Month: January 2025

The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) recently hosted an event to introduce its services to potential members and stakeholders in the horticulture value chain. The goal? To help businesses like yours reach international standards and thrive in the global market.

Established in 2002, EHPEA is a leading business membership organization dedicated to promoting the interests of Ethiopian horticulture producers and exporters of cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, cuttings, and vegetable seeds. With 126 current members, EHPEA has been instrumental in the growth of Ethiopia’s horticulture industry, representing its members both locally and internationally.

What does EHPEA membership offer?

Becoming an EHPEA member unlocks a range of valuable benefits designed to boost your business:

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with key players across the horticulture industry, from growers and exporters to other vital stakeholders.

• Industry Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with access to the latest market trends, best practices, and regulatory updates.

• Advocacy and Representation: Have your voice heard and participate in shaping policies that impact the horticulture sector.

• Business Development Opportunities: Explore potential partnerships and collaborations with fellow members.

• Access to Training and Resources: Enhance your business skills and knowledge through workshops, seminars, and other valuable resources.

Real Results from EHPEA Members

Existing EHPEA members shared powerful testimonials at the event, highlighting the tangible benefits they’ve experienced:

• Policy Advocacy: EHPEA champions members’ interests at the policy level.

• Market Linkages: Connecting members with valuable market opportunities.

• Comprehensive Training: Providing training on crucial topics such as environmental management, occupational safety and health (OSH), chemical handling, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

• Certification Support: Guiding members through the certification process, from Bronze to Gold, including pre-audits, document preparation, and follow-up, helping them achieve international competitiveness.

Ready to take your horticulture business to the next level? Join EHPEA today and unlock the potential for growth and success in the global market. Contact us to learn more about membership opportunities.

A valuable training session focused on False Codling Moth (FCM) was recently held for key personnel at farms in the Bahir Dar cluster, including Tana Flora, Ethio Agri-Ceft, and Elite Agro by EHPEA Bahirdar branch office. The training brought together farm managers, production managers, protection managers, and supervisors to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing this important pest.

The session covered a range of critical topics, including:

•  Understanding FCM and its life cycle

•  The global significance and distribution of FCM

•  Identification of major FCM host plants

•  Effective FCM management strategies at national and regional levels

Participants also engaged in a discussion of current and future FCM management practices. Farms are currently implementing practices like light traps, burning Agrobacterium (likely referring to infected plant material), sanitation, and host plant removal. Looking ahead, plans are in place to enhance these efforts with double-door systems, improved greenhouse plastic maintenance, pheromone traps, and the development of farm-specific FCM protocols. The session was highly interactive, and we are confident that these measures will significantly improve FCM management in the region.

Ethiopia has taken a significant step towards improving its horticulture sector with the launch of the LOCALGAP certification initiative. This groundbreaking effort focuses on promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in the fruit and vegetable industry, aiming to:

 * Enhance agricultural methods: Ensuring safe and sustainable farming practices.

 * Boost local food security: Providing access to nutritious produce for Ethiopian consumers.

 * Open new markets: Facilitating entry into both domestic and international markets.

The LOCALGAP standard was developed through a collaborative effort between the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA).

Key Highlights:

 * Government Support: H.E. Dr. Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture Development, emphasized the importance of LOCALGAP for public health and enhancing consumer confidence in local produce.

 * Market Access: Mr. Tewdros Zewdie highlighted the crucial role of LOCALGAP in gaining access to international markets.

 * Farmer Empowerment: Ato Wondale emphasized the importance of registration, certification, and standardization for improving farmer livelihoods and boosting sector productivity.

The first draft of the LOCALGAP standard has been presented and is currently undergoing review based on valuable feedback from stakeholders.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in the Ethiopian horticulture sector, paving the way for a more sustainable, productive, and competitive industry.

A consultative workshop held in Adama on December 31, 2024, marked a significant step forward in the development of the COMESA East Africa Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA) Roadmap for Ethiopia.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for government officials and key stakeholders in the horticulture sector to contribute to the refinement of the draft roadmap.

The CEHA national chapters will play a crucial role in amplifying stakeholder voices and driving local impact on sustainability and competitiveness. Mr. Tewodros Zewide, Executive Director of EHPEA, highlighted the roadmap’s objective to “harmonize policies and enhance free trade activities,” guided by the CEHA principle of being private-sector-led, public-sector-enabled, and donor-catalyzed.

H.E. Dr. Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the platform’s support for Ethiopia’s efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable horticulture sector, fostering national, regional, and international food trade through effective collaboration, particularly within COMESA member countries in East Africa.