Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (July 18, 2024) – A high-level consultative workshop was held at Haile Grand Hotel to validate the 10-year draft National Horticulture Strategy. Organized by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the event brought together key stakeholders including government officials, private sector representatives, and industry experts.

The strategy aims to address critical challenges hindering Ethiopia’s competitiveness in the global horticulture market. A team of experts from various government agencies, research institutions, and industry associations contributed to developing the draft strategy under the leadership of Agriculture Minister Dr. Girma Amente.

The Minister emphasized the vital role of the horticulture sector in food security and foreign exchange generation during his keynote address. He called upon attendees to actively participate in refining the strategy to ensure its effectiveness.

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights and recommendations. Participants discussed challenges in horticulture development and marketing, proposing solutions to enhance the sector’s performance.

EHPEA, which has been advocating for a national horticulture strategy, expressed satisfaction with the progress made. The association believes that the strategy will be instrumental in unlocking the sector’s full potential.

The validation workshop marks a significant step towards realizing Ethiopia’s ambition to become a leading horticulture exporter.