The system ensures the best possible restriction of chemical crop protection products, which is of benefit to all", explains project leader Carolien Zijlstra of Wageningen UR.
HortiDaily, Publication date: 9/18/2014
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|Pressure as EU issues new trade ultimatum
Critics say Uganda should not sign because EPAs will lead to more poverty and not development in poor countries. October 1, 2014 is an important date in the ten-year old trade negotiations between the European Union and ACP countries over the so-called Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
While EU boss in Uganda is quick to point out that the date is neither an ultimatum nor a deadline, the coming Oct. 01, the EU – a grouping of 27 European countries - will withdraw its free market access to countries that have not yet ratified the agreements.
Apparently, the EU is forced to act because it is also under pressure from other sources. With the US initiated AGOA planned for extension for another 15 years and the US promising $33 billion in trade deals, and with the Chinese also becoming a key player in developing countries, the EU doesn't appear to have much time to tie up its trade relations with ACP countries. Development campaigners are crying foul, poor countries that depend on Europe as a key export market are feeling the pressure but the EU top officials say they have waited long enough.
Ambassador Kristian Schmidt, the EU Head of Delegation to Uganda, denied that the date was a deadline but suggested that the trade agreements are for the mutual benefit of both Europe and the ACP countries. "October 1 is neither an ultimatum, nor a deadline for EPA negotiations. It is the date when the Amendment of the so-called Market Access Regulation enters into application," he said in an e-mail to The Independent. "From that date, only those ACP countries that have opted for an EPA will continue to benefit from free access to the EU market, unless they are Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and can, as such, export their products to the EU duty-free quota-free anyway."
He added, "This regulation was always meant to be a temporary bridging measure, which advanced the application of the EU part of the deal while the ACP countries were proceeding with the signature and ratification of the interim EPAs made in 2007. It is therefore only normal that the EU is withdrawing free market access from those countries that have not seen through their commitments," says Kristian Schmidt.
Source: www.independent.co.u
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|Netherlands: Fully booked IFTF trying to cope with high demand for exhibit space
Interest for exhibiting in this year's edition of IFTF is unexpectedly high this year. Applications for exhibit space are still coming in daily. Especially companies that are specialized in floriculture technology seem to have found the way to Expo Haarlemmermeer in Vijfhuizen to exhibit in the International Floriculture Trade Fair to be held in the first week of November. The problem, however, is that IFTF is fully booked and although the organizers are trying hard to create more exhibit space for companies, it is inevitable that interested companies had to be put on a waiting list.
Last year there was a strong demand for stand space coming from flower growers; especially farms from Kenya, Ecuador and Colombia took a relatively large part of the available exhibition space. This year apparently many tech-companies want to be part as well of this fast growing international floriculture expo.
Together with the Trade Fair in Aalsmeer, almost 1000 companies will be exhibiting between November 5 and 7. As already expected before, Holland again managed to become the organizer of world's biggest floriculture trade event.
After some changes in the field of Dutch based horticulture exhibitions a few years ago, Holland is without any doubt back at the top and the place to be in the first week of November for any one active in the field of growing and trading cut flowers & potted plants. Both expos as well the numerous open houses that will be organized in the same week as when the fairs will take place, will secure a successful and not to be missed visit for any business visitor.
HortiDaily: Publication date: 9/15/2014
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|Iran to boost exports to Russia
Iranian Industries, Mines and Trade Minister Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh has proposed the establishment of a coordination council for expanding exports to Russia. The meeting to discuss strategies to expand exports to Russia was attended by a number of deputies of Iranian ministries and organizations, on Monday.
The minister noted that the council will be responsible for suggesting ways and executive solutions for boosting ties with Russia.
"We plan to identify suitable companies to hand over the responsibility of boosting exports to them. The companies are required to have international standards, bright backgrounds and full commitment in providing high quality services. These characteristics will help the country enter international markets," he said.
Nematzadeh stressed that Iran should use the current opportunity to increase exports to Russia. "Iranian producers, exporters and traders are required to pay more attention to the Russian market," he said. The minister urged the government to upgrade land, air and marine transportation, increase their fleets and buy or produce refrigerated containers.
"The Russian market is a favorable destination for Iranian agro, food and industrial products," he said. Nematzadeh urged deputy trade ministers to reduce tariffs, accelerate goods clearance, identify suitable land routes for exporting products to Russia and enhance banking interactions with Moscow.
He stressed that domestic producers and exporters should participate in expos held in Russia to showcase their capabilities and know the Russian market.
"Iranian producers, exporters and traders should identify Russian customers and pay due attention to their needs. Domestic private sector associations can play a significant role in this regard by advertising domestic products in Russia," he said.
HortiBiz: Sept. 18, 2014
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|China-Russia agri trade to increase soon
Russia's ban on agricultural imports from the US and EU could force the country to look elsewhere. Experts say this could translate into China increasing its exports of vegetables, fruits, and seafood to Russia in the coming 12 months.
In Russia, up to a third of its domestic consumption of food comes from abroad. Much of it comes from the US and Europe where relations have recently soured over sanctions imposed by the US and EU for Ukraine crisis.
In retaliation, the Russian Presidential Decree has banned all imports of food from the US and all fruit and vegetables from EU. Industry experts say this could be a boon for Chinese food exporters.
Vegetable, fruit and seafood each make up at least 10 percent of Chinese food exports to Russia. Combined, that's nearly 80 percent of China's agricultural exports to Russia. In Manzhouli, a border city with Russia, the ban's effect has already been felt. Chinese exports to Russia there have risen by 50 percent.
Russia's ban on US and EU agricultural produce could be an opportunity for Chinese firms. Chinese experts expect a short term boom in agricultural trade between China and Russia. However, they caution that an increase may not be sustainable once the ban's lifted.
The EU's share of Russia's agricultural market stands at nearly 40 percent. The benefits to Chinese exporters owing to the ban could dwindle once tensions scale down. But in the short term, experts say it is likely for Russia to diversify its food import sources and a chance for China to improve its food standards.
Chen says China may not have the capacity to completely supplement the gaps from the Russia's trade ban with US and the EU just yet. Rather, she says this would be an opportunity for China to build a stronger domestic agriculture sector for more trading with Russia in the long run.
Source: HortiBiz
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|Growers await methyl bromide alternative
Industry leaders are happy to have another alternative to methyl bromide but it is said it take few time before the product is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Fluensulfone, a non-fumigant nematicide developed under the product name Nimitz, still must be registered by California's Department of Pesticide Regulation. The agency is still evaluating toxicity studies relating to fish and wildlife, spokeswoman Laura van der Meer said.
"It could be two to three months away before all evaluations are complete," she said in an email. "At that point, the product needs to be posted for a 30-day public comment period."
As a nematicide, Nimitz will likely be most useful in the tree nut industry, which has seen devastation from a pest responsible for causing as much as $100 billion in damage to turf and agricultural crops each year, according to a golf industry website.
Fluensulfone, approved by the EPA Sept. 12, provides lower-risk chemical control of nematodes than its seven existing alternatives, including methyl bromide, the EPA asserts. Most of the tools used in the past five years are fumigants, an all are restricted-use pesticides that require special application training and certification, reporting and record-keeping, the agency explains in a news release.
The strawberry industry — one of the biggest remaining users of the phased-out methyl bromide — doesn't have as large a need for protection against nematodes as other crops, California Strawberry Commission spokeswoman Jodi Reinman said.
A state study last year acknowledged that California's $2.3 billion strawberry industry will have to keep using fumigants for years to avoid a drop in revenue. The chemical, targeted for elimination in the 1987 Montreal Protocol, an international treaty involving nearly 200 nations, is used to control harmful pests.
While fluensulfone offers a safer alternative for nematodes, industries are still searching for more suitable alternatives to methyl bromide for use in weed control. One alternative, methyl iodide, was cleared for use but pulled from the market several years ago amid criticism of the product from farmworkers and environmentalists.
www.capitalpress.com: September 17, 2014 publication
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|Study: Earthworms, nature's free fertilizer?
Earthworm presence in the soil increases crop yield, shows a new study that was published this week in Scientific Reports. "This is not unexpected", says Jan Willem van Groenigen, associate professor in the Soil Biology group of Wageningen University, and lead author of the study. "People have known for millennia that earthworms can be good for plant growth. However, we did not know how strong this effect is, nor how it works. That is what we studied."
Van Groenigen and his MSc student Hannah Vos, co-author of the study, gathered all published articles to date on this topic: 58 different studies, the oldest one dating from 1910. All experiments measured the effect of earthworms on crop yield and plant biomass. Subsequently, Ingrid Lubbers, postdoctoral researcher in the Soil Biology group and co-author of the study, was able to discern patterns in the large amount of data, using a statistical technique called meta-analysis.
The overall outcome of the study was very clear: "On average, earthworm presence increases crop yield by 25% and aboveground biomass by 23%" says Ingrid Lubbers. "We also found that earthworms did not change the nitrogen content of plants, indicating that crop quality was unaffected. Earthworms therefore have a strongly positive effect on crop production".
HortiDaily Publication date: 9/17/2014
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|Posted Date >> 20- September- 2014
|How to save energy costs by optimizing heat distribution
Heat loss can cause many big, unnecessary costs to greenhouse growers. Especially older greenhouse structures that have high heating costs as a result of outdated construction materials and poor insulated walls and roofs. But newer structures can also be subject to heat loss due to inefficient temperature regulation and heat distribution. The CUBO series heat/ air mixers are a good solution to reduce heat loss and maintain a more even temperature throughout the production area.
The CUBO air mixers can help greenhouse growers save costs by optimizing their heat distribution inside the greenhouse. As warmer air inside the greenhouse is always rising to the top of the structure where the heat is not needed heat loss occurs. The CUBO technology is pulling the inaccessible hot air from the ceiling level and directing it in a 360 degree radially just above the floor and the plants. This creates a circular flow of air in the greenhouse as well as very even temperatures on all surfaces, including floor, walls and ceiling.
According to John Allbright of Total Energy Solutions, the CUBO technology has proven to work very efficiently in poultry houses, but in the last couple of years it has made its way into the greenhouses and nurserygrowers of North America as well. "The CUBO's have been used worldwide for about 7 years. We now have another industry that can benefit from the CUBO's. It works beautifully, growers realize that decreasing their energy costs while providing a great environment for the plants to grow is very important. We have installed CUBO's in tomato greenhouses, a propagation greenhouse for onion seedlings, potted plant greenhouses and benchtop growing along with hanging baskets.
In addition, a CUBO can be used to efficiently heat the air during circulation through various heating methods.
According to Allbright, the CUBO destratifier is the perfect solution for recovering lost heat costs and maintaining consistent temperatures for the plants. The CUBO air mixers bring further benefits by continually moving the air in the greenhouse which helps with condensation issues.
Saving energy and providing the ideal environment for the plants to grow is a win, win for every one.
HortiDaily, Publication date: 9/17/2014
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|Posted Date >> 12- September- 2014
|Tiny beetle key to saving crops in Ethiopia
An invasive weed poses a serious and frightening threat to farming families in Ethiopia, but scientists from a Virginia Tech-led program have unleashed a new weapon in the fight against hunger: a tiny, speckled beetle.
The weed, called parthenium, is so destructive that farmers in the east African nation have despairingly given it the nickname "faramsissa" in Amharic, which, translated, means "sign your land away." Farmers have doused the weed in pesticides and ripped it out with their hands, but it has only spread further.
After a decade-long effort, scientists from the Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab released a parthenium-eating beetle called Zygogramma bicolorata.
"Extensive research has shown us that the beetle eats and breeds only on parthenium leaves," said Muni Muniappan, director of the Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab, a program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. "It's been tested in Australia, India, South Africa, and Mexico with similar results."
Parthenium is native to the Americas, where a suite of natural enemies that includes the Zygogramma beetle keeps the weed in check. But in the early 1970s, parthenium entered Ethiopia in shipments of food aid from the United States. With no serious contenders, the plant flourished.
In the past three decades, parthenium has become the second most common weed in Ethiopia, suppressing the growth of all other plants and wreaking havoc in the fields and gardens of smallholder farmers.
"The plant is an aggressive invader. A single plant can produce 25,000 seeds and completes its life cycle in six to eight weeks," said Wondi Mersie, a Virginia State University professor and principal investigator of the Virginia Tech-led project. "It displaces native species, affects human health, and negatively impacts quality of life."
Parthenium is poisonous. People who come into contact with it can suffer from skin irritations, bronchial asthma, and fever. Animals that eat it can experience intestinal damage, and their milk and meat becomes bitter and useless.
The Innovation Lab built a quarantine facility in 2007 to ensure that the pea-sized beetle had eyes for parthenium alone. Testing under quarantine is one of the crucial steps involved in biological control, a rigorously tested method where an invasive species' natural enemies are used to regulate it.
"Opportunities for biocontrol in Ethiopia are huge, and there would be enormous benefits," said Arne Witt, a biologist not associated with the Virginia Tech program who works with UK-based nonprofit CABI.
After a laborious process involving many agencies and much red tape, Zygogramma bicolorata was approved for release. Researchers collaborated with farmers, local government officials, and extension agents to construct a breeding facility and increase the number of beetles.
Finally, on July 16, the Innovation Lab team joined a group of about 30 scientists and farmers in Wollenchitti, Ethiopia, to release the insects. The group moved from parthenium patch to parthenium patch, dumping beetles from containers.
Ethiopian researchers will monitor the sites and assess the impact. As a second step, scientists are poised to release a stem-boring weevil that will join Zygogramma. But even these measures will not eliminate parthenium from Ethiopian farmland.
"Biocontrol is control, not eradication," said Witt. "But it means that a farmer sprays less pesticide. We need an integrated strategy, and biological control is the most cost-effective strategy – let's embrace it."
Source: HortiDaily
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|Posted Date >> 12- September- 2014
|EHPEA, EHDA hold talks with an investor
An investor from Ecuador visited the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) and held talks with the Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency Director General, Mr. Alem W/Gerima and EHPEA Executive Director, Mr. Tewodros Zewdie at EHPEA headquarters on Wednesday, September 10, 2014.
During the discussion, the investor, Mr. Adrian Moreano said that he has a flower farm in Ecuador and now he wants to invest in floriculture in Ethiopia and his company is undertaking an assessment.
While reasoning out why he wanted to invest in Ethiopia, Mr. Adrian said the cost of labor in Ecuador is raising exponentially influencing his investment and presently his company is searching for another option.
On the occasion, Tewodros and Alem explained about the conducive investment climate of Ethiopia with regard to policy frameworks and the country's huge potential for investment.
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|Posted Date >> 12- September- 2014
|EHPEA to launch IPM voucher support for member farms
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) is set to start financing integrated pest management (IPM) voucher support for member farms to enhance their capacity in pest management.
The IPM component is ready to announce farms to present their technical proposals with regard to IPM. EHPEA IPM unit requested farms to get ready ahead of time to compete for the voucher system to be announced soon.
The voucher support is expected to be similar to the former capacity building voucher system EHPEA has announced so far for which farms are presenting their proposals.
The voucher support for IPM will cover the cost up to 25,000 Euros for each project and will be disclosed soon.
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|Posted Date >> 12- September- 2014
|Fair-trade sales increase by 15% worldwide
Fair-trade sales have increased by 15% around the world, with many of the products sold coming from producer co-operatives. In its annual report, Fair-trade International revealed that consumer sales of Fair-trade certified products hit €5.5bn (£4.37bn) last year.
Sales for Fair trade's leading products grew by 22% for sugar, 16% for flowers, 12% for bananas and 8% for coffee. All coffee and sugar sold comes from small farmers organizations, the majority of which are co-operatives, while 75% of Fair-trade bananas sold come from small farmers' organizations, most of them co-operatives as well. Fair-trade flowers were sourced from plantations.
Consumers in established Fair-trade markets continued to increase their Fair-trade purchases, with €2bn (£1.5bn) worth of sales in the UK and a 12% growth rate. Germany followed with over €600m (£476m) and a growth rate of 23%.
Furthermore, more than 1.5m farmers and workers belong to 1,020 producer organizations in 74 countries; 965 of these are small producer organizations, most of which are co-operative. Consumer sales in emerging Fair-trade markets such as Czech Republic, Hong Kong and South Korea have also doubled.
The number of Fair-trade producer countries has reached 74, while more than 30,000 Fair-trade products are on sale in 125 countries across the world.
Source: HortiBiz
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|Posted Date >> 12- September- 2014
|Tajikistan to hugely raise fruit, vegetable exports to Russia
Tajikistan's Agriculture and Economic Development and Trade Ministries are preparing measures to raise exports of fruits and vegetables to Russia by up to five times, several local government officials told ITAR-TASS on Tuesday.
"We will consider a set of measures within one month and we will submit it for the government's consideration after relevant authorities approve the steps," spokesman for the Agriculture Ministry Narzullo Dadabayev said.
In January-June, Tajikistan exported over 60,000 tons of vegetables, 3,000 tons of fruits, and 50,000 tons of dried fruits to Russia. In monetary terms, the exports rose 13.6% on the year to $50 million.
HortiDaily: Publication date: 9/9/2014
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|Posted Date >> 5- September- 2014
|Russian Foreign Minister to visit Ethiopia
The Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, is scheduled to visit Ethiopia next month. According to sources, Lavrov will come to Addis Ababa for a two-day official visit at the end of September. Sources said that the foreign minister will be accompanied by a large Russian business delegation and the purpose of the official visit is to strengthen economic and political ties between Ethiopia and Russia.
Lavrov will meet with the President of the republic, Mulatu Teshome (Ph.D.), Prime Minister Hailemaraim Desalegn, Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom (PhD) and other senior government officials and discuss bilateral issues. Bilateral agreements are expected to be signed. Sergey Lavrov's visit to Ethiopia will be the second one. He first came to Addis Ababa in 2006.
Ethiopia exports agricultural products to Russia. The Ethiopian flower exporters are contemplating to start directly accessing the Russian floriculture market. So far Russians buy Ethiopian flowers from the Netherlands. Ethiopian Airlines is in the process to launch passenger and cargo flights to Moscow.
HortiBiz, Sept. 2
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|Posted Date >> 5- September- 2014
|Dubai: International Plants Expo Middle East
IPM Dubai 2014, the 9th International Plants Expo Middle East, which takes place from 9th - 11th of November 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre is said to give flowers and plants industry traders, and professionals the chance to create new business opportunities within the Middle East region. The show is the only dedicated exhibition for flowers and plants in the Middle East and turned to be the region's most important annual platform for green industry members to meet and make business.
Due to its strategic location, Dubai is developing into a new hub of growth for the floriculture industry in the 21st century. Dubai is an important trade Centre between the producing countries of Africa, Asia, South America and the consumer markets of UAE and Europe.
With the explosive growth in global trade of flowers and perishables, there is an increasing demand for innovative logistics and commercial solutions that enable the industry to reduce transit time, improve quality and grow profits. With the Dubai Airports and the Dubai Flower Centre, the country is able to meet the needs of the international horticultural industry.
The exhibition is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority & Chairman of Dubai Airports.
HortiDaily: Publication date: 9/4/2014
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|Posted Date >> 5- September- 2014
|Russian sanctions could hit 130,000 EU jobs
The European Union could lose €6.7bn in annual production, equating to 130,000 job losses, should Russia uphold its sanctions on European fresh produce.
New research from Dutch bank ING calculated that Germany stands to take the biggest production losses, Poland the most job losses and the Baltic States would take the biggest hit, relative to the size of their economies.
The bank estimates that in total, Russian demand is worth 0.7% of GDP. The 27-member EU grew at 0.2% in the last quarter. If 0.7% of GDP was missing for two successive quarters, the region would find itself once more mired in recession, if there was not a pickup in demand from elsewhere.
"The ban on western food puts downward pressure on western exports to Russia – directly through the loss of food exports to Russia and indirectly through western companies that are suppliers of inputs and services to companies that export food products directly to Russia," wrote the report's author Raoul Leering.
Another Dutch bank, Rabobank, said: "The consequences of the trade conflict with Russia that has recently flared up represent an uncertain factor," while Austria's Raiffeisen warned that the sanctions are being viewed "with a certain concern".;p>
Source: HortiBiz
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|Posted Date >> 5- September- 2014
|Kenyan Flower Council held media roundtable to clarify EPA issues access to EU
The Kenya Flower Council held a media roundtable on Thursday, August, 28, 2014 at Heron Portico Hotel to clarify issues on Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and also on interceptions. This was motivated by the fact that in the recent past, there have been some media reports on the challenges facing access to the EU markets for the Kenya horticulture industry based on the Economic Partnership Agreements, interceptions emanating from maximum residue levels and harmful microorganisms in some products.
These reports have caused confusion and anxiety in the industry at both local and international level creating the need to hold an urgent discussion between the media, the industry and key players.
In this regard to EPA, KFC chairman Mr. Richard Fox informed the forum that other aspects of the Agreement have been agreed upon by both parties, except export taxes, domestic and export subsidies and governance. He said that if Kenya is to pay GSP rates to EU, horticulture would be losing about one billion shillings monthly, considering that 87% of our total horticulture exports to EU. The taxes would be applied on C&F values, not FOB. The industry has intensified lobbying the Government to ensure non-distribution of business beyond September 31st 2014.
Source: kenyaflowercouncil.org
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|Posted Date >> 5- September- 2014
|Japan tec helps farmers with climate shifts
Japanese technology firms are applying their expertise in energy-saving and cloud technology to help farmers cope with shifting weather patterns, an onslaught of cheaper imports and a shrinking workforce.
Panasonic Corp, Fujitsu Ltd and others, seeking niche business opportunities to offset a downturn in demand for their consumer electronics, are touting automated greenhouses and sensor-controlled fields that ensure constant conditions to produce high-quality vegetables all year-round.
Fujitsu says its Akisai cloud-based farming system means users can sit at a desk in Tokyo or even New York while tending vegetables grown elsewhere, using a tablet to operate sprinklers, fans and heaters in response to changes in heat and moisture tracked by sensors in fields or greenhouses.
Companies are also converting factories into farms: Toshiba Corp is to start growing vegetables at a former floppy disk plant near Tokyo, while Panasonic is growing radishes and lettuce inside a Singapore factory and Sharp Corp is trialing an indoor strawberry farm in Dubai.
This tech push into farming is endorsed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, which is promoting robotics and sensors to boost farm production and exports - essential if Japan concedes to lower agricultural tariffs in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement.
Domestic demand for farming systems using information technology and the cloud is expected to expand nine fold to 60 billion yen ($586 million) by 2020, according to market research firm Seed Planning, as farmers fret over the impact of climate change on their crops. Last year's summer was Japan's hottest on record, with temperatures in Tokyo topping 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for a week straight in early August.
"For the past 4-5 years, vegetable prices have gone up every year because of the heat," says Takayoshi Tanizawa, the manager of Panasonic's greenhouse project. "Farmers are in a bind because they can't grow summer vegetables any more. They say they've never experienced this kind of heat before. There are also many bouts of heavy rain. Unusual weather is becoming more and more 'normal'."
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|Posted Date >> 5- September- 2014
|The Next-Generation Greenhouse: ideal growing conditions for every plant
The challenge of ensuring adequate, nutrient-rich food for an expanding global population is a daunting one, especially given constraints on key resources like water and agricultural land. As it stands, the two leading approaches to enriching and enlarging the world's food supply are genetic engineering and industrial processing with additives and chemicals. Now, a third solution is emerging: vertical farming.
Academic studies have found that locally cultivated vertical farms – stacked greenhouses that use artificial light to grow crops – can provide considerable savings, which could then be passed along to consumers. But questions about such farms' fundamental economics, especially for commodity crops, have persisted.
That may be about to change. About a decade ago, four Dutch engineers – three of whom were also horticultural experts – initiated the "plant paradise" project to learn how high-value herbs, vegetables, and berries (not grains or tree fruits) grow best. They studied how much light green beans need to thrive; which wavelengths produce the most delicious tomatoes; what temperatures cause basil to flourish; and which combination of nutrients creates the healthiest cauliflower. Through persistent experimentation, they began developing recipes for each kind of plant, along with a blueprint for "plant production units" (PPUs) that can provide these ideal growing conditions wherever they are installed.
HortiDaily: Publication date: 9/2/2014
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|Posted Date >> 1- September- 2014
|EHPEA summons members for capacity building proposals
As part of its relentless endeavors to support the competitiveness of the Ethiopian Horticulture sub-sector, EHPEA's Capacity Building voucher system grant call for proposals has been opened.
Project proposals on technical support, consultancies and trainings are among the eligible lists.
EHPEA invites interested member farm applicants to submit proposals that meet the criteria and thematic focus. For further details regarding the call as well as the application process and guidelines, please contact EHPEA.
The deadline for submitting proposals is September 30,2014. EHPEA is going to extend support for qualified proposal.
In addition to the capacity building voucher, EHPEA is undertaking the necessary preparation to announce another call for proposals for the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the coming two weeks.
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|Posted Date >> 1- September- 2014
|HANSA buys six flower farms in Holeta
Hansa Horticulture Plc. which bought six farms in Holleta, conducted discussion with the Executive Director of EHPEA today.The farms that Hansa bought include Ethiopian Meadows, Dream Flowers, Oromia Wonders, Holleta Roses, A Flower and Alliance Flowers.
Director of Hansa, Mr. Sujith, said that currently more than 90 Hectare is under Hansa. He added that they are also going to undertake expansion.
Mr. Tewodros on his part expressed the readiness of the EHPEA to extend the necessary support as per its scope so that the farms under Hansa can become competitive fulfilling the necessary market standards.
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|Posted Date >> 1- September- 2014
|Ethiopian Prof. Tekalign Mamo to be awarded with Yara Prize
The Yara Prize 2014 is being awarded to the Ethiopian Professor Tekalign Mamo Assefa. Currently, state minister and adviser to the Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture, Professor Mamo has long been a key contributor to the country's food security, soil health and natural resources programs.
For 2014, the Yara Prize Committee has focused on the future of farming in Africa. Special attention has been given to food and nutrition security and the twin challenges of employment and income generation.
"As a laureate, Professor Mamo stands out for his remarkable effort across levels, but always rooted in a profound understanding of how transformation must always include the farmer. As a scientist, leader and practitioner, Professor Mamo's innovative and inclusive efforts have been instrumental in lifting millions of farmers' income," says Jørgen Ole Haslestad, President and CEO of Yara and Chairman of the Yara Prize Committee.
Over the past three decades, Professor Mamo has endeavored to improve the livelihoods of Ethiopian farmers, leveraging his scientific knowledge and exhibiting leadership. Developing targeted interventions for management of waterlogged soils, rehabilitating acidic soils and degraded landscapes, winning farmer acceptance of technologies and modernizing Ethiopia's fertilizer advisory service are important hallmarks of his engagement.
"By awarding the Yara Prize, we salute the champions of sustainable agricultural development. I wish to extend my personal congratulations to Professor Mamo," says Haslestad.
The laureate will be celebrated during the Yara Prize Ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 2 September 2014 in connection with the African Green Revolution Forum 2014.
Born in 1956 in Lekemt, Ethiopia, Professor Mamo graduated as Ph.D. in Soil chemistry and fertility at Aberdeen University, Scotland.
The Yara Prize is based on nominations of candidates who are carefully evaluated by the Yara Prize Committee. The Yara Prize consists of USD 60,000, a crystal trophy and a diploma. The Yara Prize was handed out in Oslo from 2005 to 2009.
HortiDaily Publication: 8/27/2014
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|Posted Date >> 1- September- 2014
|Kenya takes action to avoid EU sanctions
According to the country's Agriculture Minister, Kenya is banning the use of some chemicals on farms to avoid increased sanctions on its fresh produce exports to the European Union (EU).
The EU set a deadline of Sept. 30 for Kenya to cut the residue chemicals in exports, to comply with the EU's guidelines, or risk sanctions on exports of its cut flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Kenya earned 83.4 billion shillings (943.97 million dollars) from horticulture exports last year, the ministry of planning said. The EU bloc is its main export market.
The sanctions will include closer inspection of Kenyan exports by the EU and may ultimately lead to a ban.
Agriculture Minister Felix Koskei told Reuters Kenya was complying with the EU's demands for a reduction of pesticide residue in fresh produce.
"We have done what they wanted us to do," Koskei told Reuters late on Wednesday, adding officials were in talks with the EU.
"We have given them the action program as requested and we are actually fixing the problem," he said.
Measures taken include the banning of the use of two chemicals, which Koskei did not name, on farms, as well as increasing staff who ensure exporters complied with the rules, both on farms and at the point of exit at airports and seaports.
Source: HortiBiz
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|Posted Date >> 1- September- 2014
|Ghana wasting huge potential in horticulture
Ghana is lagging behind its fellow flower exporting nations and wasting potential for millions of dollars in revenue and employment opportunities, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has said.
Despite a rich supply of flora and the high demand for tropical cut flowers - the industry is worth over 120 billion dollars annually - Ghana's flower industry has experienced only minimal growth, according to Peter Obeng, Director of Product Development at GEPA.
Obeng said a lack of knowledge of the international floral market, limited production facilities, insufficient government support and low local consumption meant that huge revenue was being left on the table.
According to official data on Ghana flower exports, a total of 811,814kgs of cut flowers were exported in 2012 for revenue of 2 million US dollars, while in 2013, a total of 766,09kgs of flower exports brought in 2.3 million USD.
"The average Ghanaian has shown low appreciation for the value and importance of fresh floral products and as such hardly makes room for them in their budget or substitutes them with artificial floral decorations which are imported", Obeng said. "It is not surprising that farmers lack sufficient information about flowers that do well in this part of the world and which are of high value on the international market." Ethiopia, the fourth largest flower exporter in the world, has a flower export market which significantly boosts the country's economy. Kenya also relies on flower exports to generate millions of dollars for the national coffers.
Ghana with all its abundant natural resources, could earn much more, Obeng added. He appealed to the government to help producers with business advisory services, financial support, tax breaks and promotional events.
Source: HortiBiz
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|Posted Date >> 1- September- 2014
|Rwanda investing in development of horticulture sector
The Rwandan Government is looking for nearly $120 million over the next five years to erect flower parks in different parts of the country, prepare sites for growing vegetables and fruits, and build cold rooms and modern pack houses, among other national projects, to develop the horticulture sector.
The investments, along with the recent increase in air cargo service providers in the country, will ensure that the country becomes one of the reliable exporters of horticultural products in the next few years, says Amb. George William Kayonga, the director-general of the National Agricultural Export Development Board.
The official was explaining the viability of the government's current target for Rwanda's non-traditional exports of fruits, vegetables, and flowers to be increased 30 per cent every year in the next three years.
It was understood that legislations will be in place to swiftly implement this issue in the government's agenda of the country's second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II).
While the government targets to increase the quantity and quality of Rwanda's traditional agricultural exports of coffee, tea, and pyrethrum by 10 per cent every year, the Rwandan premier said, the increase for non-traditional exports, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers will be three times more.
Amb. Kayonga said current challenges in the horticulture industry-which involves cultivation, processing and sale of fruits, nuts, vegetables, ornamental plants, and flowers-are being addressed and the business could be sustainable in the near future.
Business operators have often complained about lack of reliable supply for horticulture products in Rwanda since there aren't enough plantations that can be harvested throughout the year, poor packaging and freezing infrastructure, and costly transport fees to ship the products to markets abroad.
Source: allAfrica.com
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|Posted Date >> 23- August- 2014
|Ethiopia to host "Green Revolution Forum" in September
The African Union said that it is preparing "Green Revolution Forum" next September. According to Yoadan Tilahun, forum coordinator, the forum will bring together heads of states, agri-businesses, farmers' organizations and others to generate strategies in support of the African Union's new vision for agriculture and food security.
Yoadan said that up to 1000 participants, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and former U.N. chief Kofi Anan, are expected to attend the event. Notable personalities like Kofi Anan have already confirmed their participation on the meeting.
The event is expected to highlight several long-term objectives, such as increasing food productivity, ending hunger, adapting agriculture to climate change, and achieving sustainable agricultural growth, according to a statement released by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
The AGRF , first held in Accra, Ghana in 2010 in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. ;p>
Source: The Journal of Turkish Weekly
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|Posted Date >> 23- August- 2014
|AGOA likely to be extended
US Trade Representatives met with delegates of the AGOA Civil Society Network for a follow-up briefing on Obama's Administration engagements during the AGOA Ministerial meeting and the US-Africa Leaders' Summit. The discussion was extension of the communiqué and recommendations from the civil Society session of the 13th AGOA Forum held in Washington, DC 1-4 August 2014.
The AGOA Civil Society Session participants presented several key recommendations to the Trade Ministerial Session during the Summit which encouraged a 15-year renewal of the AGOA; increased support for regional integration and trade facilitation; increased and coordinated technical assistance for African SMEs and US African Diaspora SMEs; improved access to US and African markets for SMEs, and a more inclusive role for civil society organizations in successful implementation of AGOA.;p>
The US representatives reassured their commitment to work with the Congress for a long-term extension of AGOA and "Third Country Fabric" provisions, and to include updates to the legislation in order to increase market access opportunities for Africa, expand AGOA's product coverage to include some of the 316 tariff lines for agricultural products that are not currently included, improve rules of origin to provide greater flexibility for eligible items, encourage regional integration and development of regional value chains to incentivize increased US-Africa trade particularly for landlocked countries, update eligibility criteria and review processes to address current challenges, and improve their effectiveness.
The AGOA Civil Society Organization Network Secretariat applauded the Obama Administration for bringing US-Africa trade and economic cooperation to new heights by inviting 50 African Heads of State and governments to the 1st US-Africa Leaders' Summit to discuss the future of US-Africa trade and economic cooperation.
Source: Civil Society Network
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|Posted Date >> 23- August- 2014
|Kenya's horticulture under siege
Kenya's horticulture is under siege due to farmers exceeding the international minimum residue levels (MRLs), and the stalled Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAS). The two could cripple the economy, taking with them thousands of jobs.
Earning the economy 36%, employing over six million Kenyans directly or indirectly and growing at between 15% and 20%, horticulture is one of the sectors that determine the health of a nation. But more importantly is its pivotal role in the export market.
Statistics indicate that Kenya earned Sh93 billion from fruit, vegetables, flowers and nuts last year, up from 87.71 billion in 2012. Although the European Union (EU) takes the lion share of Kenya's horticultural exports, such lucrative market has faced obstacles due to EU's stringent food safety standard requirements over high agro-chemical residue. Last year, Kenya received 72 formal notifications that the tested samples had exceeded the recommended MRL compared to the less than 10 received in 2012. With this directive, more of Kenya's vegetable exports to the European market were rejected, after they were found to contain traces of a banned chemical, said to cause cancer.
Kenya says this sanction is catastrophic blow to the economy. Following the ban, over 5,000 farmers pulled away from the export market, and even though there has been heightened campaign to win them back, only 3,000 have shown interest.
It was recommended by professionals that the State and non-government stakeholders should work on creating awareness to farmers about the need to observe Good Agricultural Practices.
Kenya's Sh110 billion fresh produce export market with the EU is at risk. Should the October deadline lapse, the country will lose the preferential tax-free access it currently enjoys. Burt for EPAs to be of strategic interest to Kenya, the gains must outweigh the costs.
Source: HortiBiz
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|Posted Date >> 23- August- 2014
|Kenyan flowers to lose duty free access to EU
Talks between the East African Community (EAC) and the European Union about the signing of a trade deal have resulted in a stalemate. An extension of the duty-free access to the EU market, which Kenyan flowers currently enjoy has thereby unfortunately become very unlikely.
As a result of the failed negotiations, the flower sector would do well to get prepared for duties that will quite possibly be levied on all flowers imported from Kenya into the EU, starting October 1 of this year. The taxes will reportedly range between 5 and 8.5% - with the exception of carnations, which will stay at 0%.
It is also stated that there is concern on the whole flower supply chain to be faced with such a situation that could severely impact the competitiveness of Kenya flowers on the EU market and would durably harm all segments of the supply-chain.
Still discussions are underway between all parties to solve the problem and members and stakeholders are also warned to face the reality beginning from 1 October, 2014.
Source: HortiDaily
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|Posted Date >> 23- August- 2014
|Uganda: Flower industry facing new pressures
Uganda's flower industry is facing new pressures of how to grow its roses in a more sustainable way as international customers seek a new breed of flowers that meets certain standards.
Buyers in Europe and other importing destinations are increasingly demanding for flowers that are grown, and transported, under sustainable measures, especially those that do not add pressures on climate change.
They are looking for flowers that use less water and energy, both of which are being tapped from non-traditional sources to reduce global warming. But despite the challenges, Uganda's flower exporters could soon compete favorably in the global market after the introduction of a sector-based project approach.
The International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with Uganda Carbon Centre, is conducting a carbon footprint analysis on Uganda's flower industry to avert the risk of air-freighted flowers to the European market.
HortiBiz, August 20, 2014
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Ethiopian to extend 11.5 KG per box retrospective treatment effective August 1st
EHPEA Executive Committee Chairman, Ato Zelalem Messele and Executive Director, Ato Tewodros Zewdie conducted a discussion on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 with Ethiopian Cargo officials on the retrospect application of 11.5kg/box treatment for farms that have already started export with the new box dimension.
Ato Zelalem expressed his dismay on Ethiopian with regard to failure to implement the 11.5kg/box treatment for farms that have already started export with the new dimension and requested retrospect treatment as per the agreement reached.
Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo, Ato Fitsum Abadi, on his part accepted the need for the retrospective application of the volumetric weight. If they have paid extra effective as of August 1, 2014, Ethiopian will offset the balance, according to the Managing Director.
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
EHPEA holds discussion with Ministry of Environment and Forest
Bronze level compliance to become mandatory
EHPEA presented its feedback on a draft study by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) with regard to the Compliance Level of flower farms as per the Code of Practice.
Executive Director of EHPEA, Tewodros Zewdie and Mrs. Helina Getachew conducted discussion with officials of the Ministry and the research team experts on August 13, 2014 on the draft study.
The research team members accepted almost all the comments from EHPEA.
Ministry of Environment and Forestry is now working on a draft directive for the implementation of Council of Ministers regulation on the Code of Practice of the Floriculture Sector that makes the application of a bronze level mandatory.
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Israeli Chemicals Limited (ICL) gave familiarization workshop
The Israeli Chemicals Limited (ICL), well-known for its chemical fertilizers, has given a half day familiarization workshop to EHPEA member farms yesterday, at EHPEA headquarters.
Company Commercial Manager, Avi Zoran, gave explanations about the inception of the company saying that ICL is notable for fertigation and foliar application technologies. He recalled that fertigation was started in Israel 40 years ago in a traditional community and now it is widely practiced worldwide. The manager added that this company is public company and it is a number one fertilizer producer and supplier in Israel.
Among its products potash, bromine, salts, magnesium, etc. are well known and the company supplies its products to Europe, America, Asia (particularly India and China), Australia, and some countries of Africa. Presently, ICL has an office in Ethiopia and engaged in potash exploration for future fertilizer production and export in Ethiopia.
Mr. Zoran said the company has offices in Spain, Belgium, Holland and other countries, and it is expanding its horizon worldwide. Currently, the company has joined the Canadian big company, Alana Potash in Afar Regional State in exploring potash.
Zoran added that the company has 80 patents for different special fertilizers among which water soluble and liquid fertilizers are mentioned. The company also works in sport fields grassing like Barcelona and other notable stadiums in Europe.
ICL, being a public company whose shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, currently employs around 12,000 people worldwide, and its 2013 sales totaled $6.3 billion, 50% of which derived from products manufactured outside of Israel.;p>
ICL has planned to produce one million tons of potassium chloride per year in Ethiopia and has currently invested 25 million USD. In the long run, it has planned to invest a total capital of 642 million USD and presently, it is on an assessment stage to open a factory.
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Ghana addressing EU ban on local veggies
The Government is putting measures in place to ensure local vegetables meet quality standards required by the European Union.
This follows the European bloc temporarily banning imports of vegetables from Ghana following quality concerns.
Agriculture Minister, Fiifi Kwetey, said this is not the first time to such concerns and he added the Ministry is taking them on board in order to ensure sustainable exports and vowed not to compromise on quality although some of the issues are out of are out of the government's control.
This is not the first time Ghanaian farmers and exporters have faced such setbacks. Some months ago, mangoes from Ghana was also banned because of fly infestation.
Ghana faced another sanction last year, when the EU noted that fish supposedly from Ghana was actually not harvested from Ghanaian territorial waters.
Source: www.Allafrica.com, 8/13/2014
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|EHPEA holds discussion with Federal Investment Agency
EHPEA Chairman, Ato Zelalem Messele and Executive Director, Ato Tewodros Zewdie conducted discussion with the Director General of Ethiopian Investment Agency, Ato Fitsum Arega, on challenges that should be addressed to smoothly run the horticulture export business last Thursday.
Ato Zelalem mentioned the need to speed up the provision of land for expansion requests as well as to new entrants in to the horticulture investment. He also mentioned that horticulture should be considered as manufacturing so that it can entertain similar treatment with regard to incentives as it uses sophisticated technologies.
Ato Fitsum on his part noted that in order to cater better services to investors, the Agency is restructured as a commission and the board of the commission is going to be chaired by the Prime Minister of the country. With the restructuring, the commission has been mandated with some powers which used to be exercised by the cabinet.
With regard to according better incentives to the horticulture industry, Ato Fitsum noted that with the draft amendment on the Investment Incentives additional incentives are added. He explained that the new investment incentive proclamation is going to be issued soon.
He also pledged to work with concerned offices to address the intermittent interruption of power in horticulture clusters.
It was also agreed to extend similar incentives for those that are going to invest in tissue culture, propagation and seed multiplication.
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Ministry requested to solve recurrent power interruption
The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy requested the Ethiopian Electric Utility to quickly sole the recurrent electric problem horticultural farms face.
The Minister, Alemayehu Tegenu, in a letter dated August 1, 2014 indicated that the Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) has sent a letter to the Ministry stating about recurrent electric problems with list of horticultural industries that have faced power interruption so as to fix the problem according to the direction given on the Business Coordination Forum meeting of June 20, 2014.
The letter states that the listed horticultural industries are also believed by the Ministry to be given special attention and requested the Electric Utility to give due concern to the farms as they are source of foreign currency.
The Ministry finally requested the Electric Utility to resolve the power supply issues as soon as possible and report immediately.
In the course of solving the problem, EHPEA played prominent role in urging the Ministry to take action besides the day-to-day talk with EHDA and Electric Utility and EHPEA feels this is a step forward to resolve the problem.
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Workers celebrate Lafto Day colorfully
Lafto Roses PLC celebrated for 3rd time Lafto Day on August 4, 2014 in the farm's compound in attendance of invited guests and workers of the company.
While opening the ceremony, Company Project Manager, Mr. Tegegn Girum welcomed the guests and noted that Lafto Roses is one of pioneer farms in rose production in Ethiopia and he said the company is distinguished for its quality and sustainable production.
Tegegn added the company has created about 480 jobs and generated 3.1 million Euros in 2014 by sending 22.5 million stems of flowers to the international market. He reminded that this sector faces fierce market competition and the management and workers were committed to exert sustained efforts to make the company productive and this will continue in the future as well.
Lafto Roses Labor Union Chairman, Mr. Yohannes Taye in his speech expressed that the workers union has been working hard to bring industrial peace in the company, which increases productivity. He added that the union worked to safeguard the rights of the employees and solving problems peacefully, which in return brought better results in producing internationally acceptable quality products.
Finally, he urged workers to engage in positive efforts for mutual benefits.
While delivering message of National Federation of Agriculture, Plantation, Fishery and Agro-industry, the president, Mr. Gebeyehu Adugna said in order to be competent, it is necessary to work hand in hand and the workers should get the necessary benefits based on their productivity. He emphasized the importance of working in unison as the management and workers pass long ours together so as to be productive.
Gebeyehu added, "Development become a reality and life improves only when we work hard. To produce quality product and lead peaceful life, workers unity and solving problems in round tables is vital."
On the celebration, sport competitions among workers of different departments were conducted and prizes were awarded for winners. Similarly, different entertainment programs were presented and some workers approached by Voice of EHPEA expressed their satisfaction with the company.
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Kazakhastan: Orange, banana and coffee grow in underground greenhouses
Underground greenhouses give Kazakhstan a chance to grow its own oranges, bananas, coffee, pineapples, and even to export them, for example, to Bangladesh. The main secret is to build a greenhouse at a depth of 3-4 m below ground and to cover it with a glass roof.
Underground greenhouses were invented in pre-revolutionary Russia – at that time the Slavs were growing pineapples and shipping them to Europe.
Nowadays in Kazakhstan there is only one underground greenhouse (20 km from Ust-Kamenogorsk), where the Zemlyanyh' family grow oranges, bananas and coffee, even in tough winter conditions.
No special technology is needed to equip an underground greenhouse. In order to get an exotic yield you need to dig a giant hole in the ground and set up a garden on the bottom of it. It works as a giant thermos – located below ground, it is sheltered from the wind.
A word combination "Banana Republic" is outdated now, - says Abish Baytenov, a gardener who plans on constructing an underground greenhouse in Akmolinsk region. Bananas yield a profit of millions of dollars'.
The Zemlyanyh' family proved that underground gardens prevent the main heat loss – through the walls. One little furnace is enough to maintain subtropical climate in greenhouse.
The idea of underground greenhouses can and should be developed over vast territories of the country, and consequently this will solve the problem of food supply security.
Source: www.zakon.kz
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Scientists work to make fruits and vegetables healthier
Scientists are trying to make fruits and vegetables even better for your body. Researchers at Kansas State University are boosting the amount of phytochemicals in lettuce and tomatoes.
Phytochemicals are natural chemicals in plants that improve our health. Researchers found stressing the plants with more Ultraviolet light and less fertilizer increased the amount of phytochemicals in the plants.
They hope making fruits and vegetables even healthier will improve our health. As for the taste, that's still being tested. However, the research team doesn't expect much difference.
Source: wzzm13.com, Publication date: 7/22/2014
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|Posted Date >> 16- August- 2014
|Disinfect and sanitize your greenhouse for the new Poinsettia
As poinsettia propagation nears in the greenhouse industry, propagators and growers need a solid pest management program. BioSafe Systems has spent the last fifteen years providing disease and insect solutions for poinsettias from cuttings to propagation and on to finished plants with products.
New to the greenhouse industry, SaniDate 5.0 is said to keep non-food contact surfaces free from plant pathogens, as well as human health pathogens. Effective against bacteria and moulds, SaniDate 5.0 is a peroxycompound disinfectant/sanitizer that works quickly to remove pathogens and their spores from non-food contact surfaces and equipment.
ZeroTol 2.0 works immediately to keep disease pressure down in crops. Effective against Erwinia, Botrytis, and Rhizoctonia, ZeroTol 2.0 is also a peroxycompound chemistry that quickly removes pathogens and their spores from plants and cutting tools.
Another organic insecticide, AzaGuard, is also said to effectively reduce over 300 insect species including Whiteflies, Fungus Gnats and Shore Flies. Made from azadirachtin, food grade ingredients, and over 100 biologically active other ingredients, AzaGuard provides a multiple mode of action formulation for use on all greenhouse crops.
Researchers said BioSafe Systems' products are sustainable and leave no harmful residues. SaniDate 5.0 and ZeroTol 2.0 are chlorine alternatives that have no disinfection byproducts.
Source: Hortidaily news, June, 2014
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|Posted Date >> 4- August- 2014
|EHPEA, government officials pay official business visit to the US
A business delegation led by the Ethiopian President, Dr. Mulatu Teshome, has left for the United States of America on official business visit on July 28, 2014.
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) board Chairman, Mr. Zelalem Mesele and EHPEA Executive Director, Mr. Tewodros Zewdie and other members of the association are in the group of delegation.
The business delegation led by President Mulatu is expected to participate on the 4th Ethio-American Business and Investment Forum. It is also believed that the delegation will hold meaningful discussions with diverse American investors and seeks market opportunities for the respective sectors.
The president, along with the delegation, is expected to make bilateral talks with senior American officials. It was reported that Ethio-American ties are getting stronger from year to year increasing the number of American investors in different sectors.
On the latest development, the Ethiopian export promotion, investment and tourism business delegation has made its first discussion in Huston, Texas with American Business delegates and government officials. On the occasion, President Mulatu said, "The government of Ethiopia is creating good opportunity for those investing in Ethiopia readying industrial zones." The president recalled the recent announcement of the US government to open a trade bureau in Ethiopia and said this will be a good opportunity to further strengthen trade ties between the two sides.
Texas Senator, Rodney Ellice, for his part said the 3.2 million years old Lucy fossil has more introduced Ethiopia to America during its visit in America and he added America wants to create more investment and business ties with Ethiopia.
On the forum, US companies that are already engaged in Ethiopia shared their experiences and urged those in Texas to follow their way.
This event was organized by Ethiopian Embassy to America and WAFA Marketing and Promotion, and the forum is also expected to continue in California, Los Angeles.
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|Posted Date >> 4- August- 2014
|Workshop on Seed Law, Regulation undertaken
A one day workshop, organized by the Ethiopian Seed Growers and Processors Association (ESPGA), on Seed Law and Regulation was conducted at Dreamliner Hotel on July 29, 2014. On the occasion, stakeholders from agricultural research institutions, seed growing and distributing companies, government representatives and others participated.
ESGPA Board Chairman, Mr. Melaku Admasu, after welcoming the participants, said the Ethiopian Seed Growers and Processors Association is instrumental in building the capacity of its members and protect them from unethical acts. He further said, the association is geared towards upgrading the skills, knowledge and awareness of its members.
While making an official opening remark, Mr. Fikre Markos, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture said awareness raising forum on seed is highly valid as seed is important for Ethiopia's development endeavor. He further said, understanding the prevailing laws and the ones being amended is crucial.
On the occasion, it is noted that plant breeders and other institutions involved in agricultural activities should know about Plant Breeding, Phytosanitory and Biosafety laws put in place.
Mr. Fikre declared that some of these laws are being revised and Plant Beeders' Right Law is being reviewed followed by preparation of implementing regulation.
UN Food and Agricultural Organization representative, Mr. Bateno Kabeto, expressed as agriculture is vital to Ethiopia, seed plays crucial role to improve agricultural productivity.
Mr. Daniel Mekonen from the Ministry of Agriculture presented the revised Plant Seed Law 782/2005 (EC). The law states that breeders should be certified in order to regulate the quality and quantity of the seeds produced in the country. In the meantime, any breeder supplying seed is also required to get registered, according to the new law.
On the other presentation, Plant Breeders' Rights Proclamation was presented. Similarly, COMESA Seed Harmonization Regulation was also presented and participants raised hot debates whether to accept the COMESA Regulation or not. It was said this regulation helps to easily access seeds in the COMESA region.
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|Posted Date >> 21- July- 2014
|EHPEA General Assembly makes fruitful discussions
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) General Assembly was undertaken in the presence of the majority of member farms at Capital Hotel and Spa on July 18, 2014.
EHPEA Chairman, Zelalem Mesele, introduced the main agenda items: Ethio-Dutch Program for Horticulture Development (EDPHD), Mandatory Code of Practice for Floriculture Farms by the Government, Air Freight Rate and New Boxes Dimensions for Roses, and Power and Internet Connectivity Problems. The chairman requested members if they have for more agenda to be entertained and they forwarded two agenda items – action of local police and service of Ethiopian Airlines.
The overall project overview of EDPHD was presented by Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, EHPEA Executive Director, showing that the program has four main components – Capacity building, Integrated Pest management (IPM), Support for Emerging Commercial Horticultural Producers and Business Development and Investment Promotion.
Dr. Glenn Humphries, EHPEA Capacity Building Manager for the program, presented capacity building component and she said code of practice for fruits and vegetables will be developed soon benchmarking the flower code of practice. She also added that trainings to facilitate compliance of commercial farms and building the capacity of local development agents (DAs) and local government officers besides strengthening the operation of EHPEA training service. A new technical voucher scheme to be operated for commercial farms will also be one of the components, as Glenn presented.
Glenn added that there is great concern on the way smallholder farmers apply pesticide on their farms and she proposed to upgrade their capacity in this regard. It was stated that farms not maintaining standards are affecting the sector's reputation and were advised to upgrade their status.
The next presentation on IPM was made by Dr. Adhanom Negasi, EHPEA IPM Component Manager, and wrapped up the objectives of the project. He said this component is aimed at improving economic benefits of the sector, reduce potential human health risks from pesticides, minimize adverse environmental risks emanating from use of pesticides, etc.
Participants raised questions about importing insects from abroad to apply the IPM but it is becoming a challenge as the approval process in the Ethiopian Airport takes long time and the insects die in the due process. It was informed on the occasion that there is an attempt to produce insects in Ethiopia instead of importing from abroad.
The next agenda item was regarding the mandatory code of practice the government has put in place, which is to become regulation soon, Marc Driessen, EHPEA Executive Committee Member, said in his presentation. Marc reported that Ministry of Forestry and Environment is going to make the bronze level code of practice, which is adapted from EHPEA code of practice, mandatory for all flower farms. He advised farms to at least attain the bronze level and others to upgrade their status. It was also learnt the government will certify farms as second batch. Issues of royalty payment and others related to the agenda were entertained and responses were given.
Regarding the Air Freight and New Box Dimensions Agenda, the chairman announced that the new box size has been applicable by some farms but the deadline for the application is August 1st and told members to get prepared. The new box size is said to benefit the farms a lot. This does not include flower farms using special box sizes and they continue exporting with their normal box size.
Concerning airlines services, some worries were also raised by members like delay in flight. However, it was reported by some members that the Ethiopian Airlines CEO has promised to involve in the issue and assured to improve things. EHPEA Executive Committee reported it has even gone to the higher level to get solution for the problems. However, still members complained that some flowers like gypsophila have been damaged due to delay in flight.
Regarding power and internet connectivity problem, EHPEA chairman said Debre Zeit cluster farms were in power blackout for over two weeks but EEPCO is working hard to connect it soon. Members said internet is down everywhere but especially some farms have internet connectivity problem for long time. Although some have VISAT, it is not working for long time.
The other issue raised by a member farm was about having investment police to help investors. This is because some farms are facing special problems and this was taken as valid point and the Executive Committee promised to talk with concerned bodies. The participants decided to hold the next General Assembly in Hawassa after three months.
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|Posted Date >> 21- July- 2014
|EHPEA, stakeholders hold tripartite business Luncheon meeting
EHPEA arranged business luncheon meeting for tripartite discussion with Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA), Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Union (CETU) and Employers Federation at Capital Hotel and SPA on July 17, 2014.
The business luncheon was supposed to continue the drafting of the tripartite guideline and to discuss how to implement it. On the occasion, a briefing was given about the progress and it was learnt the preparation of the guideline delayed due to some reasons and all parties agreed to start afresh.
Successive meetings were conducted earlier by the partners chaired by MOLSA and this guideline is said to benefit the sector, the employees and helps to maximize benefit. It was also suggested on the meeting that there should be uniformity in regional states and federal level and the formulation of such tripartite agreement should be institutionalized.
The tripartite guideline is believed to give solution for disputes arising at farm level and helps to restore peace of the industry.
So far ideas to enrich the tripartite guideline were collected from the parties and the stakeholders agreed to put the document into action. All have also come to agreement that this draft document should become legal to act upon.
Finally, each sector showed its commitment and the participants agreed to get together and finalized the document before preparing bigger forum. MOLSA is given the responsibility to finalize the document and present it in the shortest possible time.
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|Posted Date >> 21- July- 2014
|Ethiopian flowers gaining popularity in Europe
The popularity of Ethiopian flowers has been growing in European markets from day-to-day, a Dutch floriculture company disclosed.
According to Herburg Roses Company, a farm cultivating flowers around Ziway town of Oromia Region, the export flower produces of Ethiopia are well-liked in Europe.
Company Managing Director, Hubert Wilhelmina Maria Van Der Burg told ENA the demand for Ethiopian flower is created by improving the types and quality of flowers produced in the country.
He said the Herburg Roses Ethiopia in particular is exporting 22 types of flowers, thus giving wide-ranging alternatives to the European market.
The produces that were sent only to the Netherlands are now also exported to the UK and Russia as the market reach has been expanding, he elaborated.
Source: Horti Biz
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|Posted Date >> 21- July- 2014
|Pressure on Kenya to sign EPA
The next meeting between the EU and the East African Community, from 21st till 23rd July in the Rwandan capital Kigali about the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will be crucial, says Executive Director of the Kenya Flower Council Jane Ngige.
"Time is running out, we have to sort out the remaining issues, otherwise the Kenyan flower sector will suffer", says Ngige. She finds it hard to predict the outcome of the meeting in Kigali. "Up to now I have always been optimistic, but since we haven't moved forward much in the recent past, I don't know any more what to expect."
Kenya has up to 1st October this year to sign the EPA with the EU.
Earlier on Ngige urged the Kenyan government to speedily resolve the issues holding the deal to assure growers and exporters of their future. The bone of contention is how to levy export taxes on goods destined for Europe.
"If the government fails to sign the Economic Partnership Agreements by October 1, Kenya's flower exports will face import duties of between 8 and 12 per cent," according to Ngige.
According to Hortibiz a clause by the EU seeks to bar all signatories of the EPAs from entering into bilateral talks with other trade partners in areas where the EU does not enjoy preferential terms. The union also wants Kenya to sign a commitment to observe human rights and good governance.
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|Posted Date >> 21- July- 2014
|Lake Naivasha water level worrying
The Kenyan horticulture sector has been urged to ensure they use Lake Naivasha water diligently. Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua said the reducing water levels are a concern.
Water from the lake supports the county and its economic activities, he told participants during a Kenya Flower Council consultative forum in Nakuru yesterday.
"The largely unregulated use of lake water for irrigation is reducing the level of the lake," Kinuthia said.
He said that close to 11,000 acres of land around Lake Naivasha is currently occupied by irrigated farms, with flower farms occupying 4,700 acres and close to 3,000 acres being dedicated to green houses.
"On one level, the flower industry is a success story – a profitable export business that has created jobs in this area and wealth to Kenya. However, from a different perspective, it's a looming disaster," Kinuthia said.
He said most of the flower farms rely on the lake for irrigation and pipes run straight from the lake into the greenhouses.
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|Posted Date >> 16- July- 2014
|EHPEA General Assembly to be assumed soon
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) ordinary General Assembly is to take place on July 18, 2014 at Capital Hotel and Spa beginning from 3.00 PM.
The Assembly is believed to entertain three main Agenda items:
EHPEA has also requested members to forward any agenda item to be entertained on the meeting. Most of the members have already confirmed to attend the meeting.
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|Posted Date >> 16- July- 2014
|EHPEA Conducts a workshop on capacity building and farms support voucher
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) conducted a half day workshop on July 8, 2014 at Capital Hotel and Spa with member farms and stakeholders to introduce technical support voucher for horticulture companies.
On the meeting, EHPEA Executive Committee member, Mr. Marc Driessen, presented the overview of Ethio Dutch Horticulture Development Partnership (EDHDP) program, which has four components.
Another presentation on capacity building, a component of EDHDP, was presented by Dr. Glenn Humphries, EHPEA Capacity Building Manager. On the presentation, Dr. Glenn said the focus of the capacity building will be for commercial exporters and emerging farms that produce flowers, cuttings, fruits, vegetables and herbs.
In the capacity building program, the existing topics of training related to code of practice and market labels will continue to be provided and additional courses are also designed to be included besides web-based human resource management dialogue. Some participants suggested other trainings like conflict management, work place cooperation and welfare to be included.
Currently, Glenn added, that the Ethiopian government is making EHPEA's bronze level code of practice a legal framework so that all farms will abide by.
Finally, a presentation on the proposed voucher system was offered by Mr. Marc. The voucher system requires any two nearby farms to form a group based on their interests and the lead farm presents the request. The maximum cost of the support is 25,000 Euros per project of which 60% for flowers and cuttings and 80% for fruits, vegetables and herbs is reimbursable via the voucher system.
It was also reported on the meeting that application forms will be posted on EHPEA website and any member farm can apply according to the procedures put in place.
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|Posted Date >> 16- July- 2014
|TINAW Business S.C. inaugurates mixed five years agro-industry startegic plan
TINAW Business S.C., established in 2008 by five shareholders to produce cut flowers, introduced a new five years mixed agro-industry strategic plan in July 5, 2014 at Yejoka Hotel, Wolkite, in the presence of stakeholders and company's workers.
While opening the discussion forum, Tinaw Business S.C. Executive Director, Tesfaye Gebehiwot, said, "This organization is not only the property of Shareholders but also the property of government, workers and all beneficiaries in the zone." Tesfaye added TINAW has prepared a five years' strategic plan and he called on the support of all for its implementation. In addition, he assured that the projects in the strategic plan will benefit the community in diversified ways.
On the occasion, it was reported that TINAW is in the forefront in generating income to the country benefiting the community in corporate social and environmental activities. Regarding the company's price, it was reported that TINAW's price on the market is higher by 8% than the average price.
Zonal Agriculture Bureau head, Mira Mohamed said on the occasion TIN AW has given great opportunity for youth in the zone, who used to flock to Addis Ababa and other areas in search of jobs. He also said the company is a model for the zonal administration in irrigation scheme and helped the zone to replicate the experience. "They are good lessons for farmers and we thank them," added Mira. Mira went on saying; TINAW is like a university working in a community sharing its skills, besides job creation.
A five years strategic plan studied by a Dutch consultant is presented to the participants and it was learnt that TINAW has planned to expand to 110 hectares of greenhouses, 50 hectares of vegetables, and 40 hectares of herbs until 2019. The company has also planned to start water bottling factory besides diary project it will run. It also plans to establish tomato processing factory in the zone by 2019.
With regard to corporate social responsibility activity, TINA Business S.C. has also planned to help the community around the farm to construct a high school in addition to assisting and equipping the local farmers with family drip irrigation technology.
The second impressive project presented by TINAW was Employees Joint Development Project in which workers who stayed with TINAW for 10 years will have share in selected share holdings. The workers contribute nothing but TINAW buys them a share from which the employees will have 49% share and will pay back the loan from the dividend they get over time.
Finally, the employees and participants were amazed in the projects and ambition of TINAW and said the result of this success is transparency and trust the company created on the employees. All the employees and zonal administration showed their utmost satisfaction in the progress made by TINAW.
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|Posted Date >> 16- July- 2014
|Herburg Roses celebrated 8th annual workers' day
Herburg Roses celebrated its 8th annual workers' day on July 5, 2014 in the presence of elders of Oromia, senior government and non-government representatives and employees of the company.
On the opening remark, Company General Manager, Huub Van Der Berg, said Herburg Roses is celebrating its 8th year of success behind which are Ethiopian Government, valuable employees of the company, the community and many other business partners that made its journey possible.
He thanked the Ethiopian Government for the relentless support it exerted and the company's workers for the tireless work and passion they showed in the course of the years. He also thanked the community and other partners for their varied assistance. Saying that, he invited the elderly of Oromia and the Aba Gedas showered the ceremony with their blessings.
It was also learnt that the company is prepared to expand the farm by double (make it 80 hectares) and this has been possible by the investment support of the Ethiopian government, as Mr. Huub reported.
On the occasion, it was learnt the company is to increase its market horizon to Russia and the United Kingdom beyond its limited access to Holland market.
Currently, Herburg Roses has 1,200 employees and it has planned to increase the number to 2,000. Among the total workers, 60% are women and the company is planning to construct child and women day care center in the next time.
On the other hand, Herburg Roses Human Resource Manager, Mohammed Seid, said the company has made progress every year for last 8 years. It has already fulfilled market requirements and the products of the company have got better acceptance in European market. Mohamed added that Herburg Roses is also getting proper support from the Ethiopian horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) and thanked EHPEA for the support.
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|Posted Date >> 9- July- 2014
|Parliament conducts hearing on draft customs proclamation
The House of Peoples representatives conducted a public hearing on Monday June 30, 2014 on the new draft customs proclamation.
The newly drafted proclamation is planned to change the customs proclamation number 622/2001 which has been running for the last four years.
According to presenters from ERCA, the new proclamation is designed in such a way to facilitate smooth operations for those that are engaged in the manufacturing sector including horticulture investments. In addition to that the challenges identified as bottlenecks in the previous proclamation are addressed in the new proclamation, the presenters noted.
The new draft proclamation incorporated issues like pre arrival customs clearance, simplified customs process with single window, factory bonded warehouse, electronics data exchange and the like among others.
The proclamation is expected to be ratified by the House of Peoples Representatives soon.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn stated that his office has approved to make staff meal costs in horticulture farms deductible from tax.
The Prime Minister stated this during the second Public Private Consultative Forum which was held on the second of July, 2014 at the Millenium Hall here in Addis Ababa.
According to him, the necessary instruction has been communicated to concerned government ministries to deduct costs related with farm laborers and staff members.
In a similar development, problems related to land provision has been raised during the consultative Forum.
EHPEA is undertaking a series of high level discussions to address bottlenecks to the further development of the horticulture sector.
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|Posted Date >> 9- July- 2014
|ITFEX Expo Kenya 2014 celebrated colorfully
The International Flower Trade Exhibition 2014 was celebrated colorfully from June 4-6, 2014 in Kenya, Nairobi, Oshwal Center in the attendance of Exhibitors, visitors, buyers, breeders and many other participants.
On the opening ceremony, representative of the Kenyan government said Kenya continues to be a strong producer of cut flowers and is currently the leading supplier of the cut flowers to Europe. She said that the government works hard to maintain this leading role by diversifying the market linkages.
Kenyan Flower Council (KFC) Chief Executive Officer, Jane Ngige, on her remark said that horticulture industry is one of the top foreign exchange earners for Kenya bringing 94.7 billion Kshs in 2013, of which the flower industry contributed to 46.3 billion Kshs. She added that the industry continues to attract many investors as there is solid infrastructure, favorable climate, global positioning of Kenya and productive workforce. However, she did not leave mentioning the threat of EU-EAC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Jane in her remark said Ethiopia and Colombia remain challenge and she reminded producers to produce quality and long vase life flowers to tackle the problem. She also did not skip mentioning keeping quality in terms of phytosanitory. Finally, Jane promised investors that single window electronic service will be commenced and will add value for the investment.
IFTEX Expo organizer and HPP international Exhibitions Group President, Mr. Dick van Raamsdonk, said the exhibition has attracted buyers from America, Russia and many other countries. He added more than three thousand growers, brokers, exporters, breeders, propagators, input suppliers and many others from over 50 countries have attended the exhibition. He added that such an exhibition is becoming market for all countries of the world and the show is one of the biggest regional exhibitions in Africa. Finally, he wished all the best for the exhibitors and others in the course of the exhibition.
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|Posted Date >> 9- July- 2014
|A workshop on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) conducted
EHPEA undertook a workshop under the theme: "Sustainable Crop Protection for Sustainable Horticulture Production" from June 26-27, 2014 at Hilton Hotel in the presence of farm owners, farm managers and other delegated professionals from universities, agricultural research institutes and like-minded organizations.
While opening the workshop, EHPEA Chairman, Zelalem Mesele, noted that Ethiopian horticulture industry has shown noticeable growth in the last 10 years becoming the 5th revenue generator to the country's economy. He added that the association is working for the excellence in the sector and has got reputable Code of Practice both internationally and locally. Zelalem restated in spearheading to improve the sector, EHPEA is undertaking various programs and projects among which Ethio-Dutch Horticultural Development Program (EDHDP), IPM component is being implemented in partnership with the Kingdom of Netherlands Government.
EHPEA Chairman remarked the IPM project will be implemented in commercial and small holder farms so as to scale up the association's best practice to smallholder farms as well.
A representative of the State Minister of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, His Excellency Mr. Kare Chawicha, Selam Kidane, said the sector is contributing to the development of the country in creating jobs, generating currency and infrastructural development. She added that the Ethiopian government supports the sector as usual and aspires to promote sustainable production and efficient use of resources to protect the environment and create safe working conditions.
Mr. Gerrit Noordem, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands said on his speech that he is happy to hear that the Ministry of Environment and Forest is working with EHPEA and the sector is bearing fruit. "Although we are exerting little support, what EHPEA is doing is remarkable," said Mr. Gerrit. He also noted the relevance of biological control and he said he is happy that the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands continued to support this program.
During the workshop, different presentations were presented. Dr. Adhanom Negasi, EHPEA IPM component Manager, introduced the concept of IPM and Horticulture Development from national perspective. A senior consultant on crop protection, specializing on floriculture and vegetable, Mr. Eric Kerklaan from DLV Plant Netherlands also presented a paper on IPM from International Perspective. Similarly, Dr. Fekadu Shimekit from the Addis Ababa University gave presentation regarding IPM research experience at macro and micro bio agents.
Finally, participantscame up with valuable comments to be incorporated in the action plan of the IPM Component.
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|Posted Date >> 9- July- 2014
|EHPEA effectively participated in IFTEX Expo Kenya 2014
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) represented its members effectively in the International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) Kenya 2014 from June 4-6, 2014.
On the stand, different varieties of EHPEA member products, particularly flower products were exhibited. This includes roses of different variety from ranging agro-ecological zones.
Besides roses of different kind, carnation, gypsophila, solidago, limonium and hypericum flowers were presented on the stand. The stand attracted the attention of many buyers and investors from different corners of the world including America, Russia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, China, India and many other countries and continents.
On this expo, EHPEA Chairman, Mr. Zelalem Mesele, Deputy Chairma, Yassin Legesse and Executive Committee member, Frank Amerlaan, talked to buyers from different countries. Similarly, EHPEA team on the stand worked hard to attract buyers and growers visiting the stands.
It was seen by the exhibitors that many Kenyans were eager to know the status of Ethiopian flower production as they feel Ethiopia is their competitors.
Among EHPEA member farms Ethiopian Magical Farms, Beti Ornamental, AQ Roses, Yalkoneh Flowers, Yassin Legesse, Tinaw Business, ZK Flowers, Abyssinian Flowers and many others have participated and showed their products to byers. Farm managers from Minaye, ZK, Tinaw flowers visited the exhibition besides sharing lessons with farms in Naivasha. Other EHPEA member farms like Lafto Roses, Roshanara and Tana Flora exhibited their flowers having their own stand.
Officials from Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) were also in attendance and discussed with different buyers and potential investors. The Ethiopian Embassy to Kenya has also helped in arranging and illuminating the stand with Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony and by frequently visiting EHPEA's stand.
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|Posted Date >> 9- July- 2014
|EHPEA, Fair Trade and stakeholders discuss on Fair Trade Label
EHPEA, stakeholders and representatives from Fair Trade Ethiopia and Fair Trade Africa met in Jupiter Hotel on July 4, 2014
The Fair Trade is a Business to Consumer Market Label that used for a range of products and is widely recognized internationally. Fair Trade sales attract a premium price and the money raised in this way can be invested in projects that will benefit the farm employees and the local community. Representatives from Fair Trade gave a very clear explanation of the operation of the system and the benefits to farm employees and the community that can be achieved as a result of funds generated by the 'premium price. Examples included investment in local schools and health care facilities, provision of drinking water.
Management of the Fair Trade Premium is done by an elected body, The Premium Committee' formerly the Joint Body, on each certified farm. In order to be able to operate, the Premium Committee must become a registered entity and herein there is a problem for Certified Farms/plantations in Ethiopia. Until recently the Premium Committee has been registered with the Charities and Civil Society Agency but due to a change in regulation this is no longer possible.
This means that Farms are not able to participate in the Fair Trade Market, thus restricting market access and Employees are not able to benefit from projects that could be funded by the Fair Trade Premium.
Participants at the meeting; EHPEA, EHDA, ministry of Labour, MoLSA, Ministry of Justice, MoJ, and representatives from certified Farms, AQ Roses, Sher Ethiopia, Linssen Roses Africa Juice and Freesia Ethiopia, deliberated on the problem and agreed an Action Plan to raise awareness regarding the issue with the higher officials in stakeholder Offices and with the Charities and Civil Society Agency. EHPEA will spearhead this initiative and will work in close cooperation with the in country Fair Trade representative, EHDA, MoLSA and the Agriculture Workers Federation.
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|Posted Date >> 20- May- 2014
|ECCSA, CTS AND EHPEA conduct a workshop in collaboration
A workshop on Industrial Development and EU market Access was conducted at Hilton Addis Ababa from May 13-15, 2014 in collaboration with Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, Chamber Sweden Trade (CTS) and Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA).
On the second day meeting, CTS-EHPEA cooperation and introduction of Ethiopian flowers and food to Sweden Market was presented by Malin Dacke, CTS business development advisor. In her presentation, Malin said emphasis should be given to ensure sustainability of products, improve competitiveness, address environmental concerns and foster partnership in green technology.
While citing about doing business with Sweden, it is said creating market linkage is crucial. In the process of doing business in EU and Sweden, voluntary standards are also said relevant. Delegates from Sweden said that Sweden, Finland and Denmark are getting fresh Ethiopian flowers via FloraHolland. It was also cited that there is one billion USD transactions potential for fruit and vegetables only in Sweden.
In the forum, it was marked that there is a growing demand for organic food in the EU market.
On the other hand, EHPEA Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, gave briefing about Ethiopia in general and EHPEA in particular regarding the untapped opportunities the country has and investment opportunities in horticulture sector.
Tewodros emphasized that EHPEA has a strong code of practice and has been working with CTS in areas of waste management and hoped the cooperation continues. On the occasion, presentations on wetland and solid waste management projects, supported by CTS and implemented by EHPEA, were presented by the Addis Ababa University Microbiology Department researchers. The researchers presented the environmental impacts the wastes have had and they showed it could be possible to turn the waste into compost.
EHPEA, understanding the problem, initiated the project and it is working in collaboration with Ethiopian Science and Appropriate Technology (ESAT) and Woljej Agricultural Industry PLC. Four pilot farms – ET-Highland, Gallica, Yaasin Legesse and ZK Flowers are in the pilot project.
Similar presentations on Fair Trade, Sweden market opportunity experience sharing and other issues were entertained in the workshop.
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|Posted Date >> 20- May- 2014
|CTS delegation visits EHPEA member farms
Delegates from Chamber Trade Sweden (CTS) have visited EHPEA member farms at on May 12 and May 15, 2014.
CTS delegates and byers from Sweden have visited EHPEA member farms regarding their solid and liquid waste management on different sites and to see flower quality so as to buy from Ethiopia. The delegates visited Galiica Flowers on composting from dry waste produced from the farm and Yassin Legesse Johnson Flowers at Debre Zeit for its wetland management pilot project.
While visiting the Debre Zeit cluster, a buyer from Sweden has also visited different varieties of flowers at Minaye Flowers PLC and JoyTech Ethiopia PLC to buy flowers for Sweden direct market. The buyer expressed his satisfaction in the type of flowers produced in Ethiopia and he for sure promised he will buy flowers from Ethiopia.
Regarding the flower quality, the Swedish buyer said, "Ethiopia's climate is a gift from God and this makes its flowers different from Ecuador, Colombia and many other fresh flower producing countries."
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|Posted Date >> 20- May- 2014
|Colombian farmers strike threatens flower exports
Tens of thousands of farmers in Colombia are on strike, blocking roads and threatening to disrupt exports. A similar strike last August stretched 17 days, meaning the current work stoppage could cut into flower exports just in time for Mother's Day, the sector's second-most lucrative event after Valentine's Day.
The South American nation is a significant flower exporter to the US, which last year purchased 65 percent of Colombia's flower exports, or $740 million. The sector employs more than 130,000 Colombians.
But the striking Colombian farmers are taking a hardline against the government saying that President Juan Manuel Santos backtracked on promises on subsidies and production costs made during a previous work stoppage in August of last year.
"The government has not abided by the agreements we reached eight months ago," says Andres Gil, an organizer with the National Agrarian Coordinating Committee. "We are not going to agree to anything this time until we have assurances that they [government authorities] will follow through."
Hortidaily Publication: 5/13/2014
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|Posted Date >> 20- May- 2014
|UK: New Integrated Pest Management Plan launched
A new way for farmers to show that they are adopting an integrated approach to weed, pest and disease control has been launched by the Voluntary Initiative (VI).
Under the Sustainable Use Directive there is a requirement for Member States to encourage the uptake of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The European Commission defines this as economically and environmentally sustainable management of pests, weeds and diseases using cultural, chemical, physical and biological controls.
UK regulators have recognised that farmers carry out a wide range of these practices already and so have agreed that a voluntary approach to demonstrating their use of IPM is appropriate, as opposed to regulatory approaches taken by other European member states.
To satisfy this requirement the NFU have developed the new IPM plan for the VI, this replaces, the original VI Crop Protection Management Plan (CPMP). Another option for farmers is to use the LEAF audit.
Hortidaily news, posted on 5/13/2014
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|Posted Date >> 6- May- 2014
|Ziway Roses gets appreciation from trade union
In an appreciation letter written by the National Federation of Farm, Plantation, Fishery and Agro Industry Trade Union, Ziway Roses was acclaimed for its exemplary support it rendered for a patient suffering heart attack.
The trade Union in its letter said the Company has supported an enormous amount of money for the treatment of its employee, Mr. Tatek Daniel, who is suffering from heart attack. So far, the Company has also been providing the necessary treatment for the employee and now its commitment to provide him a better treatment is appreciable, the Union added.
The Union in its letter, copied to EHPEA, thanked and appreciated the support and said it is proud of the company for its relentless support for its workers and the concern it showed for its compatriots. It also said the union has deep love and respect for the management and employees of the Company.
The union reiterated such support is an exemplary activity for other companies and it believed that this will upsurge productivity of the workers thereby harnessing country's economic development. This is also an indication that the company's workers and the management are working hands in glove to improve their productivity.
The union in its letter added, this should motivate the workers and the management to become more productive and summoned to work together to create better future.
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|Posted Date >> 6- May- 2014
|EHPEA holds business luncheon with Oromia officials and mayors
A productive business luncheon regardin presence g the challenges of farms has been conducted on April 29, 2014 at Hilton Addis in the presence of Oromia Regional officials and Mayors from respective farm clusters.
On the occasion, officials from Oromia Investment Commission, Oromia Urban Land Administration Agency, Oromia Rural Land and Environment Protection Bureau, Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency /EHDA, East Shewa Administration, mayors from Holeta, Sebeta, Sendafa, Meki, Koka, Batu (Ziway), Bishoftu (Debere Zeit), Sululta, EHPEA Executive Committee Members and other invited Guests took part in the meeting.
The discussion, under the title Prospects and Challenges of Horticulture has entertained different viewpoints from the participants. The business luncheon, being part of successive forums, is designed to address problems EHPEA member farms are facing persistently and opted for the smooth operation of the sector with pertinent stakeholders.
EHPEA Chairman, Mr. Zelalem Messele, presented potentials like vast working force, availability of underground and surface water, vast irrigable land and supportive policy frameworks. High employment the country registered in the sector is one of the main successes achieved out of which over 85% are women, which contributes for women empowerment, he added. The sector has also added value for the Ethiopian Airlines and the country's economy, Zelalem noted.
The Chairman also cited challenges encountered in the sector, among which land provision has been one of the main problems. Zelalem indicated that most farms are planning to expand but bureaucratic bottlenecks and delays in the land provision are seen as hindrances. However, this problem has been given due attention by the government and is getting solution.
Recurrent power interruption, input supply shortage, internet connectivity, and logistics problems are some of the challenges among others. Zelalem cited an example of power interruption 26 times a day in some clusters showing the intensity of the problem. He added, this power blackout is creating problem on production quality, damages utilities, incurs additional cost on the farms, etc.
The participants also asked questions for clarity like how the code of practice is implemented; whether workers safety is protected or not. It was responded that every farm, before exporting its product, requires to be certified and EHPEA training team and external auditing firms are making sure their qualification before issuing certificates. Regarding safety of workers, strong training is given and farms take measures to make them abide by the international safety standards, replied Tewodros Zewdie, EHPEA Executive Director. However, it was noted that some workers show negligence while using the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
In addition, participants commented, even though there are improvements, waste management of some farms should be further improved and Tewodros added the association is working with farms and is undertaking a project on waste management in which the waste is being turned into compost.
It is finally taken as a way forward to discuss problems together and find solutions timely. It was also believed in the meeting that wider forum will be prepared soon to share the concerns and take corrective measures.
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|Posted Date >> 6- May- 2014
|Supplemental lighting considerations for commercial greenhouse
Maximizing lighting efficiency is a major concern for many growers who rely on supplemental lighting in their greenhouse. Here are some criteria to take into account when choosing and maintaining your lamps. The lighting you choose depends on many things like what developmental stage your plants will be grown to, whether the plants receive light from other radiation sources, and the photoperiod length per day for your plant.
It is also said choosing the right spectrum is important. While choosing a lighting system, specific requirements may be imposed on the light spectrum by the type of plant being grown, the stages to which it will be grown, plus any additional needs of the grower (e.g. desire for a shorter plant height). All plants require PAR light (Photo Synthetically Active Radiation), and this type of radiation is within the 400 to 700nm wavelength range.
Researchers in the field emphasize that while doing so, the farms should take into account light level requirements, checking for the shadow fixture and the efficiency of the fixture as well. As the study indicated, it is also important to check out what are the electricity requirements are and other vital issues.
For more information: Visit GGS Structures Inc.,
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|Posted Date >> 6- May- 2014
|The Benefits of Twitter for horticultural producers
The Canadian horticulture specialists say that Twitter platform allows growers to broadcast 140 character "tweets" to their audience from smart phone or computer, which is easy to set up and can have an immediate impact on one's business. It also helps not only to send messages but also helps to collect information, helping growers network with their peers, as the professionals claim.
It was said this social media is incredibly important to be aware of how people interact with their brand. This will help to monitor the experience people have with someone's product and strive to make it better with each comment.
Twitter also allows glean information from associates and also from a variety of extension agencies, universities, government institutions and the like. The more accounts one follows, the information sphere becomes larger and the more lessons will be learnt about the industry, consumers and the world.
It is reported that Twitter allows connecting with inaccessible people such as celebrities and large companies, and people in the industry we do not get an opportunity to know. This helps growers to share information and trends in their operations besides exposing them to additional and unique events, ideas and people, all of which can contribute to their daily activity.
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
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|Posted Date >> 26- April- 2014
|America's biggest wholesaler, COSTCO, visits EHPEA member farms
America's second biggest wholesaler, next to the Wal-Mart, COSTCO WHOLESALE, and its associates have visited EHPEA member farms from April 8-10, 2014.
COSTCO Assistant GMM, Mrs. Kim Thomas, led the group of buyers among whom, Mr. Ken Baca, a representative of a chain of flower farms in Colombia that provides 20% of south United States flower supply is also member of the group.
Others represented in the group include Mr. Ty Dickson, from Bay State Farm Direct Flowers, partner of COSTCO and Mr. Paul Peterson from Florida Decray Beach, Florida, whose group has farm in Guatemala and supplies for COSTCO. COSTCO's AGMM Global Sourcing head Sheri Flies is also member of the group.
The byers from America visited some farms in Ziway, Debre Zeit and Sululta clusters and had discussions on the establishment of the farms, their production varieties and quality; mode of production, employment opportunities created and market accesses.
Mrs. Kim Thomas explained about COSTCO that the company is the second biggest next to the Wall-Mart in the United States of America and the fifth largest in the world. She added that the company has over 650 retail locations in the world and only in the US, it has over 450 selling points and has attained 110 billion USD in 2013.
During the discussion, it was understood that COSTCO has big supermarkets in the UK, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Mexico, Canada, etc. It is also expanding its horizon and it is opening market centers in France and Spain soon.
Among the products COSTCO sells, diamonds, champagne, Televisions, flower, eye glasses, etc. are only few to cite.
Asked about how they found the flower industry in Ethiopia, Mr. Ken Baca, a grower from Colombia and seller in the US, said, "Ethiopia's climate is amazing compared to Colombia's climate and I am really fascinated in the production process and flower types produced in the farms. We concentrate in Colombia on producing only few varieties but here what we saw is that a single farm has even over 15 different varieties. This is really fascinating."
It was learnt from the discussion that COSTCO wants to reach Asian, European and Australian markets situating from optimal place like Ethiopia. With regard to investing in Ethiopia and partnering with Ethiopian farms, the farm owners explained the unique nature of Ethiopian climate, the discipline of the country's population and abundant cheap resources.
So far, the business visit included eight farms of varying nature ranging from roses of different variety, hypericum, gypsophila (limonium), fressia, etc.
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|Posted Date >> 26- April- 2014
|EHPEA management meets with American buyers
EHPEA management meets American buyers on Thursday April 10, 2014 at its headquarters after the buyers finished visiting EHPEA member farms at different locations.
During the meeting, EHPEA executive director, Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, gave briefings to the visiting team on the commencement of horticultural industry in Ethiopia and the investment potentials the country has for those interested to invest in Ethiopia.
Tewodros in his briefing said that Ethiopia has got 43 million young working force besides its 4.5 million hectares of irrigable land. He added that the government also has supportive policies. In his presentation, Tewodros said, "The horticulture industry, particularly the floriculture has played a role of economic empowerment with regard to women and has great value addition to the country's economy."
In the discussion, it was noted that although EHPEA members have market access in Europe and elsewhere, EHPEA and its members want to diversify the market destinations all over the world. It was also commented EHPEA wants to tap the market potential in the US by partnering with companies like COSTCO.
Visiting American buyers team leader, Mrs. Kim Thomas, said: "We are here to work together by diversifying partners like you as COSTCO is expanding its market horizons in the world." Other team member, Mr. Paul Peterson also said Ethiopia's fascinating landscape and its welcoming people have different place in their heart and hoped to come back to buy flowers or to invest in the sector.
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|Posted Date >> 26- April- 2014
|Transporting plants and flowers by rail has a bright future
Rail Seminar 2014 disclosed transporting plants and flowers by rail has a bright future, as long as the parties involved show the will and start to collaborate more. This was a message transferred on the seminar organized by the flower auction cooperative FloraHolland on Wednesday April 9, 2014 for the floricultural industry and the trade association for plant and flower wholesalers, VGB.
As logistical service providers and exporters noted, road transport is becoming increasingly difficult as, in their view, traffic congestion, additional taxes, toll roads, increasing diesel prices and greater competition from low-wage countries are making it necessary to switch to other modes of transport.
The Netherlands needs transportation alternatives to maintain its position on the international market, said Edwin Wenink of FloraHolland. Many foreign importers are now fetching their plants and flowers, in the Netherlands or elsewhere. "The real problem is that our exporters will soon lose control to foreign importers. Our cluster is under pressure and we may no longer remain the ideal hub, if we do not manage to cut our transportation costs."
Source: FloraHolland, 4/8/2014
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|Posted Date >> 26- April- 2014
|Officials of EHDA, Oromia and and Amhara visit Kenya's horticulture industry
Senior officials from EHDA, Oromia and Amhara Regional State have paid an official and productive visit to Kenyan flower and vegetable farms as well as breeders. They have also visited logistic companies.
According to Mr. Zelalem Messele, EHPEA Chirman, the very purpose of the visit program is to create exposure for the officials so that they can identify and apply the best experiences from the Kenya horticulture industry.
According to the Chairman, the specific objectives of the visit program includes, among others, benchmarking consolidation services, examining the logistic service provision and associated cost implications, and to assess policy incentives to horticulture sector.
Commissioner of Oromia Investment Commission, Bureau Head of Oromia Rural Land and Environmental Protection, General Manager Oromia Urban Land Development and Management Agency, Deputy Head of Amhara Trade and Industry Bureau, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Division Head and Director General of EHDA were among the delegation members.
Mr. Zelalem Messele and Mr. Yassin Legesse chairman and vice chairman of EHPEA respectively have also taken part in the visit program. The officials conducted various discussion with owners and general managers of farms in Naivasha. VegPro, De Ruiter, Terra Nigra, DFG Kenya, Winchester Farm, Kuehne and Nagel were among the visited entities.
According to Mr. Alem W/Gerima, EHDA Director General, the visit program is valuable as it shed light on what to adjust in Ethiopia.
EHPEA organized the visit program with the aim to create learning opportunities for the officials so that the doing business climate for the sub sector is improved.
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|Posted Date >> 26- April- 2014
|Swedish companies eying to work with EHPEA
Swedish businessman, Rolf Lampa and his associates, representing RIL Partner AB, visited EHPEA member farms at Debre zeit, Sebeta and Holeta clusters from April 22-23, 2014.
The visit was arranged in a way that EHPEA would create market linkage in Scandinavian countries besides working on logistics problems farms face recurrently. During the visit, it was seen that the company and its partners can engage in packaging industries, waste disposal, logistics and market linkages in the Scandinavian countries.
After the field visit, EHPEA and the visitor had a meeting in which both parties presented their companies' profile. EHPEA Executive Director, Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, presented EHPEA's background and Ethiopia's potential for the development of not only horticultural industries but for all investment activities in the country.
Mr. Lampa, on his part said he has seen some logistics problem in the sector and by designing up-to-date logistics system; it can be possible to upgrade shelf life of flowers and other items to be exported. By doing so, it could also be possible to maximize profit, he added. His company has designed effective logistics software for Scania Company and many others in Europe have made use of this software and became effective, Mr. Lampa noted. He also added that improving the supply chain is the main issue in this sector.
Mr. Tewodros briefed that the sector needs more works in packaging, ref. containers, chemical fertilizers and many other productions. EHPEA management also requested if there are possibilities to link markets in his country and elsewhere. Mr. Lampa said he has friends in Finland and discussed about importing flower and vegetables from Ethiopia and promised he will work on that.
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|Posted Date >> 26- April- 2014
|New technology for vegetable production introduced in Ghana
The Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC) of the University of Ghana, Stevicksen Ventures Ltd (SVL) and Eisenberg-Agri (Beijing) Ltd have jointly introduced an Enviro Dome Greenhouse System in Ghana as a catalyst for all year round production of vegetables. The objective of the Enviro Drome Technology is to ensure that safer, quality vegetables are produced for consumers.
The Dean of the Research Centre, Prof George Oduro Nkansa said, the technology has become necessary because of the demand for vegetables both locally and internationally. He added that Ghana is currently in an advantageous position to meet the demand for crops such as okro, pepper, tomato and cucumber among other forms of vegetables required for the European market.
It was also said that the technology is meant to attract a lot more youth into agriculture and also promote the model for higher yields. In such technology, the researchers said, insects and diseases that ultimately reduce the yield are controlled and without the use of Agro-Chemicals that tend to be harmful to consumers.
The focus is said to create the conducive environments for production of vegetables in Ghana particularly with emphasis on farmers in the remote parts of the country.
Source: ghanaweb.com, 4/8/2014
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|Posted Date >> 4- April- 2014
|New draft directive to fertilize flower industry
The Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) is in the process of drafting a new directive designed to enable individual exporters, including those with no involvement in flower growing, to export horticulture products they have collected from various growers, according to Fortune.
The draft directive named 'Consolidation Directive Proposal' is said to be referred to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) shortly and eventually to the Council of Ministers (CoM) for approval, Fortune learnt.
The Consolidation Proposal was submitted earlier, to the National Export Council, at the end of January 2014. The Council then ordered the Agency to conduct research on consolidation and submit it to the CoM by the end of February.
"The research will be finalized within a week," Wondweson Taddesse, Plan & Strategic Management director at the Agency, told Fortune. "The research team is in Kenya for a week-long visit, as part of the research."
One of the major objectives of the visit is to take lessons and experience from consolidation in the Kenyan flower industry, Wondwosen said.
The consolidation directive was first initiated by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) and the Agency two years ago. At the time, a group of American flower buyers came to Ethiopia, but could not source growers capable of supplying flowers in as large quantity as they required.
"The capacity of flower growers must be improved, so that they can become competitive in the international market," Wondwosen said. "The biggest hindrance for Ethiopian growers in trying to become competitive is that they are growing on small plots of land."
The consolidation directive is designed to give flower growers the opportunity to supply larger quantities of flowers to a wider market in Europe and the rest of the world, according to Wondwosen.
The directive is also meant to increase the quality of flowers by creating better packaging systems and a greater variety of flowers to be included in a single market.
For Tsegaye Abebe, the owner of ET Highland, the directive will help growers to get additional market opportunities in Europe and the rest of the world. He, however, cautions that growers have to know the destination of their flowers.
Previously, few capable growers practiced consolidation, but the experience was far from widespread, says Wondwosen.
"With the involvement of exporters, who are not necessarily growers, now that a directive is going to be issued, change in the industry is expected," Wondwosen added.
Based on the experiences of the other countries, the directive will give the task of the consolidation to market agents. The latter will also be consulting growers to grow new kinds of flowers.
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|Posted Date >> 4- April- 2014
|Sher Ethiopia commences liquid waste management
Most farms are said to be challenged by both solid and liquid waste management and above all the liquid waste management is the most challenging in farming activity. However, to tackle such obstacles, some EHPEA member farms have started exemplary activities in waste management activity.
Among such activities, Sher Ethiopia has recently completed a trial on liquid waste management using wetland waste water treatment system. Currently, the first phase is conducted on two of its greenhouses' liquid wastes from fertigation and postharvest.
Mrs. Ann Siminta, the compliance manager of Sher Ethiopia said, "The analysis of the water of the final result of the recycling system is very good to reuse it for irrigation." This successful waste management practice will be practiced by other greenhouses phase by phase. EHPEA has also learnt that such vital experiences should be replicated by other member farms.
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|Posted Date >> 4- April- 2014
|Research: Roses transported by ship display good keeping quality
Researches show that roses that spend weeks being shipped by sea transport can retain their quality just as well or even better than roses shipped by air freight. To certify this, it was said roses were shipped from Kenya in air-conditioned reefer containers to the Netherlands.
The project called GreenCHAINge consortium, made up of trading companies and research institutions, was satisfied with the results of the first sea transport of roses in 2014. The practical test involved transporting both large and small-flowered roses between the port cities of Mombasa and Antwerp. Conditions in the air-conditioned reefer containers (such as the required low temperature and relative humidity) were controlled remotely.
After the 25-day transport, the roses were subjected to another 8 days of simulated conditions of export to various European destinations (two days of cold storage, two days in transport containers, and four days of retail outlet conditions) and finally a test for keeping quality in the vase. The average vase life for these roses was ten days which was not at all inferior to the roses transported as air freight in which, unlike sea transport, the temperature is often difficult to control.
'The results were fantastic', said Robbert van Willegen of GreenCHAINge and the manager of this project. 'The sea transport of roses imported from distant locations or exported to distant destinations is not only less expensive but also much more environmentally friendly. It generates 87% less CO2 emissions than transport as air freight. We also transported all the varieties we loaded onto the ship onto an aircraft for the purpose of making a reliable comparison of keeping quality.'
This project, supported by Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research (WUR), is focusing on transport by ship and rails instead of by air or road. Plant breeding companies (Plantum), growers and wholesalers are involved in the project.
Source: Wageningen UR, April 2, 2014
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|Posted Date >> 4- April- 2014
|Changing greenhouse screens has varying advantages
Screens in greenhouses, used for different purposes, are most important for energy saving in wintertime and shading in summertime. For a proper function of screens, several characteristics are important and all of them are influenced by ageing.
Most vegetable growers choose for a transparent screen; the advantage is that it can be used night and day. Due to ageing, the light transmission of a transparent screen will be lower. This decreases the effectiveness of the screen: less light for the crop and less free of charge energy of the sun.
Other growers use aluminum energy screens with the double function of energy saving and shading. The aluminum increases the energy saving of the screen in comparison with a transparent screen; disadvantage is that the screen only can be used during nighttime.
Also here ageing has a negative effect: as the emission value of aluminum increases the energy saving decreases. For shading it is important that the screen has a high reflection value on the upper side of the screen. This can be realized by aluminum strips or with white HARMONY strips. Here ageing also can have a negative effect. First of all the reflection value of the strips decreases and secondly the shade value increases.
To reach the best benefits of the crops, it is very important to avoid diseases. During the years that one uses a screen viruses, bacterial diseases and other plagues may be latent present. Changing your screen will provide you a new clean start without any viruses or other diseases in the screen.
Therefore, in the course of time, screens become less effective and it is important to change the screen in time. Too late exchange could cost more money than you save by delaying it.
The degree with which transparent screens lose their transparency depends on the type and also on the conditions in the greenhouse. As a rule of thumb, we can say that the light transmission goes down with 1,5% per year.
Vegetable growers use their screens between 100 and 500 hours during daytime. A decrease of 1.5% in light transmission during those hours cost around 100 g of production per m² per year. So after 5 years this will be 500 g and after 10 years even 1 kg. On top of this, the energy saving goes down as less free of charge sunlight enters into the greenhouse. Together with the fact that screens becomes a bit more porous in the course of time.
HortiBiz: Publication date: 4/3/2014
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|Posted Date >> 31- March- 2014
|Flower Farms now set their eyes on Ethiopia
It is reported that flower producers from Kenya are eying Ethiopia due to tax incentives and better access to new markets in the US owing to the direct flights it operates through its national airline.
And now the European Union has made a new demand that could further hurt Kenyan flower exports, especially after Parliament declined to enter an economic partnership with the bloc. Starting October 1, 2014, flower exports to the EU will attract an import duty of 8.5 per cent, which will push up prices of Kenyan flowers and reduce their competitiveness in the market. The same taxes will not affect the other Eastern African countries, including Ethiopia, Rwanda and Tanzania, which are classified as least developed while Kenya is not.
Kenya sells more than 70 per cent of its flowers to the EU, mostly through auctions in the Netherlands and direct sales to resellers such as supermarkets.
"The focus has been Ethiopia — that is where the money has been going," a manager told Business Beat. Kenya currently supplies around 38 per cent of the fresh flower imports into the EU, but there are fears that market share could be chopped. Colombia and Ethiopia are the other key source markets. <.p>
The concerns could be valid given that Sher Agencies, which was once the world's largest roses producer, moved to Ethiopia after selling its Kenyan business to Karuturi seven years ago. Several other companies with operations in Kenya are said to be looking north, taking the cue from Sher.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to make a case for Kenya in the latest round of negotiations, regarding the economic partnership.
Source: HortiBiz Newsletter, March 27, 2014
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|Posted Date >> 31- March- 2014
|EHPEA discusses on phytosanitory issues
EHPEA held talks with a consultant from EDES and a delegate from the Ministry of Agriculture on issues of phytosanitory on March 27, 2014.
It is noted that so far EHPEA is collaborating through EDES project, which works to improve food safety, with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The discussion is aimed at identifying gaps related to phytosanitory and as a result a report will be produced on possible support of the future EDES program.
In the meantime, the discussion also focused on assessing the work relations of EHPEA with the Ministry of agriculture. It is also known that attempts are underway to upgrade phytosanitory to E-phytosanitory certification piloting.
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|Posted Date >> 31- March- 2014
|Consultative workshop on loan problems undertaken
A half day consultative workshop on Ethiopia's monetary loan provision problems and its solution was held in Desalegn Hotel on March 25, 2014. The workshop was organized by Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations.
On the presentation of the workshop, among the problems raised, foreign exchange shortage, limited loan capacity of banks, problems associated to microfinance institutions, evaluation problems related to loan, collateral estimation problems, and other core hindrances were cited.
Such problems have created deterrents of varying magnitude on the business climate of the country, the presenter said. Citing an instance, shortage of loan ties working capital of business institutions for long time. The 27% bond buying regulation while getting loan is also lessening the banks' capacity to provide loans, said the presenter.
Some suggested solutions like lifting up regulation to buy bond of 27% or reducing its amount; improving a regulation on LC or nullifying it; improving loan evaluation criteria and others were forwarded as solution during the presentation.
The participants commented that government's argument should also be included in the study to provide a balanced picture. Regarding microfinances, it was commented that private and government supported microfinances have different problems to face.
The workshop participants also commented that the private-government capital share (30/70) should also be revisited. The researchers accepted comments raised and promised to improve it more.
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|Posted Date >> 31- March- 2014
|The Benefits of Twitter for horticultural producers
The Canadian horticulture specialists say that Twitter platform allows growers to broadcast 140 character "tweets" to their audience from smart phone or computer, which is easy to set up and can have an immediate impact on one's business. It also helps not only to send messages but also helps to collect information, helping growers network with their peers, as the professionals claim.
It was said this social media is incredibly important to be aware of how people interact with their brand. This will help to monitor the experience people have with someone's product and strive to make it better with each comment.
Twitter also allows glean information from associates and also from a variety of extension agencies, universities, government institutions and the like. The more accounts one follows, the information sphere becomes larger and the more lessons will be learnt about the industry, consumers and the world.
It is reported that Twitter allows connecting with inaccessible people such as celebrities and large companies, and people in the industry we do not get an opportunity to know. This helps growers to share information and trends in their operations besides exposing them to additional and unique events, ideas and people, all of which can contribute to their daily activity.
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
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|Posted Date >> 17- March- 2014
|Netherlands Deputy International Cooperation Minister visits Abyssinia Flowers
Deputy Director of International Cooperation Ministry of the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Christiaana Rebergen, paid an official visit to Ethiopia.
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|Posted Date >> 17- March- 2014
|Over 21 million dollars secured from flower export
Ethiopia has generated over 21 million dollar from the flower export last month including exports on Valentine's Day to various countries of the world, according to Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency /EHDA/.
According to the release by the agency to media outlets, on Valentine's Day, it has exported about 246.5 million stems of flower to varying countries and secured over 21.4 million USD.
Agency Director General, Alem Woldegerima, said, "This is the first time that Ethiopia secured such high income from flower export to the world market. The flower income on this year's Valentine's Day exceeds last year's performance by 3.74% USD and the export has increased by 21%."
Alem noted the amount of flower exported to the world market this year exceeds by 35.8 million stems compared to the last year's similar time and the export is mainly to Europe. He added that America, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and other countries are some of Ethiopian flower buyers.
The Director General stated that such a high performance was registered because the Agency has been working in close collaboration with the Ethiopian Airlines and he added such high profit has never been registered in the earlier months of February.
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|Posted Date >> 17- March- 2014
|Election for FloraHolland FPC Rose underway
FloraHolland is running vote for candidates for FloraHolland Product Committee (FPC) from different parts of the world. In a notice sent to EHPEA, FloraHolland notified that Mr. Zelalem Mesele, EHPEA chairman is competing as a candidate for FPC. It is understood that two candidates are from Kenya.
It is learnt that FPC members give advice on general product related polices and FloraHolland's services besides discussing on current issues. It is through these representatives that the members will have the opportunity to have their say in decision making.
Since votes matter, EHPEA has requested every member to cast vote in favor of its representative till March 21, 2014, 23.59rs by casting "vote now" button on floraholland.com website regarding FPC election. EHPEA wishes best luck for its candidate.
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|Posted Date >> 17- March- 2014
|Concerns Grow on EAC-EU EPA negotiations
Press reports indicate that the January 2014 EAC–EU EPA negotiating session in Brussels "failed to agree on contentious issues of duties and taxes on exports and on Most Favoured Nations (MFN)". The EAC reports that rules of origin also required further discussion. However, progress was made on issues related to institutional arrangements and dispute settlement. A ministerial-level meeting is scheduled for March 2014.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|"Prominence and Investment Growth of Floriculture Is Beyond Imagination"
In an exclusive interview with weekly Reporter, Amharic version, EHPEA chairman Zelalem Messele said that the flower sector is growing alarmingly despite some challenges to be addressed.
Inquired by Reporter the flower investment is currently declining, Zelalem disagreed to the idea that the industry is diminishing. He said the sector did not show decline rather it stayed where it was last year. However, the production is increasing but this year's scenario is different due to cold nights that highly affect flower production, he added.
"Although many local investors are not getting involved in this sector, it is rewarding currently. Many investors engaged in flower production are expanding their farms," marked Zelalem.
Reporter requested why some farms are converting the flower farms to vegetables and fruit. In response to this question, Zelalem responded farms, for instance, around Holeta area are converting their flower farms to fruit and vegetables. This is because that area is rainy and cold, and flowers do not prefer cold climate, he added.
Comparing the conditions of Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Uganda, who tried to proceed with flower production, he said Ethiopia has become successful. Ethiopia's flower investment has attracted many investors and has shown tremendous development in 10 years.
May be when you compare the huge GTP, you may say we did not reach the target but still the achievement in the sector is very high, Zelalem stated.
Zelalem assured that the government is working with the Association and improvements are being registered. The Association is also working to create conducive climate for the sector's development. He added that the association is working with regional and federal governments to solve problems related to the sector.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Discussions Underway between Federal and Regional Governments to Address Land Problem of Horticulture Sector
The Amharic Reporter on its February 9, 2014 issue reported that although horticulture is one of the sectors given attention to realize the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), the sector has shown low performance due to challenges associated to land provision and hence the Federal Government is holding talks with regional governments to address the problem.
According to the newspaper, the Federal Government is making discussions particularly with Oromia Regional State on the issue. The Reporter noted that the Ethiopian Government envisaged to achieve 1.4 billion dollars income at the end of the GTP Period next year. However, it could not be possible to attain this plan due to different hindrances, said The Reporter.
The Reporter quoting the last six months report presented by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) concerning income generated by the sector, said the performance decreased almost by half when seen against the plan for the half year.
MoA states among the problems faced by investors, inability to avail enough land for expansion and new investments in required amount and pace in clusters where logistics and infrastructures are laid are among factors that dragged the sector back.
Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) Director General, Alem Wolde Gerima, says the government, sensing the problem is moving to tackle it.
In order to achieve the GTP, expansion of farms, and inviting new investments to the sector are among key activities to be addressed, the newspaper noted.
It is noted that EHPEA initiated such discussions with the federal government and now the government is addressing concerns forwarded by EHPEA.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Flowers Export Demand Increasing as Valentine's Day Approached
Ethiopian flower export has increased beginning from the start of February 2014 and the sector has shown good performance, according an official from Ethiopian Airlines (EAL).
The official said the demand for flowers has increased and Valentine's Day has some positive impact on the market although the export size showed remarkable increment starting two weeks earlier. Currently, Ethiopian is flying 15 flights per week and this is an improved one compared to last two months cold season in which Ethiopian operated 11-12 flights per week.
It was understood that 90% of the flights is made to Europe but flower export to other destinations like the Middle East has also shown notable progress. Information obtained from EAL reveals that the flower export will show tremendous increase in the months to come following the Valentine's Day.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Flora Holland CEO to Visit Ethiopia
The newly appointed Flora Holland Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is to visit Ethiopia on February 27, 2014.
The CEO is expected to visit some EHPEA member farms, will discuss on different issues with government officials and EHPEA Executive Committee Members.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Syngenta Appoints New Field Technical Manager for Vegetables
Syngenta has appointed Pete Saunders as the company's new Field Technical Manager for vegetable crops.
Based in Cambridgeshire, he will provide technical support to the Syngenta crop specialists, grower customers and agronomists, as well as to implement the company's dedicated trials programme for field vegetables, pulse crops and salads across the UK.
Mr Saunders brings a wealth of experience in vegetable production from a practical growers' perspective, as well as important knowledge and understanding of the interface with multiple-retailers and the supply chain. He has managed overall farm crop production for Alan Bartlett and Sons across more than 2500 hectares, most recently dedicated carrot and parsnip production in East Anglia. He has also managed pack-house operations for the company's root crops.
An extensive science and R&D background has seen Mr Saunders previously work for both ADAS and NIAB.
"My mix of research, commercial production, crop storage, packing and retailer experience will add to the already strong Syngenta vegetable team," said Mr Saunders. "It will help to deliver effective solutions for the ever challenging vegetable crop industry."
Source: Hortidaily, Publication date: 2/10/2014
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Scientists Work to Stop Moth from Destroying World's Tomato Corp
In countries around the world, a tiny insect is wreaking havoc on farms and threatening to push up the price of tomatoes. At a recent workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, scientists gathered to learn more about the tomato leaf miner and ways to combat it.
Since the moth was detected in Ethiopia, the price of tomatoes there has risen fivefold, and the economic damage is just going to get worse, according to Muni Muniappan, who organized the workshop. He said farmers and scientists across East Africa and South Asia need to be taught to recognize the pest, also known as Tuta absoluta, so that as soon as it is discovered, they can take appropriate measures to prevent widespread damage.
After seeing the leaf miner in action in tomato fields outside Addis Ababa, workshop participants drew up recommendations to be distributed to policy makers and government officials in the region.
"If this pest isn't controlled, it can cause serious economic damage to the countries it has invaded," Muniappan said. The insect, native to South America, crossed the Atlantic in 2006, when it was identified in Spain. It has since spread throughout most of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Senegal, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
Source: Hortidaily News
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Holeta cluster farms presented challenges they are facing
On a business lunch discussion held yesterday, February 27, 2014 at Yilma Hotel, Holeta town, the Holeta Cluster farms presented their problems to Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) and Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) officials.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHDA, EHPEA visit Alemye Agricultural Investment PLC
Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) and EHPEA officials visited Alemye Agricultural Investment PLC on February 27, 2014.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|JICA undertakes validation workshop on export promotion
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) undertook a validation workshop on a survey conducted regarding export promotion in Ethiopia in Elilly International Hotel, on February 21, 2014 in the presence of different stakeholders.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Rwanda to support flower exporters
The Rwandan government has pledged support to the horticulture sector in a move that aims to diversify the country's export commodities.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Japan: ever seen Toyota's greenhouse for potted flowers?
In order to enter the growing floriculture business, in 1999 Toyota established Toyota Floritech Co., Ltd. with Hakusan Co., Ltd. - a seeds and seedlings import company - and began full-scale operations. The company's large greenhouse for potted flowers is equipped with a highly automated cultivation system and is one of the largest in Asia, measuring 88 by 231 meters. The company is taking advantage of a climate which surpasses even that of countries like Denmark or Holland, where the flower business flourishes, to produce various types of flowers. Approximately four million mini potted flowers and ornamental plants are sold each year. The greenhouse area is supposed to be Approx.20,000? and its annual production capacity is approx.4 million pots. The greenhouse said to adopt "Automatic Cultivation System" developed by Viemose-Doriboga in Denmark. Under the complete control of temperature, humidity and sunlight, plants are nurtured by the automated water delivery system and liquid fertilizer resulting in quality products. In the meantime, it was said plants are shipped in three months after planting reducing more than 900 tons of CO2 annually through the fuel change and the tri-generation system. Source: toyota-global.com
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA Holds Talks with Large Tax Payers' Office
EHPEA Chairman, Mr. Zelalem Messele, and Executive Director of EHPEA, Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, held discussion with Mr. Dereje Mekonnen, Manager of Large Tax Payers Office (LTPO) under the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA) on how to address some challenges of member farms with regard to tax payment and other issues on Thursday 20 February, 2014. The Large Tax Payers Office (LTPO) caters relatively better and tailored services in many aspects than other branches. Taking that in to consideration, it was agreed to develop a proposal so that all those that are engaged in the horticulture export business can be treated at Large Tax Payers Office. Mr. Zelalem mentioned that though many of the farms are running a turnover of over 27 million, they are not under the large tax payers' office resulting in lengthy refund of VAT and other issues. The two sides have also agreed to undertake training on important tax issues for members of EHPEA so as to establish clarity. Mr. Dereje expressed the readiness and commitment of his branch office to work with EHPEA to address issues that may create problems on the doing business of farms as far as tax issues are concerned. The two sides have also deliberated at length on how to address tax related issues in the sector. It is also agreed to compile problems, if there are any, that are faced by farms and to work for a solution.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Japan Government to Support Private Sector
The Government of Japan is to grant a loan of over 2 billion USD for organizations engaged in various development activities in Ethiopia. In his official visit to Ethiopia from January 13-14, 2014, Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe, promised to support private sectors engaged in different development activities in Africa for the next five years by providing loan through the Development Bank of Africa (AfDB). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia has invited all stakeholders engaged in development activities to present feasible projects to Japan Embassy to Ethiopia and Development Bank of Africa. EHPEA supposes many of its members will benefit out of this loan by presenting practical proposals to the above-mentioned institutions.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Ministry of Agriculture Undertakes Discussion with Sector Stakeholders
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) held talks on Tuesday February 18, 2014 with sectoral stakeholders regarding the sector's performance and problems faced in the sector. MOA state Minister, Wondyirad Mandefro, said on the occasion that all stakeholders should be committed to solve problems encountered in the sector so as to make it effective and efficient. "We will continue to work closely and solve problems together working hand in hand," he added. In the discussion forum, different investors raised problems related to land provision, logistics and infrastructure, input supply, labor problem, and other issues. For problems raised by sectoral stakeholders, pertinent authorities from Investment Agency, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Transport, Customs and Revenue Authority, Development Bank of Ethiopia and others gave clarifications on the concerns raised. It was learnt that some EHPEA member farms also took part in the meeting and forwarded the sector's concern.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Kenya: President to Take Charge of EAC EU EPA Negotiations
Acknowledging the importance of the EAC EU EPA negotiations for Kenya's exports to the European Union, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta committed to take charge of the EU EAC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations for timely conclusion. He said this during the Presidential Round Table meeting (PRT) held on Friday, February 14, 2014, at State House. The President acknowledged the economic importance of Kenya exports to the EU, worth over kshs 100 billion and providing for over 2.2 million livelihoods across the country. This comes after a meeting for the joint EAC – EU Ministerial meeting was held from 27th to 31st January, 2014 in Brussels, Belgium failed to conclude just about 1-2% outstanding issues. The Ministers, preceded by technical teams and senior officials' negotiations, will meet again in March in East Africa. Kenya will not be able to compete on price and market share will be lost if the agreement is not signed by October 2014. Meanwhile countries like Colombia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia will continue to enjoy their duty free status with the EU come October 1, 2014. Source: Kenya Flower Council
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|FloraHolland Ends Turbulent Valentine's Day Period on a High
FloraHolland achieved a very high turnover in the Valentine's Day period. A Valentine's turnover of over €250 million was achieved, which is an increase of slightly more than 3% compared to last year. And this while FloraHolland was hit by union strikes precisely during one of the busiest times of the year. FloraHolland and its staff has done everything - and succeeded - to keep its business operational for its growers and buyers. A 'Valentine's Day agreement' has by this time been reached with the trade unions. Love flower number 1, the red rose, was in great demand and tens of millions of roses again found their way to existing, new and sometimes secret loves on Valentine's Day. In addition, there was a wide range of colorful tulips, chrysanthemums in various types and colors, colorful gerberas, fragrant freesias and lilies, chic anthuriums and many other flowers and plants in a variety of colors, smells and appearances. Mixed bouquets with heart packaging and plants - such as potted roses and orchids - with red and white flowers with special covers and other Valentine's Day decorations were a good alternative. Valentine's Day originated in the USA and is especially popular in Western Europe. In recent years, it is increasingly reaching Eastern Europe. The favourable weather of recent weeks caused the flower production to increase sufficiently to meet the massive Valentine's Day demand. Source: FloraHolland
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Community Awards Farms for Their Exemplary Performance
February 2, 2014 was a day of rejuvenation for Koka Ejersa town and its residents. The community, from elderly to children, has gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the secondary school built for them by three cutting farms nearby the town – Red Fox Ethiopia PLC, Florensis Ethiopia PLC and Syngenta.
During the inauguration, different awards were given to the farm owners honoring their contribution to the community. Of all awards, Mr. Ronald Vijverberg's gift took the attention of many and is really a special one. Mr. Ronald was awarded the biggest prize in the Oromo culture, a white horse fully saddled and equipped with traditional costumes.
On the event, Mr. Ronald said, "I do not know how I can express my thanks. This is a great moment and initiates me to work more with you. I thank you so much for the honor."
The three farms were also awarded with Oromo traditional costumes along with their wives.
Special award was also given to Mr. Ronald by the students of Koka Secondary school which says, "Mr. Ronald thank you so much for today." Different certificates recognizing the three farms for the contribution they undertook regarding the high school have also been given.
Before the construction of the high school, students of the area used to travel 40-50 kilometers on daily basis to access secondary education at Modjo town.
It was also learnt from Mr. Ronald that particularly Red Fox and Florensis are engaged in supporting an NGO working on HIV/AIDS, which supports orphans and provides awareness raising in Koka town and its surroundings. Particularly, Florensis is working to rehabilitate the degraded land and so far the farm has planted 20,000 seedlings in the area besides distributing seedlings for local residents, Mr. Ronald told.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Florensis, Red Fox and Syngenta Build a High School for Koka Ejersa Community
A newly built Koka Ejersa Secondary school was colorfully inaugurated on Sunday February 2, 2014 in the presence of higher federal and Oromia Regional Government officials, diplomats and invited guests, residents and elderly of Koka.
The secondary school, having 24 class rooms and fully equipped with library and laboratory materials, was built by the collaboration of three cutting farms - Florensis Ethiopia PLC, Red Fox Ethiopia PLC and Syngenta – allocating 4.5 million birr.
The inaugural ceremony was started by blessings of Geda elderly and they wished all the good for the community, the farm owners and managers, and the land.
East Showa Zonal Administrator, Mr. Girma Hailu, in his speech said the Oromia Government has high regard for such investors who participate in corporate social responsibility activities and promised that the regional state will stand by them.
On the other hand, Lome Woreda Administrator, Mr. Kedir Jundi, said that the woreda administration and the community have due respect for Red Fox Ethiopia PLC, Syngenta and Florensis Ethiopia PLC for their great contribution and hoped that such collaboration will continue in the future as well.
Representing the three farms, Florensis Ethiopia PLC General Manager, Mr. Ronald Vijverberg, said on the occasion that in the last two years, a lot of work has been done to construct the school. "Three years ago, we established a six classroom elementary school. Later on, we discussed with the Oromia Education Bureau to build this school and we made it a reality with the collaboration of the three farms," Mr. Ronald noted. He went o saying, "We will also continue to support this school in partnership with other investors."
Koka community representative, Mr. Hailu Gemeda, also said, "The community has been longing for such a day because we used to send our children to Modjo, over 30 kms away from home. Now, thanks to the three farms, we have such a lavish school. The community has great regard for your generosity and for sharing its problems. We also feel that we work together in the time to come," Hailu concluded.
Special awards and certificates were given to the three farms from East Showa Education Bureau, Lome Woreda Administration, school community, students and others.
On the occasion, guests from Oromia Regional Government, the Federal Republic of Germany, Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA), EHPEA, and others attended the ceremony.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Study Shows: Using Light Results in 25% Growth Rate Increase
In recent trials at the Netherlands' Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture, researchers found that producing pot plants under a light-diffusing screen shortens the production time by 25%, and results in better-quality plants.
Anthurium pot plants produced in light-diffused greenhouses equipped with Svensson's Harmony screens were ready for sale at 16 weeks compared to the normal 22 weeks, claims lead researcher of the WUR, Leo Marcelis. Plants were also notably better quality. The trials also included Bromelia varieties, with finished products ready two to four weeks early.
Researchers structured trials with Anthuriums and Bromeliads in separated greenhouses, each about 150 m2 (1,615 square feet). The two greenhouses with Harmony light diffused screens with light treatments of 10 mol PAR/m2 per day, and 7.5 mol PAR/m2 per day are brought to attention. Each was equipped with Svensson energy curtains, and misting systems provided relatively high humidity levels.
While Anthuriums are typically ready for sale at 22 weeks, the pot plants in the diffused-light greenhouses were ready at 16 weeks. In addition, quality was significantly improved, with plants in the 10 mol greenhouse 25% heavier than typical. Production of the Bromeliad varieties Guzmania and Vriesea were sped up, with plants ready up to a month earlier than normal.
The results are clear: Allowing more light while applying the light-diffusing Harmony shading screen, together with an adapted climate strategy, results in 25% growth speedup and a higher quality of pot plants, says Paul Arkesteijn, Climate Performance Analyst of AB Ludvig Svensson.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Spain: Garlic Onion Prevents Aphids in Greenhouses
Garlic and onion crops planted in association with winter lettuce in greenhouses are able to drive away aphids, thereby preventing the use of phytosanitary products. This conclusion was reached by a study being conducted by the INTIA (Navarrese Institute of Agro-food Technology and Infrastructures).
But, to what extent is it advisable for associated crops to generalise in order to prevent aphids? Despite the good results achieved, Amaia Uribarri Anacabe, coordinator of the tests in greenhouses with organic products, remains cautious. "The results have been truly satisfactory for two years in a row, but we prefer to wait until all tests are done and try extending them for another year."
Aphids are the main pest affecting winter lettuce greenhouse crops. Last year, 92% of the organic lettuce cultivated in association with onion and garlic was aphid-free.
Source: Hortidaily News
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Chlorine Dioxide; a Safe and Effective Solution for a clean Irrigation System
Keeping irrigation drippers clean and clear is an essential part of greenhouse maintenance but the effectiveness of cleaning methods varies widely between sites and countries.
UK-based Ximax, an environmental solutions firm, manufacture and supply the chemicals and systems required to produce safe effective solutions of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in irrigation spray or drip lines. This eliminates bacteria harmful to human health, including E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and Legionella.
As the residual solution is flushed through, it breaks down algae and blockages which previously clogged drippers and prevented plants from getting the correct amount of water and fertilizer.
The Ximax product is said to be environmentally friendly with chlorine dioxide levels applied to the irrigation water falling well within the acceptable potable drinking water parameter of below 0.5 mg/l chlorine dioxide. This is set by the UK's Health & Safety regulations.
Source: Hortidaily Newsletter Feb 5-7
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA Conducted TOT for Newly Joined Trainers
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) training department provided training of trainers (TOT) for newly recruited trainers starting from February 4–6, 2014 at EHPEA office.
In the commencement of the training, EHPEA Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie said, "Having qualified and competent trainers is vital to deliver quality service and support to our members."
The basic TOT organized by EHPEA trainers focused on pedagogics of training and communication techniques for the newly joined training department members. Since EHPEA is working to build organizational capacity, this TOT is organized aiming to create better trainers who can plan, organize and deliver quality training services for the sector.
The training focused on induction, main training focus areas and courses delivered by EHPEA, and useful training methodologies for on-farm training. Besides, the new training department members were given the opportunity to learn, share their experiences and also to practice by integrating various situations involved in the learning process.
Finally, it was learnt that the new department members will also be trained and given qualification to deliver EHPEA training services.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA Presents Proposals on Ammendment of Investment incentives
Following a discussion on improving the doing business climate for horticulture farms with the government, EHPEA has presented a position paper on the need to amend the current investment Incentives Regulation No. 270/2012 by the Council of Ministers.
Amendments proposed among others include investors in the horticulture sector should be allowed to import all capital goods, accessories and spare parts except those that are prohibited by the law without any hustles and custom duties; importation of pickups, vehicles and buses should also be allowed duty free without limitation as far as they are for farm purposes; importation of cold trucks should also be allowed duty free as cool chain management is an integral part of the overall export process and extension of tax holiday for additional years.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Newly Joined EHPEA Member Farm Receives Training
The new EHPEA Member, Upper Awash Agro Industry, and the existing member Maranque Plants were given training by EHPEA training team from January 21-24, 2014.
It was learnt that the Upper Awash, fruit producing enterprise, has been transferred to private ownership few months ago. The General Manager of the Company, Mr. Joss, said during the training that the company is transforming itself to boost productivity by improving the performance and capacity of the workers. This training and trainings being conducted for the Management are part of the process.
EHPEA trainers provided a course entitled Supervisory Management Skill for 30 supervisors for consecutive four days and training participants believed that this training motivated them to do better towards achieving the company's goal.
On the other hand, the trainers also provided trainings on Safe use of Pesticides, Store Keeping, and Occupational Safety and Health for Maranque Plants, one of the Gold certified cuttings producing and exporting farm.
After completing the training, the EHPEA training team evaluated its performance and said it had very successful week in the Upper Awash Agro Industry and Maranque plants.
Having 4,000 hectares of land, the Upper Awash Agro Industry produces different varieties of fruits and vegetables and processes part of it. It was also learnt that presently the company has about 900 permanent employees.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|MoA Undertakes Quality Horticultural Seed System Workshop
A workshop on quality horticultural seed production for smallholder farms was undertaken in the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) from January 28-29, 2014 in collaboration with SupHort Project.
On the occasion, it was stated that supporting horticulture is an excellent long-term approach to address the multiple challenges of decreasing poverty, improving nutrition and sustaining rural communities in the developing world. It was noted that seed is key input in improving horticultural production and productivity, and by increasing the quality of seeds it is possible to increase yield.
Except for few, almost most of the vegetable production in Ethiopia comes from smallholders, which rely on own-saved seeds and seeds secured from informal networks. It was noted this workshop is vital to come up with roadmap to strengthen the horticultural seed system in Ethiopia.
It was understood a project known as SupHort organized the workshop in partnership with Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) under the Ministry of Agriculture. The theme of the workshop is Horticultural Seed System in Ethiopia: Status, Challenges and Way Forward.
EHPEA also participated in the workshop and drew pertinent lessons.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Researchers Reveal How Onions Recognize When to Bulb
Onions, the third largest vegetable crop in the world, form a bulb in response to lengthening days. Research has now identified the gene controlling bulb development, the first step in discovering genetic markers that can be used as tools to screen conventional breeding programs for new onion varieties with the right genetic profile.
By understanding how these plants control development of the bulb plant breeders can now breed new cultivars that have the right genetic profile to respond to specific growing conditions, ensuring each plant produces a bulb for sale on the market.
Source: Horticulture Group Newsletter, January 2014
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|New Banana Disease to Africa Found in Mozambique
A destructive strain of a banana wilt disease has been discovered for the first time on Cavendish bananas in Mozambique. The disease, widely known as Foc TR4, is a form of Fusarium wilt or Panama disease, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4. This fungus has devastated banana plantations in Asia over the past two decades.
The African outbreak was discovered on a commercial farm in northern Mozambique earlier in 2013. All sites where the disease was found have now been isolated, the affected plants destroyed, and appropriate phytosanitary measures have been implemented to prevent the disease from spreading.
Source: Horticulture Group Newsletter, January 2014
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|New Technology to Ship Flowers by Boat
Eyeing vast new efficiencies in global fresh produce and fresh-cut flower transport, Maersk Container Industry (MCI) is now partnering with Boston-based technology company Primaira LLC to develop an air cleaning system in Star Cool Integrated refrigerated containers.
Thorough tests and trials have shown the patented technology, Bluezone(R), to be an efficient eliminator of molds, fungi and bacteria. Using an ozone concentration 300 times higher than otherwise seen on the market, Bluezone also removes ethylene effectively.
We are still working on the final design, but we are convinced that the Bluezone and Star Cool combination represents economic and environmental upsides so far unseen in container transportation," says Soren Leth Johannsen, chief commercial officer of MCI. MCI's partner, Primaira, has extensive experience developing technologies that enhance food quality.
"The years of exacting, scientific work demonstrate the superiority of the Bluezone technology in ethylene and mold removal and value in extending the shelf life of fresh produce," says Karen Benedek, managing partner of Primaira LLC.
Bluezone complements MCI's well-known CA and AV+ systems, increasing the geographical reach of containerized transport and preserving the quality of fruit and produce.
Reefer container owners are enthusiastic. "We have for years followed the development in cleaning systems in refrigerated containers because our shippers' attention to cargo quality preservation is becoming more and more pronounced," says Clyde Wingate, director of refrigeration services at Seaboard Marine Ltd.
Wingate adds: "The systems offered today in the market, for example using ozone, are often only temporary installed per shipment, meaning it is operationally cumbersome or the effect, due to a low ozone concentration, is undocumented. From a container owner's perspective it is also a major concern that ozone by nature is aggressive when exposed on rubber, aluminum and copper."
"If MCI really can manage to develop a system with high concentration of ozone in a concealed chamber, then I'm confident that both shippers and container lines will be very adaptive," says Wingate.
Bluezone has modal shift potential. Fresh-cut flowers, for example, are a USD 14 billion market globally, and more than 90 percent of the intercontinental shipments are by air. "We are excited about the Bluezone and Star Cool product and its prospects. For example, just consider the economic and environmental upsides on potentially converting today's airfreight of fresh-cut flowers into reefer containers," says Soren Leth Johannsen.
Bluezone in Star Cool will be available in 2nd half 2014.
Source: Horticulture Group Newsletter, January 2014
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Telecom, EEPCo Promise to Solve Problems Related to Farms
Delegates from Ethio Telecom and Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) said problems related to horticulture farms will be alleviated soon. EHPEA member farms complained that power interruptions are critical problems in Debre Zeit, Hoeta, Sebeta and other areas distracting their production and machinery.
Farms from Debre Zeit and Koka said that power constraint in those areas is is critical. A delegate from EEPCo said that they understand under capacity of power in the area and he said EEPCo is working to upgrade the capacity.
It was reported by members that most farms around Wolkite area and elsewhere are mostly using generators - 60% generator, 40% from EEPCo. Some of them invested for transformers but the power is still out and they said they are working on generators.
The delegate of EEPCo believed there is power fluctuation and he vowed to fix the problem in the coming three weeks' time. "For those who want transformers, we have an agreement with METEC and enough transformers with different capacities and size have been produced and EEPCo will deliver sooner," He said.
Regarding the damage, he said, "If the damage is from our side, we will take the responsibility and pay the claim for damage upon announcement in time." On the occasion, members also requested to extend lines dedicated for horticulture farms only.
On another development, EHPEA members also forwarded their concerns regarding telecom to delegates from Ethio Telecom. The members said mobile are never working and they could not access the internet. Although some of the farms got the connection, the capacity is low.
The delegates said it is true that there are some problems related to telecom but they are working hard to address the problem. For some farms, they suggested using wireless and mobile satellite connections. However, they noted it is difficult to provide connections for farms around Koka as the farms are scattered but it is still trying to address the problem.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Ethiopian to Reduce Airfreight Price
EHPEA Executive Committee announced that an understanding has been reached with Ethiopian regarding the reduction of current airfreight charges. This was disclosed on the General Assembly of EHPEA, which was held on Friday January 24, 2014.
The committee members explained that the advisory committee has been undertaking a series of negotiations with Ethiopian for the last 2 years so as to address airfreight issues and airfreight price was among the issues that have been discussed. Accordingly, Ethiopian is to reduce its chargeable price of 12 KG for a standard box to 11.04 Kg while some amendment is going to be undertaken on the box to ensure convenience during pallet build.
The adjustment is going to benefit flower exporters as they are going to pay for 11.o4 KG for a standard box rather than 12 Kg.
Mr. Zelalem Messele, chairman of EHPEA, said that this is one milestone forward for the floriculture industry.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA General Assembly Productive, Committed to Solve Problems
EHPEA ordinary General Assembly held on Friday January 24, 2014 in the presence of most of the members at Capital Hotel and Spa, here in Addis Ababa.
In the meeting different agenda items like expansion of farms, consolidation, air freight price and duty free privileges, among others, were entertained and discussions were conducted.
Regarding the expansion of farms, EHPEA Chairman, Mr. Zelalem Messele said that the Association has compiled and presented land related problems at different clusters to the government. The government is committed and working hard to address the problems in the shortest possible time frame.
An understanding has been reached with the government to create both the legal and operational frameworks for consolidation in Ethiopia, Executive Members of EHPEA announced at the meeting. The government has also agreed to the request of EHPEA to remove the levy of VAT whenever farms trade flowers among themselves, the committee noted.
The Executive Committee Members also explained to the General Assembly that in order to address problems related to duty free privileges the government has agreed to have the input of growers through the Association in the newly drafted law. Thus, Executive Committee members requested the general assembly to forward possible inputs and items to be incorporated under the duty free privilege.
Finally, the assembly amended the bylaw of EHPEA that the executive committee should serve for three years in one term and they can be re-elected for the next term as well.
Most members who are contacted by the Promotion Department expressed they delight with the achievements so far scored by the incumbent Executive Committee of EHPEA.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Germany: Horticultural Forum at IPM Essen to Take Place
IPM ESSEN 2014 is well-known not only for its widespread exhibition range on offer but also for its informative supporting program. With a focus on IPM Essen 2014 partner country Turkey, experts will portray the current economic situation and will provide information about new market opportunities. The International Horticultural Forum is organized by Ulmer Verlag, INDEGA and Messe Essen.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA, COLEACP/PIP Hold Discussion
EHPEA management conducted a discussion with COLEACP/PIP Country Manager, Yessie Meyer, on how to further strengthen the training department and other services of EHPEA.
According to the understanding reached during the discussion, EHPEA is going to be beneficiary of the support of PIP in ToT trainings of its trainers and a wide range of COLEACP/PIP training modules in soft and hard copies will also be availed to the resource center of EHPEA.
A draft action plan for launching the support activities has also been designed by both parties.
The objective of COLEACP/PIP is to intensify the support and services offered in order to develop ACP countries professional associations that are engaged in horticultural development. It also facilitates links with European Stakeholders and markets.
COLEACP is not-for-profit inter-professional association representing and defending the collective interests African-Caribean-Pacific (ACP) producers/exporters and EU importers of fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Workshop on Self-assessment Guide for Veg undertaken
A national EDES intervention launching workshop on the preparation of self-assessment guide for vegetables in Ethiopia was undertaken from 15-17, 2014 January here in Addis Ababa.
The EDES program, funded by the European Development Fund, is implemented by the request of African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) group of states and implemented by COLEACP (Liaision Committee Europe ACP) in collaboration with a consortium of European organizations specializing in food safety.
The main agenda of the workshop is that food safety is not only local issue but also becoming global concern and ensuring the sustainability of food supply chain is taken mandatory. It was underscored that vegetables and fruits should be produced having their own code of conduct and this starts at self-assessment specializing on tomato in Ethiopia.
The intervention is designed to support vegetable exporters from Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific to take into account the standards of each country they export their vegetable productions. Hence, EDES program strives to strengthen sectors producing vegetables that may have health risks.
In the workshop, major actors from public offices, private institutions and other relevant bodies came together as the program is participatory. In this regard, tomato has been chosen as a case vegetable for the self-assessment guide preparation.
In order to execute this activity, a codex committee has been established at national level and technical committee headed by EHPEA was formed to oversee the activities of the national committee.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Brazil's Flower Sector Blossoms, but Not Due to Export
Brazil is hardly one of the key flower exporters in the Latin American region, but the country nonetheless has a substantial flower industry. Its produce is virtually entirely consumed domestically however, and what little foreign exchange the sector has generated has steadily fallen over the last years.
The country's flower export revenue is declining and in the year 2013 the flower export was estimated at $ 23.4 million USD while it was $ 26 million in 2012, showing that the sector has faced an international sales decline of about 10%.
The international economic crisis is considered to play a major role in that decline. Some local experts therefore expect the country's export figures to swiftly speed up again once international demand picks up. Flower imports, which currently are considerably larger than exports, are expected to remain stable meanwhile.
Brazil is estimated to have imported about $ 41 million worth of flowers in 2013, which would slightly surpass 2012's figure of 39.5 million US Dollars. In spite of the negative trade balance, the flower industry remains in good shape due to a very well-developed domestic market.
An expert in the field, Hélio Junqueira, suggests that it is easier to supply the internal market, since it doesn't require all the logistics of exporting easing the headache of local producers.
In comparison with the neighboring Colombia and Ecuador, Brazil's vast internal market of nearly 190 million people in fact consumes 97.3% of the country's flower production. Junqueira points out that the industry, besides showing significant growth, it is playing important social role in the country.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Flowers Have an Immediate Impact on Happiness, Says Rutgers Study
Experts have recommended for a long time exercise and other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress. According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers University, nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health in the form of flowers.
"What's most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way," says Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study.
A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants' behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are natural and healthful moderator of moods.
All study participants have shown "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers showing extraordinary delight or gratitude. This has showed that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and the reaction was said universal, irrespective of age.
It was also found out that flowers have a long-term positive effect on the moods of people who are less depressed, anxious and agitated but these people, after receiving flowers, demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction. In addition, flowers are said to make intimate connections as the presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
"Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional wellbeing."
The study also explored where in their homes people display flowers and found out that flowers are placed in open places to visitors like as foyers, living rooms and dining rooms, which shows that flowers are a symbol for sharing.
Source: HortiDaily.com
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Ziway Roses Celebrates Annual Farm Festival
Ziway Roses PLC celebrated its 8th year foundation and annual workers day on January 12, 2014 on the premises of the farm in attendance of guests from governmental and non-governmental institutions.
On the occasion, the Managing Director of Ziway Roses PLC, Mr. Marc Holla said Ziway Roses PLC faced some challenges three years ago and now overcoming all these challenges, the company has become profitable and contributing to the country's economic and social transformation.
Mr. Marc noted in order to sustainably move the floriculture industry, the concerned government authorities and the society should bear their own responsibility. Mr. Marc says, "The primary factor in our company is our workforce. Ziway Roses PLC has been showing remarkable change for the last two consecutive years and the change continues."
Mr. Marc reinstated that the change registered is due to the effort of all workers and the management, and summoned them to keep it up.
On the other hand, the Ethiopian Workers Confederation, Adama Branch head appreciated the synergy between the workers and the management that brought progress to the farm. He said, "This shows if the management and the employees work hands in glove, there is no reason they will not become productive."
On the occasion, a shower house built for chemical workers costing half a million birr was inaugurated. It was learnt that Ziway Roses PLC employs 1,400 workers and undertakes its activity on 40 hectares of land.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA to Hold General Assembly Meeting
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) is to hold General Assembly meeting on January 24, 2014 at Capital Hotel.
It was learnt that almost over 80% of EHPEA members have confirmed to attend the meeting.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Investment Agency Revises Tax Rule, Consolidates Services
The Ethiopian Investment Agency (EIA) revised its regulation on importing capital goods in favor of investors. The revision states that the investors can import capital goods tax free after obtaining a business license and starting production, according to Capital Newspaper, Sunday January 12, 2014 issue.
The EIA Public relations head, Gethun Negash, reported to Capital that the Agency is waiting for the approval of cabinet ministers on the issue.
Regulation No. 270/2012 of EIA considers capital goods to be machines, equipment and their accessories used to make products or deliver services. However, the new resolution is said to address the concerns of investors.
Accoring to Getahun, the revision allows investors to import some instruments that need constant replacement like laboratory equipment tax free. "Investors had to pay value added tax for the replacements. The revision allows them to import tax free," added Getahun.
It was reported in Capital Newspaper that the earlier regulation has been amended three times and the amendments are concerned with the coming of more investments, developing labor laws, addressing land access and enhancing conflict resolution.
In the meantime, seven new organizations have opened offices in EIA to ease the investment process. Among others, the Development bank of Ethiopia, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, EEPCo, AAWSA and the Addis Ababa City Land Administration have opened offices.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Horticulture Farms Need Special Attention
A group of journalists touring to EHPEA member farms last week, January 2-4/2014 were curious about the challenges the sector is facing currently and asked farms about the problems. The farms said that there are critical problems related to land, power interruption, telecom service and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
In the course of the media tour, journalists asked EHPEA chairman, Zelalem Mesele, about the problems and he admitted that the sector is facing big challenges like land problem. He said the problem of land is becoming a challenge as many of the members are expanding their holdings and production. He also told journalist that EHPEA and its Executive Committee are working to settle the problem.
According to Zelalem, the other crucial challenge faced so far is electric power interruption particularly for farms around Debre Zeit area. Logistic, cargo and transport facilities are being improved but a lot remains to be addressed with regard to telecom and electricity. Zelalem noted that Association (EHPEA) is working hard to solve these problems in consultation with higher government officials.
Asked what is being done to expand market horizon, Zelalem told journalists that although each farm has its own strategic plan to expand its market, EHPEA is also working to introduce products in the country and besides searching for new markets. He further explained that the main market destination is Holland but there are member producers who send their products to Germany, England, France, Belgium and other destinations.
Although the flower industry competes globally and even if it is cash intensive, the acceptance of Ethiopian flowers is gaining popularity and more investors are coming to the sector, Zelalem added.
Regarding the expansion plan of farms, he raised his own farm, ZK flowers, situated at Debre Zeit, 47 kms from Addis Ababa, as a good example. EHPEA media crew visited ZK Flowers and learned from the farm owner that the farm begun operation in 2007 on the area of 5 hectares and now it has expanded it to 10 hectares. Moreover, the farm has requested more 5 hectares expansion.
The journalists asked the chairman how environmentally friendly the practice of the farms, Zelalem replied that EHPEA members produce their products based on EHPEA code of conduct and each farm has to fulfill the minimum requirement.
"Although some of us produce our flowers on soil, we produce them in environmentally friendly manner. The chemicals we use are certified and the workers spraying the chemicals are well protected. We spray the chemical not to the soil but to the plant. We use integrated pest management system as well," Zelalem said. He went on explaining that before spraying chemical to the plants, soil sample is also taken in lab as the growers need the soil more than anyone else.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Debre Zeit Cluster Pioneer Farm Continues to Expand
The pioneer flower farm of Debre Zeit, Joytech PLC, is expanding its horizon of herbs and flower production. According to Mr Jagdish Eknath, farm manager with Joytech PLC, the farm that started operation with high tech from Holland and Israel in 2003 when there was no floriculture cluster in Debre Zeit area.
In the farm tour, it was understood that the farm started rose propagation in year 2005 and the farm's activities are environmentally friendly as it has gained many environmental certifications from recognized bodies. Mr. Jagdish also explained that since the farm wanted to expand its horizon of production and its production variety to herbs, initially it altered its 5 hectares of roses to fresh herbs business since land was not available and now about 38 hectares are covered with herbs. Joytech produces 21 varieties of herbs like mint, rosemary, nana, tarragon, etc. mostly exported to England, German, France and Switzerland.
During the field visit, the journalists learnt that the farm grows all its flowers in hydroponics, which allows using water and fertilizer more efficiently and recycling it. Using such technology saves huge amount of fertilizers every year for the farm.
Joytech PLC is also engaged in social aspects and among these social activities; it rejuvenated a primary school and provides drinking water for neighboring areas. In the near future, it is also planning to dig borehole for the community nearby.
Jagdish reported that the farm has become the largest exporter of summer flower and fresh herbs. Currently, Joytech is exporting 20-25 tons of fresh herbs per week.
Joytech PLC employs 1400 workers and it is one of biggest farms around Debre Zeit.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Land Related Problems to Be Addressed
Taking in to consideration the magnitude of land related problems in the expansion of farms, EHPEA Executive Committee members have been busy to address the issues with concerned government officials.
Accordingly, the challenges of the farms with regard to land has been compiled and presented to the decision makers.
The government has assured the leadership of EHPEA that the problem is well noted as an impediment to the further development of the sector and a radical and proper solution is going to be provided in the shortest possible time frame to those farms that do have the willingness and capacity to expand.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Government to Allow Consolidation
EHPEA Executive Committee Members have been undertaking a consultation with the government on how to activate consolidation system in the country.
EHPEA tabled a proposal to the government on the need to have the legal and operational framework for a proper consolidation system in the country. According to the proposal, allowing consolidation in Ethiopia will help Ethiopian based growers a lot to compete better in international markets including nontraditional market niche areas other than Europe.
EHPEA has also requested the removal of levy of VAT whenever farms trade amongst themselves.
The system is expected to be functional in few months time, it was learnt.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Media Visits EHPEA Member Farms
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association undertook media tour from January 2-4/2014 in member farms around Addis Ababa, Debre Zeit, Ziway and Merti areas.
This tour was organized to improve the image of horticulture in Ethiopia and raise the awareness of the public at large regarding the sector. Before the media tour begun, explanation about the sector was given by EHPEA officials. During the briefing, it was explained to journalists about the 10 years journey of EHPEA and the overall status of the sector.
The media personnel were drawn from electronic and print, and from private and public media houses which is about seven media houses.
The tour was successful in that the media group themselves had vague picture about the sector before going to the farms and they confessed their outlook has changed after they visited the farms. One of the journalists said, "All people talk about chemicals when the issue of horticulture farms, especially floriculture is raised. But what I saw practically is amazing and if this sector continues at this pace, we can register good results."
In the three days media tour, 17 journalists drawn from Ethiopian News Agency, Capital, Fortune, Business Times, Addis Admas, Fana Broadcasting Corporate (news desk and national program), the Ethiopian Press Agency (Ethiopian Herald and Addis Zemen), Zoma magazine, Oromia TV and others have participated.
In the field visits, EHPEA designed to show the journalists various practices on different farms besides production and challenges faced. Among these, for instance, for recycling and hydroponics flower production Lafto Roses PLC was visited.
For herbs production, Joytech PLC was chosen and for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, Sher Ethiopia PLC was chosen and given coverage. Finally, for cuttings production and export, Maranque Plants in Merti area was visited.
In the meantime, AQ Roses was given coverage for its acclaimed employee management record and its ethical production.
The media personnel also visited and talked to smallholder farmers around Ziway area who are beneficiary of the out grower schemes.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Sher Ethiopia's Community Works Acclaimed
Journalists visiting Sher Ethiopia PLC, the biggest flower farm in Ethiopia, acknowledged its social activities as exemplary and notable. The corporate social responsibility activities directly benefiting over 13,000 workers in the farm and neighboring community at large were visited by crew of journalists last week, January 3/2014.
During the visit it was noticed the modern and computerized hospital built by the company is one of the biggest achievements and it left many of the journalist astonished. The journalists visited the lavish and modern hospital that uses computerized system, equipped with latest lab technologies.
Asked what initiated him to invest in such meaningful social activities, Sher Ethiopia owner and Managing Director Mr. Gerrit Barnhoorn said, "I see here people dying from diseases like malaria. So long as we work and live here, we are family. It is my responsibility to care a society I am living and working in."
Asked about the beneficiaries, Sher Ethiopia Public Relations Head, Mr. Kamal Hussein said that the hospital provides services free of charge for Sher Ethiopia's over 13,000 employees and the community in Ziway area as well as adjacent Oromia people with minimal price.
The other social activity visited was Sher Ethiopia School that accommodates about 4,500 students beginning from KG to grade 9. Starting from the lower level, the school has now reached to grade 9. The school provides free meal for children attending KG and the education system is supported by computers.
Sher Ethiopia is also notable for its sport support and has established Sher Ethiopia Football Club which is participating in the National league. The company has built a modern stadium with European standard. The stadium has standard facilities like shower rooms for players, coaches and visiting team and other relevant accommodations are included.
Besides, the government also uses the stadium for varying public meetings. Sher Ethiopia sports club is playing its role in contributing to the country's sports development and this was said an exemplary task for the remaining member farms.
Sher Ethiopia allocates tens of millions birr each year for the corporate social responsibility activities, it was learnt.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Ethiopia, India Come up Roses as Kenya's Flower Sector Goes to Seed
Kenya may lose its position as the world's biggest horticultural exporter, in the wake of the rising cost of production, compliance bottlenecks and uncertainty over trade talks between the EAC and the European Union.
There are concerns that flower importers are shifting focus to Ethiopia and India, which have cheaper flowers than Kenya.
"Ethiopia could become more competitive than Kenya, while India could overtake Kenya in floriculture, if the challenges are not addressed," said Moses Ikiara, KenInvest managing director. Currently, India's flower exports are about a tenth of Kenya's.
India exported flowers worth $59 million during 2011-12, a growth of 23.3 per cent from the previous year, with projections to double the revenue by 2015.
Ethiopia's horticulture industry earned $265.71 million during 2011/12, up from $224 million the previous year, a 19 per cent increase. Flowers constituted the biggest share of horticultural revenue, earning $212.56 million in 2012, up from $178.3 million in 2010/11.
Under the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), the European Commission had asked the EAC member states to open their markets to EU products in exchange for duty-and quota-free access to its market.
As a result, Kenya's flower export volumes and revenues are falling, while India and Ethiopia have been recording fast growing numbers, helped by low cost of production and favorable business and weather conditions.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Ethiopian Air Cargo Market said the Fourth Fastest Growing in the World
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) last week announced that Ethiopia's air cargo market is the fourth fastest growing in the world.
IATA's report released on December 11, 2013 shows that Vietnam is the fastest growing Air Cargo market followed by Bangladesh and Brazil. Ethiopia's air cargo stands the fourth followed by Peru. IATA report says Ethiopia is expected to be the fastest growing country for air freight volumes over the forecasting horizon with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%.
Africa is expected to be the fastest growing continent over the forecast period with 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). According to IATA, the fastest growing freight route for Africa is the inter-Africa market (5.3 percent).
Not far behind Africa are the Middle East and Latin America, both with a CAGR of 3.8 percent and the Asia-Pacific at 3.5 percent per annum, followed by Europe and North America at 2.4 and 2.7 CAGR respectively. The report indicates that the five largest international freight markets will be the United States, China, Germany, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
Desmond Vertannes, global head of cargo with IATA, said that the growing investment coming from Asia to Africa is boosting the air freight business in Africa. The big contributor is the perishable cargo industry. The perishable industry, the flower, fish industry and the manufacturing industry contribute to the growth of the air cargo in Africa," Vertannes said.
According to Vertannes, Ethiopia is doing an exemplary work in expanding cargo transport sector. Ethiopian Airlines is acquiring new cargo fleet and building new cargo terminal. He went on saying that expanding the handling facility to greater capacity will help the country's economic growth. "Lots of African countries can do the same thing. They are enhancing the handling capacity for the air cargo. I congratulate Ethiopian Airlines for pursuing working with their customs authority on e-freight agenda. They have been very good in adopting the e-freight business. We want to encourage other African countries to follow suit."
According to the Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, Ethiopian is the largest cargo operator in Africa and among the top fifty in the world. Tewolde said Ethiopian currently operates a fleet of 6 dedicated freighters to 24 destinations around the world and carries annually around 200,000 tons of cargo. Over the last years, Ethiopian has seen a huge upsurge in cargo operations due to extensive growth of Ethiopia's exports.
Tewolde further explained the cargo revenue grew to 6 billion in 2012/2013 from 610 million in 2005/2006, which is tenfold. The increase in the cargo export as well as in the revenue is mainly due to increase in Ethiopia's perishable products such as flowers, vegetables and meat, which are carried by air and in bulk by Ethiopian Cargo.
The national flag carrier plans to carry 820,000 tons annually and to generate 2 billion dollars from the cargo business by 2025.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Training Provided on Ethical Farm Standards
EHPEA provided training for Klaver Lily Flowers PLC, a new farm producing lily flowers on 50 hectares of land near Hawassa City, from December 23–27/2013. The training was given to workers drawn from various divisions of the farm.
Among the training topics covered, safe handling and use of pesticide for store keepers and spray operators; occupational safety and health for farm safety committee members; environmental risk assessment and management for environmental officers and trainings on basic internal audit process for farm's internal auditors are among the topics covered. This is to enable and equip the workers to conduct their performances based on EHPEA Code of Practice and other international market standards.
In the meantime, baseline audit was conducted to see the status of the farm against EHPEA's code of practice and the farm will receive a compiled report and recommendation which would assist the farm to improve its standards. Mr. Koen Eidhof, the farm manager, appreciated trainings provided and suggested that it will be important to have more visits and training services from EHPEA.
The EHPEA training team noted even though Klaver Lily Flowers PLC is a new farm, it is dedicated to implement the principles of sustainable production system by working towards achieving the principles of ethical production.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|ETV, Horticulture Export Revenue Increasing
The Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency, citing the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), said that the amount of revenue Ethiopia is generating from the horticulture sector is increasing year by year.
In an exclusive interview made with EHPEA Chairperson, Mr. Zelalem Mesele and EHPEA Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie, on December 20, 2013, ENA reported that the country has obtained 265.71 million USD during 2011/12 fiscal year, showing tremendous increase in foreign revenue compared to the earlier years.
In the interview, it was learnt that flowers constitute the biggest share in terms of revenue enabling the country to obtain 212.56 million USD, while the balance goes to vegetables, fruits and herbs.
According to ENA's report, the size of land developed with flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs is also increasing. This is because of two reasons – expansion of the prevailing farms and joining of new investors to the sector, as Zelalem noted.
The Chairperson attributed the success to the prevailing conducive investment environment, attractive incentive packages and overall government support.
EHPEA officials noted on the occasion that had problems related to land provision, bureaucratic bottlenecks and others been improved, the sector could have shown more remarkable progress.
The report says companies from Ecuador, the Netherlands, India and Kenya are showing interest to invest in the sector.
ENA reported that Ethiopia exports its horticulture products to over 100 destinations around the world.
The Netherlands, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Belgium, UAE, France, Japan, Italy and the United States are the first 10 destinations for Ethiopian horticulture products.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA, Chairman Holds Talks with South Korean Major Buyer
EHPEA Chairman, Mr. Zelalem Messele, conducted a discussion with CEO of SiMEX, one of the biggest importers of cut flowers in South Korea.
Mr. Seung Young Rhe, CEO of SiMEX expressed the interest of his company to import different variety of flowers from Ethiopian farms as far as farms ensure consistency in quality.
Mr. Zelalem on his part explained the readiness of Ethiopian based farms to export quality flowers to buyers in every corner of the World. According to the chairman, Ethiopia is an ideal location for the production of various types of quality flowers.
The CEO of SiMEX said that his company has already started importing flowers from some farms in Ethiopia. He added that the potential market in Korea is very high as far as Ethiopian farms are capable enough to compete with consistency.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|New Pots and Garden Plant Trays Introduced
FloraHolland announced that the first Floratino trays entered into circulation. Floratino is the new multi-use tray series for pot and garden plants in the FloraHolland range and Floratino® is and addition to the existing package range.
"It is a durable packaging concept and answers our wish to reduce the amount of waste we produce.… The tray is also cleaned once every round of circulation and is fitted with a unique identification marker for tracking and tracing.
Incorporating the tray in our packaging pool makes it easily accessible for members and customers of FloraHolland," states FloraHolland website. FloraHolland is introducing the trays in phases and monitoring the use to prevent any problems of availability in peak periods.
Source: FloraHolland website
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|Haifa Launches New Fertigation
Haifa Group announced another enhancement of its water soluble nutrition product line with the release of "FertiMatch", a mobile app for calculating the desired composition for Fertigation. The FertiMatch app helps the grower determine the right amount of fertilizers needed for a desired composition. The grower inserts details regarding his Fertigation control head, chooses a reference element and concentration and the fertilizer (Haifa or other). The output provides the fertilizer quantity needed and the concentration of elements in the irrigation water.
"With FertiMatch we make the task of calculating the amount of fertilization a simple process. Offering this auxiliary tool through mobile devices ensures that it can be accessed by anyone who needs it directly, anytime, anywhere," said Yoav Ronen, Haifa Group Water Soluble Marketing Manager.
The store already includes FloraMatchTM that plans controlled release nutrition for professional nurseries and the recently launched Haifa mobile Website.
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|ERCA Starts Electronic Single Windows Project
The Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) made an agreement with the Investment Climate for Africa (ICF) to commence an Electronic One Window Service Project with an expense of 7.3 million USD.
It was learnt that ERCA has launched E-filing system in collaboration with Investment Climate for Africa (ICF) that works to create conducive environment for investment in Africa. It was noted that ICF is currently working to create the Electronic One Windows Project by financial support from International Finance Cooperation.
After signing the agreement, ERCA General Director, Baker Shale, said although the project is complex and may take long time to make it feasible, the Ethiopian Government and ERCA will exert their utmost support and collaboration for the realization of the project.
Finally, the General Director expressed his pleasure to work with ICF for the second time and thanked the International
Finance Cooperation that supported the project financially for the second.
Source: ERCA website
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|Posted Date >> 10- April- 2014
|EHPEA, the Netherlands Sign Agreement
The Ethiopian Horticulture Exporter Producers Association (EHPEA) has officially signed a contribution program agreement with the Kingdom of the Netherlands Government at Hilton Hotel here today.
The signed program agreement has four pillars; improving the business environment for the horticulture sub-sector and business promotion; supporting emerging commercial horticulture producers; Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and capacity building so as to ensure the competitiveness of Ethiopian horticulture farms in the international market.
The agreement was signed between Mr. Zelalem Messele, Executive Committee Chairman of EHPEA and Mr. Hans van den Huevel, Agricultural Counselor at EKN, on behalf of Ambassador Lidi Remmelzwaal of the Kingdom of Netherlands Embassy to Ethiopia. Executive Committee members of EHPEA were also in attendance.
On the occasion, Mr Zelalem noted that the project will fulfill its desired aim in the next four years. He went on saying, "This project is very important in building the capacity of our sector and improving the image of Ethiopian horticulture industry in the global market." According to the Chairman, EHPEA member farms are going to be beneficiary of the program. Zelalem extended his gratitude to the Kingdom of Netherlands Government and its Embassy here in Ethiopia for their consistent commitment to improve the sector.
On the other hand, Mr. Hans says, "We have been extending support to ensure the competitiveness of the Ethiopian horticulture industry so that it grows fast in a professional manner. Now we are also working in capacity building of smallholder farmers to develop from zero to some level." Mr Hans added that the horticulture of Ethiopia should tell the world that it has reached to a good stage and should still work to improve further.
EHPEA Executive Committee Member, Mr. Marc Driessen, on his part says, "The program will help a lot in knowledge transfer". Mr. Marc also expressed his belief that the program will bear great fruit for the sector. He further stated that EHPEA member farms have benefited a lot from such prior program supports and such a program is vital to build the capacity of farms.
The total program agreement for the coming four years amounts to nearly four million Euro.
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