Uganda has marked a significant milestone in its agricultural sector with its first-ever Hass avocado export to Spain.
On November 19, 2024, a container of fresh avocados valued at $40,000 (approximately UGX 147.7 million) was shipped from Kampala to Spain, a southwestern European country at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The groundbreaking export was spearheaded by Avotein Farms Ltd, with support from the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS), an agency under Uganda’s agriculture ministry. The container was flagged off by Lira District Woman MP and chairperson of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, Linda Agnes Auma.
Auma, who officiated the event, encouraged farmers to increase Hass avocado cultivation to capitalize on the lucrative global market for what is often referred to as “green gold.”
“We have a huge acreage of land that is unutilised, though very fertile. However, the majority of our farmers don’t have the financial capacity to produce Hass avocado as required for exports. So, we have just finalised working on a Contract Farming Bill that will enable us to attract many investors to come and have contracts with our farmers who have land,” Auma stated.
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She added that if processed and passed, the proposed law would allow investors to specify the quality and quantity of produce they require for export, enabling farmers to meet international standards.
NAADS Executive Director Dr. Samuel Mugasi highlighted that while Uganda has been producing Hass avocados for some time, much of it has been exported indirectly through neighboring countries.
“And it is exported with flags of our neighbouring countries, but we have today (Tuesday) begun exporting our own avocado bearing our Ugandan flag,” Mugasi said.
Brenda Katarikawe, markets director at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), emphasized the significance of this step for Uganda’s agricultural exports.
“Currently, we are selling a lot of our traditional avocado in the United Arab Emirates, but this breakthrough into Europe marks a significant step in the direction of the growth of not only avocado but many other agricultural exports,” she remarked.
Odrek Rwabwogo, PACEID chairperson and senior presidential advisor on special duties, also expressed optimism about the achievement, calling it a monumental step toward positioning Uganda as a leader in global exports.
“The export of this container signifies more than just economic gain. It is a testament to Uganda’s ability to compete on a global scale and deliver high-quality, sustainably grown products. These avocados represent the promise of a better future for farmers, increased foreign exchange earnings for the country, and strengthened trade ties with Europe,” Rwabwogo stated.
He further noted that the accomplishment aligns with PACEID’s vision of boosting Uganda’s export earnings to $6 billion by 2028.