Eyeing the huge potential of the sector, the government of Ethiopia recently made available 6000 ha of land for horticulture in Alage, Arbaminch, Awassa and Bahirdar.
The sector has shown exponential growth, generating 300 million USD in the year 2017 from export. Apart from contributing economic development, the sector created job opportunities for over 200,000 people of whom 85% are women.
Currently, Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) member farms are exporting different varieties of flowers, such as Standard Roses, Spray Roses, Hypericum, Alstroemeria, Veronica and Gypsophila to USA states New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Los Angeles, and Miami.
In order to accelerate the export capacity, new developments have been seen within the past two years. The newly built cargo terminal-II by Ethiopian Airlines covering a total area of 150,000 m2 gives a total tonnage capacity of around 1m per annum together with terminal-I. It also includes a dry cargo terminal warehouse, a perishable cargo terminal with cool chain storage, making it the largest in the continent of Africa. Ethiopian Airlines announced that it started direct flights to Chicago three times a week, which makes it the 4th destination in the USA.
In furthering market access and business linkage through participation in international trade fairs, EHPEA is going to participate in the IFE Exhibition this year for the fourth time. A collective of different varieties of flowers from member farms will be displayed in the stand number 4758 under its exhibiting name Origin - Africa Ethiopia. EHPEA is looking forward to meeting buyers, growers, input suppliers and learn about new technology at this two-day expo.
For more informa
tion
International Floriculture Expo
www.floriexpo.com