EHPEA | July 2026

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐆𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭

Posted on July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 by technobros_admin

As the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) is dedicatedly engaged in spearheading and supporting strategic initiatives and impactful interventions to promote the nation’s horticulture sustainably, key stakeholders are committedly reinforcing the course with committed support and collaboration.

While commercial farms are operating with increasing investments on modern and sustainable horticultural production, some for diversified high-value crops, the Government and development partners are accompanying them by strategic supportive tools, with EHPEA playing a central role in facilitating essential venues where energies from the wide array of actors are converged to drive growth of resilient and productive horticulture industry.

The practical gestures and tangible commitment witnessed these days with the subsector key stakeholders are vivid demonstrations of each actor’s meaningful engagement meant to awaken the horticultural sleeping-giant, the second largest floriculture hub in Africa.

While Ethiopia is among the five top flower producing and exporting countries globally, strenuous efforts are well underway through collaboration and committed engagement of key stakeholders: the public sector, private investors, the Association, and development partners, leveling the venue to unleash the country’s immense, yet untapped, horticultural potential.

Speaking at Horticulture Subsector Stakeholders Consultative Meeting in Arba Minch, South Ethiopia Regional State few days backs, H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa, State Minister of Agriculture, underlined the need to further strengthen the joint efforts of stakeholders with commitment of each key actor to realize mutual gains from the industry’s growth.

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 & 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) has been successful in its endeavors of advocating for strategic policy as well as in promoting sustainable and global market-compliant horticultural operation in Ethiopia.
EHPEA’s dedicated engagement with relevant actors in courses to ensure conducive business environment and enhance the industry’s global competitiveness has earned victories in critical issues related to land, customs, tax, logistics, capacity building and global market compliance among others. This has also enabled the country’s horticulture to flourish with growing private investments in sustainable agricultural operation, thereby increasing employment opportunities and hard currency earnings.

Having successfully organized ten editions of the HortiFlora Expo, an annual premier international horticulture and floriculture trade fair in Africa, EHPEA has been able to strategically promote Ethiopia’s rapidly growing horticulture industry and enhance the country’s global position in the subsector.

Through its specialized TVET Center, EHPEA has been driving industry capacity, by training commercial farm workers and others with practical skills in Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), compliance and postharvest handling among others.

The Association has been implementing various partnership initiatives to promote the country’s horticulture with sustainability, also with its three-level Code of Practice Certification guiding its member farms through social and environmental-conscious operations incorporating strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions that foster long-term economic resilience and social progress of local communities.

𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲: 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

The Ministry of Agriculture has, in recent times, taken strategic measures and launched key initiatives to transform the horticulture industry, especially to replicate the country’s success of floriculture in fruits and vegetables, thereby boosting decent employments and industry export earnings from currently hundreds of millions to billions of dollars in few years period.

To this end, the Ministry launched the 10-Year National Horticulture Strategy in 2024 and the 15-Year Avocado Development Program in 2025, and various measures are being taken at different levels towards their successful implementation.

In addition to ensuring effective implementation of industry incentives and benefit packages, the Ministry has been convening, with the attendance of the Minister of Agriculture H.E. Ato Addisu Arega, and the State Minister H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa among others, painstaking stakeholders’ consultative meetings and field visits to horticulture farms at different times, which have indeed been serving as crucial platforms to identify and address critical issues of the industry.

The Ministry has also committedly supported the effect of the long-standing quest of horticultural farms demanding land for expansion, whereby over 30,000 hectares of land has now been designated for horticulture development in different regions across the country.

𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

With the Ministry’s committed support and attentive direction, Regional Governments and highly relevant public offices at different levels have been taking their respective strategic measures to address important issues, thereby meaningfully supporting the country’s second largest hard currency earner within the agriculture sector after coffee.

The recent measures taken in making land availability for both expansion and new projects in some regions, addressing issues related to customs, title deeds and land registration as well as incoterms and crucial incentives among others are vital to drive the industry’s growth and its competitiveness globally.
Regions, including Oromia, Central Ethiopia, and South Ethiopia Regions have recently decided and made thousands of hectares of land available for both expansion and new projects of horticulture development, while relevant public offices at the federal, regional, zonal and local levels have taken key measures that significantly support the industry growth.

With consistent and active participation in the stakeholders consultative meetings, relevant public offices of investment, revenue, customs, development infrastructure, power and water utilities, telecom and other services have also been working closely with the Ministry and EHPEA to address issues that are critical to the success of the country’s horticulture subsector.
All these committed engagements are, of course, facilitating conducive investment environment and ensuring ease of business doing within the industry, and thereby greatly contributing to the subsector’s promotion and Ethiopia’s competitiveness globally.

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬

Recent events portray that commercial farms in the country are increasingly investing in diversification of high-value crops, improved technology and solutions as well as modern agricultural facilities and operation aiming at boosting sustainable production with increased earnings and decent employment opportunities.
Many farms are being observed investing in operations compliant to standards and requirements of global markets, whereby a number of EHPEA member farms are increasingly certified with EHPEA’s highest level compliance, Gold-Level Certification that demonstrates their unwavering commitment to international standards, environmental stewardship and profound social responsibility.

The recently inaugurated mass rearing facility for biological pest control agents by Red Fox Ethiopia Plc (Dummen Orange) in Koka, Oromia Regional State, is a milestone in Ethiopia’s horticulture, and along with other related measures in adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system by other growers, the move demonstrates that commercial farms are committedly mobilizing huge investments to run responsible and sustainable horticultural production in the country.

The dedicated expansion from just 3 hectares to 120 hectares of fields, relatively within short period of time, for sustainable production of varied summer flowers by Klaver Flowers as well as investments being witnessed currently with Luna and Lucy Farms among others in modern agricultural facilities and operation for diversified high-value horticultural crops in South Ethiopia Region are also examples of committed engagement of commercial farms in the country’s subsector development.

While creating social and economic opportunities for local people, many other EHPEA member farms at different clusters are being observed in investing and running responsible operation by facilitating conducive working environments, empowering local communities and supporting smallholder farmers and livelihoods through various strategic CSR interventions.

Lucy Farm to launch newly constructed propagation facility for varied types of vegetables

Posted on July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 by technobros_admin

Lucy Farm says it has finalized preparation to launch operation of a newly constructed propagation facility for varied types of vegetables at its site in Arba Minch, South Ethiopia Regional State

The Ministry of Agriculture, the South Ethiopia Region Investment Commission, and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) on July 10, 2026, jointly organized a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Arba Minch town deliberating on ways of boosting horticultural investment in the Region.

Having wrapped up the consultative meeting held with the attendance of State Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa, participants of the consultative meeting paid a visit to Lucy Farms in Arba Minch.

Warmly welcoming the guests with impressive hospitality, the Farm facilitated for the visitors to participate in transplanting of different horticultural seedlings at a purpose-designated site.

Lucy Farm is one of EHPEA’s members, along with Fri-El Ethiopia and Luna Farms among others, operating in the South Ethiopia Region with modern agricultural practices for growing variety of fruits for both local and export markets.

Lucy Farm produces and supplies to both local and foreign markets variety of horticultural crops, including banana, avocado, apple mango, papaya and watermelon as well as different types of vegetables.

In addition to farming fields of banana and apple mangos, the participants visited a newly constructed propagation facility of the Farm, where Lucy plans to propagate and distribute variety of demand-driven seedlings to local growers.

Driving Horticultural Investments: Stakeholders Dialogue on Unlocking Massive Potential in South Ethiopia Region

Posted on July 11, 2026July 11, 2026 by technobros_admin

The Ministry of Agriculture, the South Ethiopia Region Investment Commission, and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) today jointly organized a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Arba Minch town deliberating on ways of boosting horticultural investment in the Region through attracting new investors and expanding existing operations.

The consultative meeting was convened with the attendance of State Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa, South Ethiopia Investment Commissioner Atsede Ayiza, Wolaita Sodo Mayor Etagegn Hailemariam, officials and representatives of relevant offices from different levels as well as EHPEA Executive Committee Chair and Vice Chair Persons, EHPEA Executive Director and EHPEA member farms operating in the Region.

Hailing the crucial role the horticulture is playing in generating foreign currencies, creating employment opportunities and transferring knowledge and technology among others, H.E. the State Minister called on new and existing investors in the country to exploit the investment opportunities and the vast horticultural potential in the South Ethiopia Region.

She has also applauded private farm investments in the Region and called on more engagement that would also further strengthen positive impacts on smallholder farmers and the livelihood of local communities.

EHPEA members, including Fri-El Ethiopia, Luna and Lucy Farms among others are operating in the Region with modern agricultural practices for growing variety of horticultural crops for both local and export markets.

Reiterating the Ministry’s continued commitment to supporting the sub-sector, H.E. the State Minister emphasized on the need to drive committed collaborations of all stakeholders to unleash the huge horticultural potential in the country and address challenges facing the industry through joint efforts.

Stating that the Region is highly suitable for fruits and vegetables development, the South Ethiopia Region Investment Commissioner Atsede Ayiza noted that strategic measures have been taken to facilitate conducive investment environment for both new and existing investors who are keen to operate in the Region.

In his presentation on recent events and key areas related to the industry, the EHPEA Executive Director Tewodros Zewdie said that notable achievements have been gained in addressing issues that are critical to promote the country’s second largest hard currency earner in the agriculture sector after coffee.

The Executive Director has appreciated the decisions and measures taken primarily by the Ministry of Agriculture, other relevant Offices and Regional Governments in dealing with those critical issues related to making lands available for expansion and new projects, incoterms, title deeds and land registry, customs and duty free matters among others.

The meeting also raised other important issues on which the stakeholders deliberated at length, with emphasis on the need to work closely and employ collaborative efforts to jointly promote the industry for enhanced mutual gains.

From Humble Three to 120 Hectares: How Klaver Flowers is Blooming with Summer Flower Production

Posted on July 9, 2026July 10, 2026 by technobros_admin

Operating with 2,300 employees on its 120-hectare fields in Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, Klaver Flowers keeps growing with increasing farm expansion and sustainable production, thereby creating decent employments and boosting export earning of quality summer flower varieties.

Facilitated by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), State Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa, today paid a field visit to the largest Gypsophilia producing Farm in Africa.

The State Minister’s field visit is a practical demonstration of the Ministry’s continued commitment to supporting the private sector in the industry, and thereby promoting the horticulture subsector and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

Using in-house produced seedlings, which were previously imported from overseas, the Farm is exploiting its potential fully, also with dedicated engagement to bolster its production to 100 million stems from 70 million stems of diverse summer flower now, says the Farm Manager Gulilat Bekele.

Starting with the humble plots of three hectares in 2013, the Farm, due to favorable and supportive investment environment, currently operates on increased hectares of land with keen interest of expansion to boost its multi-million-dollar export of cut flowers of Gypsophilia, Limonium, Craspedia, Molucella, Veronica, Sunflower and Lepidium to European and Middle East markets.

Accompanied by the EHPEA Executive Committee Chair and Vice Chair Person and the EHPEA Executive Director among others, H.E. the State Minister visited farm fields and different facilities, including modern propagation and fertilizer houses among others.

The State Minister applauded the dedicated expansion investment of the Farm, its community support, and operation that helps knowledge and technology transfer.

She also called on and encouraged the Company for further strengthened initiatives to empower the local community, particularly to strategically support smallholder farmers in the neighborhoods.

As part of its corporate social responsibility engagement, the Farm consistently provides the necessary supports to 50 students, from KG to University level, and a local clinic among other social and environmental interventions.

The Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) recognises the EHPEA

Posted on July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by technobros_admin

The EHPEA Silver Standard has successfully completed the benchmarking process for the primary production scope under the SSCI’s Social Criteria, which was set up to ensure that the relevant social sustainability topics are being covered.

During the SSCI benchmarking process, EHPEA carried out several actions to align its Silver Standard with the SSCI benchmark, including improvements to:

● Governance and oversight procedures;
● Complaints and appeals handling processes;
● Audit oversight and record management;
● Risk and liability management;
● Labour and occupational health and safety requirements.

Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of EHPEA, said, “We are proud that the EHPEA Code of Practice for Sustainable Flower Production has received official recognition from the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative. This achievement reflects our strong commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and continuous improvement across Ethiopia’s floriculture sector. It is a testament to the dedication of our member farms and reinforces our position as a trusted supplier in global markets.”

The SSCI benchmarks social and environmental sustainability schemes against a robust global baseline giving consumer goods companies the clarity needed to optimise their sourcing decisions and confidently meet industry and regulatory expectations.

This conditional recognition means that companies can source from EHPEA-certified farms with the understanding that the standard meets the strict requirements of the SSCI Social Criteria.

Didier Bergeret, Director of Sustainability at the CGF said, “By welcoming the EHPEA into our community of recognised schemes, we’re helping consumer goods companies source horticultural products more responsibly from Ethiopia.”

Consultative Dialogue on Workforce Nutrition Education: Cultivating Well-being, Driving Productivity

Posted on July 7, 2026July 8, 2026 by technobros_admin

The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) today convened a half-day consultative Meeting on Workforce Nutrition Education Program at Mado Hotel in Addis Ababa, with participation of representatives from relevant public institutions, EHPEA member farms, garment industry, and Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC).

EHPEA and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) have forged partnership through sub-grant the Workforce Nutrition Education Initiative being implemented under the Workforce Nutrition Project meant to advance workplace nutrition within horticulture and garment industries.

In spearheading and supporting strategic initiatives and interventions to ensure safe and conducive workplaces across its member farms, EHPEA dedicatedly promotes on-site meals and nutritional programs, whereby tangible results have been gained with many farms operating now with standard canteens and dietary awareness.

The Workforce Nutrition Education Initiative aims to strengthen institutional commitment to workforce nutrition by raising awareness, integrating nutrition into workplace policies and systems, and supporting employers’ commitment to improving workers’ health and well-being that significantly impacts business productivity and profitability.

The consultative meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to review the program approach, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration for the successful implementation of workforce nutrition interventions across the two industries.

It featured two presentations: the scope of nutrition education pillars of the Project and the highlight of Nutrition Education strategy for the horticulture industry by EHPEA, and National Nutrition Strategies and Recommendations by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Group exercise was also conducted on assessing challenges and opportunities in the horticulture and garment industries that facilitate the nutrition education.