Zimbabwe: Government targets EU market for flowers

Following concerns raised by horticulture and floriculture farmers, the government of Zimbabwe has committed itself to re-engage the European markets and facilitate partnership and contract farming for local farmers, as well as offering financial support.

In an interview, Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said Government would soon facilitate workshops for farmers to be able to explore European markets and making policies that make the farming business viable. Deputy Minister Marapira said he would invite European companies so that they could interact with local farmers and facilitate contract farming and partnerships.

“We do acknowledge the fact that it is the responsibility of Government to ensure that horticulture and floriculture farming business is viable and economic. We are going to organise a workshop for the farmers to ensure that they explore the European markets. If they approach us, we can invite European buyers to come and interact with our local horticulture and floriculture farmers and form partnerships or even contract farming,” he said.

Floriculture accounts for at least 70 percent of the total value of horticultural exports and 30 percent by volume, which amounts to 14,500 tonnes. Most exports, spanning a season from mid-September to late May, are channelled to the Dutch auctions.

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