EHPEA

Category: Our News

Celebrating World Food Day: A Unified Commitment to Sustainability and Quality

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The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) proudly celebrated World Food Day under the empowering theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” The event took place today October 21, 2025 Skylight Hotel, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

World Food Day serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the globe. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving a sustainable future, particularly in the realm of food production and consumption.

At the heart of the celebration, EHPEA showcased the exceptional talents of its member farms, presenting an impressive array of high-quality export produce that included an assortment of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and a vibrant selection of flowers. These offerings not only highlight Ethiopia’s rich agricultural diversity but also demonstrate the commitment of local producers to meet international quality standards.

EHPEA plays a pivotal role in the advancement of nutritional food sustainability by actively supporting farms in cultivating diverse crops that adhere to global standards. This commitment is crucial in promoting food security and nutrition for communities both locally and abroad. By fostering sustainable practices, EHPEA helps ensure that farmers can thrive while also contributing to the health and well-being of consumers.

This celebration was not just about recognizing the contributions of the agricultural sector but also about inspiring collaboration among stakeholders. By joining hands, we can enhance food systems, promote resilience, and create a future where access to nutritious food is a fundamental right for all.

As we reflect on the themes of World Food Day, let us embrace our shared responsibility to cultivate a sustainable future, ensuring that quality food is available for generations to come. Together, let us commit to working “Hand in Hand” for better foods and a better future.

Stay tuned for more updates from EHPEA and our ongoing efforts to support sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia!

Equality in Action: Gender Training Empowers Horticulture Sector in Ethiopia

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A groundbreaking two-day workshop titled “Equality in Action” recently took place in Addis Ababa, uniting HR managers, trade union representatives, and farm leaders from Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. Organized by the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) in partnership with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), the event aimed to advance gender equality and equity within horticultural workplaces.

The training provided participants with practical knowledge and tools for implementing gender-responsive policies at the farm level. Key topics included gender equality and equity, policy frameworks, women’s empowerment, and the prevention of gender-based and digital violence in the workplace.

Attendees participated in interactive sessions that delved into the structural barriers to gender inclusion and developed strategies to empower women in decision-making roles throughout the horticulture value chain. The workshop also emphasized the role of digitization in fostering safer and more inclusive work environments, including the use of digital tools for gender-sensitive reporting and monitoring.

A significant outcome of the training was a renewed commitment from farm HR managers and trade union leaders to integrate gender policies into their organizational practices. Through case studies and group discussions, participants explored successful models of gender mainstreaming and the vital importance of collaboration between farms, unions, and development partners.

Despite women making up 80% of the workforce in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector, leadership roles are still largely held by men. This disparity highlights the urgent need to restructure management systems and actively empower women into leadership positions, especially within HR departments and trade union bodies.

The workshop concluded with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to champion gender equality as a key driver of productivity, sustainability, and social justice in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector.

EHPEA Hosts Discussion on New Packaging Standards for Horticultural Exports

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A consultative meeting was held today at the EHPEA office to deliberate on the new packaging standards set for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and vegetable seeds exported by air. The discussion aimed at enhancing efficiency and consistency across the export process.

The session brought together representatives from Customs, the Ministry of Agriculture, and EHPEA member farms to review the draft standards and align them with practical applications at farm level to ensure a seamless export experience.

Key discussion points included:

• Standardization of box dimensions, pallet numbering, and weight specifications according to crop type.

• Review of the proposed draft with an extension period to refine and improve implementation.

On the discussion it was emphasized that packaging standardization will significantly enhance product quality and compliance with international regulations, streamline export logistics through uniform packaging and faster customs processing, and minimize post-harvest losses by reducing damage during handling and transport.

As part of its ongoing commitment, EHPEA continues to advocate for member engagement in policy and standard-setting processes. This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening Ethiopia’s horticultural export competitiveness and bolstering its global reputation for quality and reliability.

Strengthening Ethiopia’s Green Gold: High-Level Meeting Targets Horticulture Export Growth

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In a significant stride toward bolstering one of the nation’s most vibrant and high-potential sectors, the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), recently hosted a pivotal Consultative Meeting on the Horticulture Export Subsector. The gathering served as a critical platform to foster deep dialogue, enhance coordination, and forge joint strategies to amplify the global competitiveness of Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding horticulture industry, often referred to as its “green gold.”

Convergence of Key Stakeholders:

The event successfully convened a diverse and influential group of key stakeholders, including high-level government representatives, EHPEA member farms, esteemed development partners, and leading sector experts. Discussions were centered on major policy and operational issues directly impacting the export performance of high-value crops such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, cuttings and seed, a sector recognized as one of Ethiopia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing sources of foreign exchange.

Setting Aspiring Targets and Collaboration:

The session was opened by H.E. Addis Arega, Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, who emphatically underscored the indispensable nature of public–private collaboration to sustain the industry’s impressive growth trajectory. He stressed the need to enhance market access and significantly improve the enabling business environment for exporters. He also highlighted the government’s vision, announcing that the ministry’s horticulture export target for the current fiscal year is $700 million USD. Achieving this milestone, he noted, necessitates a systematic, collaborative approach to tackle sectoral challenges one by one, working in lockstep with investors to enhance the overall business climate.

Addressing Bottlenecks and Unlocking Potential:

Mr. Tewodros Zewde, EHPEA Executive Director, presented a comprehensive overview of the sector’s challenges and opportunities. His agenda illuminated a range of critical action points that demand immediate and coordinated attention. Key discussion points included:

• Finance & Investment: Improving access to finance and addressing land lease issues for long-term investment.

• Operational Efficiency: Tackling hurdles related to electric power supply, input material acquisition, and the promotion of a duty-free privilege for seed companies.

• Structural Development: Advancing consolidation implementation and enhancing the out-grower scheme to integrate smallholders.

• Export Logistics & Customs: Streamlining procedures and addressing bottlenecks in the vital supply chain.

• International Compliance: Strengthening adherence to global phytosanitary and quality standards to ensure market access.

• Sustainability & Biosecurity: Promoting sustainable production and environmental management practices and coordinating national efforts to prevent and control destructive pests, notably the False Codling Moth (FCM).

Commitment to Evidence-Based Policy:

Throughout the meeting, participants offered practical insights and actionable recommendations, collectively emphasizing the vital necessity for continuous, transparent dialogue between the private sector and policymakers. This sustained engagement is seen as essential to guarantee evidence-based decision-making that truly reflects the realities and needs of the industry.

Closing the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture reaffirmed the Ministry’s staunch commitment to supporting the creation of an enabling policy and regulatory environment designed to boost Ethiopia’s overall export competitiveness. Likewise, Ato. Nega Mequanent, Chairman of the EHPEA, reiterated the association’s unwavering dedication to advocating for the horticulture industry’s development priorities by strategically aligning them with the national economic agenda.

Both institutions stand united in their shared objective: to reinforce Ethiopia’s position not only as a leading horticultural exporter on the global stage but also as a shining model for sustainable agribusiness in Africa.

Celebrating Community and Growth in Batu City

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Ziway Rose Plc. is honored to announce the inauguration of the Batu City Administration Customary Court of Appeal, a significant project funded with an investment of over 5 million birr. The ceremony was a great success, graced by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Elias Umata, Vice Speaker of Chafe Oromia.

Since its founding in 1997 with just a handful of employees, Ziway’s Roses has blossomed into a company of 1,400 dedicated individuals, with over 75% of its workforce being youth and women. Cultivate over 50 plus different flower species across 42 hectares, but their commitment to the community goes far beyond our business operations and More Than Just a Business.

The corporate social responsibility initiatives are a cornerstone of the company identity.

It is proud to have made a positive impact through:

• Supporting the Green Legacy initiative.

• Providing aid to communities displaced from Somali region.

• Constructing housing for less fortunate residents in Batu city.

• Offering annual health support to 250 vulnerable families in batu town

• Assisting less advantageous elder annually with different items.

• full scholarship for employees’ children from kindergarten to colleges and universities.

• Facilitating job placements for local youth.

• Investing on water hyacinth cleaning and rehabilitation of lake Dembel

• ⁠Building bridges to connect Bochesa Kebele with Batu town … etc

Their dedication has earned them global recognition, including the Best Business Cooperation award from the Federal President in 2017, which highlighted our role in boosting foreign exchange for the country.

The company is incredibly proud to contribute to the growth and well-being of Batu City and look forward to a future of continued partnership and positive change.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵 (𝗙𝗖𝗠)

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Herburg Roses PLC has set an inspiring example in the Ethiopian flower industry by proactively preventing and controlling False Codling Moth (FCM) one of the most dangerous quarantine pests threatening the sector. To date, the farm has never experienced a single interception, making it a role model for other rose farms across the country.

👨‍🌾 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟵
Recognizing the risks early, Herburg Rose established a dedicated FCM team merged with its existing scouting team. Since then, the farm has been consistently implementing an integrated strategy that combines biological, chemical, cultural, and physical control methods.

📚 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
With the support of Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters (EHPEA), a training was extended to all staff, from gate security to cold room workers, ensuring everyone understands the economic importance of FCM, its prevention, and the required control measures. This whole-team approach has been critical to the farm’s success.

🔎 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 (𝗖𝗖𝗣𝘀)
The farm set up four CCPs and strengthened its system through:
• Continuous documentation and traceability
• Monthly internal audits by cross-departmental teams
• Daily communication channels reporting from each production site
• Central data analysis and farm-wide updates posted on notice boards to keep everyone alert and accountable.

📈 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁
This integrated, system-based approach has not only kept Herburg Rose free from FCM interceptions but also created a strong internal culture of awareness, accountability, and quick action.

𝗔𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗺𝗵𝗮 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱:
“There is no single solution to FCM. Success comes from working holistically, with all preventive and control activities happening simultaneously and in an integrated way.”

🌿 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱
While proud of this achievement, Herburg Rose acknowledges that vigilance must continue. The goal is not only to remain interception-free but to contribute to making Ethiopia a production-free area for FCM.

👏 Congratulations to Herburg Rose PLC for their dedication and exemplary leadership in safeguarding Ethiopia’s horticulture industry!

Advancing Workforce Development in Ethiopia’s Horticulture Sector

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The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises (NHO), in partnership with the EHPEA TVET Center, has successfully trained over 236 farm employees through its Apprenticeship Program, implemented in alignment with Ethiopia’s national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) standards.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing practical competencies, workplace safety, and overall productivity within the horticulture sector. The training focused on key areas, including:
• Basic chemical safety protocols
• Core horticultural production tasks
• Sustainable horticultural practices

Participants acquired essential skills to perform nursery operations and apply safety measures, contributing to improved farm operations and compliance with national standards.

This program highlights the importance of international collaboration and local capacity building. By leveraging EHPEA’s technical expertise and aligning with the TVET framework, it supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting both domestic and global market demands.

With continued support from NHO, the Apprenticeship Program is expected to expand further empowering youth and women, and driving long-term transformation across Ethiopia’s horticulture value chain.

Horti Campus: Revolutionizing Horticulture Training in Ethiopia

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Access to quality training is now easier than ever. We’re proud to see our new eLearning platform, Horti Campus, already making a big impact, with 100 learners enrolled actively participating in our courses ‘Occupational Health and Safety’ and ‘Environmental Sustainability’, since the launch of our Horti Campus on May 29, 2025.

The eLearning platform designed to make high-quality training more accessible for horticulture professionals across Ethiopia.

The Horti Campus is revolutionizing how we build skills in the sector. The platform offers flexible, cost-effective training, saving time and resources for farm managers and agronomists.

Join us in shaping a smarter, more sustainable future for Ethiopian horticulture!

https://horticampus.ehpea.org

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ሆርቲ ካምፐስ፡ የኢትዮጵያ ሆርቲካልቸር ስልጠናን የሚያሻሽል አዲስ ዘመናዊ መድረክ

በቅርቡ በኢትዮጲያ ሆርቲካልቸር አምራች ላኪዎች ማህበር ይፋ የተደረገው “ሆርቲ ካምፓስ” ስልጠና ድህረ ገፅ ከመጀመሪያው ቀን ጀምሮ ታላቅ ተፅዕኖ እየፈጠረ ነው፤ እስካሁን ድረስ 100 ተማሪዎች ተቀብሎ “የሥራ ጤናና ደህንነት” እና “የአካባቢ ተስማሚነት” ኮርሶች ላይ ስልጠና እየሰጠ እይገኛል።

ይህ መድረክ መላ አገሪቱ ላሉ ባለሙያዎች፣ ሰራተኞች፣ የልማት ጣቢያ ሰራተኞች እንዲሁም በዘርፉ ፍላጎት ያላቸው ተቋማት ወቅታዊ እና ከፍተኛ ጥራት ያለው ስልጠና በመስጠት የሃገራችንን የሆርቲካልቸር ዘርፍ የአቅም ግንባታን ለመለወጥ ያለመ ነው።

ከዚህም በተጨማሪ የሆርቲ-ካምፓስ የስልጠና ድህረ ገፅ ስራ መጀመር ኢትዮጵያ በሆርቲካልቸር ኢንደስትሪ የበለጠ ተፎካካሪ እንድትሆን ተጨማሪ አቅም የሚፈጥር ሲሆን በግብርና የሰው ኃይልን በመለወጥ ረገድ የዲጂታል ትምህርት ያለውን ተፅዕኖ እና የወደፊት እምቅ አቅም በመጋራት ረገድ ወሳኝ ሚና ይጫወታል።

የሰለጠነ የሰውሃይል በመፍጠር የሃገራችንን የሆርቲካልቸር ዘርፍ እንገንባ!

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Waltajjii HortiiCaampaasii: Leenjii Damee Hoortiikaalcharii Itiyoophiyaa Warraaqsu

Leenjii qulqullina qabu argachuun amma yeroo kamiyyuu caalaa salphaa ta’eera. Caamsa darbee kana ebbiifamee Hortii caampasiin, dhiibbaa guddaa uumuun, barattoonni 100 ol galmaa’an Leenjii ‘Fayyaa fi Nageenya Hojii’ fi ‘Itti Fufiinsa fi Kunuunsa Naannoo’ irratti dammaqinaan hirmaacha Jiru.

Waltajjiin eLearning kun leenjii qulqullina olaanaa qabu ogeessota Hoortiikaalcharii guutuu Ityoophiyaatti akka dhaqqabamu gochuuf qophaa’e.

Waltajjiin Hortiicaampaasii damee kana keessatti dandeettii fi Beekumsaa Maamiltoota dabaluun Warraqsaa Ummaa Jiraachisuu itti fuferaa.

Waltajjiin kun leenjii jijjiiramaa, baasii xiqqaa, yeroo fi qabeenya qusatuun hoggantoota fi ogeeyyiiwwanif ni kenna.

Waliin taane Egere Hoortiikaalcharii ni Jijjiraa!

https://horticampus.ehpea.org

Strengthening Ethiopia’s Floriculture Sector: Inception Report Validation Workshop on False Codling Moth (FCM)

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Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) , in collaboration with TradeMark Africa (TMA), successfully coordinated an Inception Report Validation Workshop with implementation led by CABI focused on building national capacity to combat False Codling Moth (FCM), a major phytosanitary threat to Ethiopia’s floriculture exports.

The workshop brought together 45 participants, including rose growers, EHPEA trainers, experts from Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) and the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA), along with representatives from the Netherlands Embassy and TMA technical teams. This diverse engagement highlighted the power of collaboration in safeguarding Ethiopia’s horticulture industry.

Key objectives included:

  • Validating the inception report,
  • Strengthening stakeholder engagement across the value chain, and
  • Defining a clear roadmap for implementation.

Discussions centered on harmonizing inspection protocols, improving monitoring systems, and equipping actors with tools and knowledge to comply with international standards.

The initiative will directly benefit rose growers, EHPEA trainers, and EAA experts through:

  • Capacity building for key personnel,
  • Systems approach assessments,
  • Development of SOPs for inspections, and
  • Introduction of FCM audit and check sheets for consistent monitoring.

This milestone underscores a shared commitment to advancing science-based solutions, quality assurance, and global market readiness for Ethiopia’s floriculture sector. EHPEA is proud to continue fostering partnerships that drive sector transformation and enhance export competitiveness.

EHPEA Launches Training on Reducing Avocado Postharvest Losses in Ethiopia

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The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) is actively promoting awareness about avocado postharvest losses through a series of training programs focused on a recent study titled “Assessment of Post-harvest Losses across the Avocado Value Chain in Ethiopia.”

In the most recent session, 71 horticulture extension experts from South and Central Ethiopia convened to explore effective strategies for minimizing postharvest losses and maximizing the export potential of avocados.

Ato Admasu Aweke, Deputy Head of the South Ethiopia Regional State Bureau of Agriculture and distinguished guest, emphasized the significance of avocados as a priority export crop for Ethiopia. He stressed the urgent need to tackle the alarming postharvest loss rates identified in the study, which range from 39% to 43%.

The training also highlighted the benefits of cluster farming as a means to boost productivity and improve market access. Participants were provided with detailed, actionable steps for attaining GlobalGAP certification, a crucial accomplishment for Ethiopian avocado producers. Achieving this certification will help them meet international standards, enhance traceability, and command better market prices.

Contact Info

Location : Micky Leyland Avenue on the Road to Atlas Hotel, NB Business Center; 6th floor; Room #603
Phone : +251 11 6636750
P.O.Box: 22241 Code 1000
Email: info@ehpea.org

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