The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) recently organized a study tour to Thailand for a delegation of seventeen members. The group, comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, EHPEA, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, and the Agricultural Transformation Institute, aimed to learn from Thailand’s successful horticulture investment sector.

During their visit, the delegation explored the legal, operational, and marketing frameworks that underpin Thailand’s horticulture industry. They studied incentive schemes, market infrastructure, and agro-logistics services, all of which are essential for a thriving horticulture value chain. Additionally, the delegation gained insights into the collaborative efforts between research centers, universities, and producers in driving innovation and improving productivity.

Key areas of focus included understanding wholesale markets, retail segments, consumer behavior, organic farming models, the seed industry, and the integration of ecotourism with horticulture. The lessons learned from these areas will inform decision-making and strategic planning as Ethiopia strives to enhance its own horticulture sector.

By studying Thailand’s experiences, Ethiopian stakeholders can identify bottlenecks and develop effective strategies to promote horticultural investments and improve market access for Ethiopian products.