Situated in the highlands of southwestern Uganda, Canrose Uganda Ltd grows several agricultural crops, including cut flowers. The area's cool climate and fertile soils offer ideal conditions for floriculture, supporting the production of a wide variety of flowers. Currently, the farm operates on 5 hectares of land, with a strategic plan to expand to 30 hectares over the next ten years. In this article, Benet Byereta, Director of Canrose Uganda Ltd, shares insights into the advantages of the region, the flower varieties under cultivation, the distinguishing qualities of Ugandan-grown flowers, and the company's vision for building collaborative partnerships to drive sustainable, long-term growth.
How it started
Canrose Uganda began flower cultivation on a trial basis about ten years ago. "This allowed us to test the adaptability and establish baselines for hybrid flowers, particularly roses and standard carnations, in our region's cool climatic conditions," Byereta explains. Over time, the company realized that the region offered an opportunity to cultivate a broader range of flowers. "In Uganda, most flower farms are located near the shores of Lake Victoria, where the warmer climate favors the growth of Sweetheart roses known for their short stems and small to medium flower heads. While this location offers advantages like access to fresh water and proximity to Entebbe International Airport, Canrose Uganda Ltd, situated in the highlands of southwestern Uganda, benefits from a cooler climate that supports a much wider variety of flowers that realize a good offer on export market price. These include tea hybrids which have long stems and large flower heads, spray roses that feature a medium stem with at least four flower heads, standard/spray carnations, limonium statice, alstroemeria, and various summer flowers."
Regional advantages
On top of the cool climate advantages, which support the growth of a wide range of flowers, the fertile soils, fresh water bodies and good terrain land offers good potential for growth. The production trial is currently being conducted on a 5 ha land, but are planning to a full commercial level expanded to 30+ hectares within the first 10 years. And last but not least, the proximity of "Kanombe Airport" in Kigali is only a 45 minutes' drive from Kigezi/Ntungamo farm fields.
Floral characteristics
Benet Byereta highlights that Uganda's flowers, particularly those grown in the southwestern highlands, stand out due to several key characteristics. "First, the quality of our flowers is exceptional. The cool climate and rich soils of southwestern Uganda contribute to flowers with longer vase lives. Secondly, the region's diverse climate allows for the cultivation of a wide range of flower varieties. Lastly, flowers grown in Uganda are harvested at optimal times, ensuring maximum freshness and quality."
Competitive advantages
When discussing the competitiveness of Ugandan flowers, Byereta emphasizes two major advantages: proximity to key markets and lower production costs. "Uganda's location provides relatively short transportation times to European and Middle Eastern markets, reducing costs and ensuring the freshness of the product. Moreover, compared to some other flower-producing countries, Uganda's labor and production costs are highly competitive."
Sustainability and direct trade
Uganda's flower farms, including Canrose Uganda Ltd, are increasingly adopting sustainable farming practices, which appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, many farms, including Canrose, offer direct trade opportunities, enabling buyers to connect directly with growers and benefit from reduced costs. "These factors make Ugandan flowers an attractive option for buyers seeking high-quality, fresh, and sustainably grown blooms"
Target markets
Canrose Uganda Ltd focuses on export markets in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. The farm will cultivate a wide variety of flowers, with the specific mix tailored to market demand and customer specifications. "We will also be creating pre-arranged bouquets to meet our customers' needs."
Future of Uganda's flower cultivation
According to Benet Byereta, the future of Canrose Uganda Ltd and the broader flower cultivation industry in Uganda is highly promising. With significant growth potential, the company aims to attract partnering investors and increase flower production and export earnings, which will simultaneously create valuable job opportunities and contribute to the economic development of local communities. "As the industry evolves, advancements in farming practices and technology will continue to improve the quality and variety of flowers produced, further enhancing Uganda's competitiveness in the global flower market. Additionally, Canrose Uganda Ltd is focused on building stronger partnerships with investors, buyers, and other stakeholders, fostering greater collaboration and increasing international market competitiveness. As the company grows, it will become a key contributor to Uganda's agricultural sector, generating higher foreign exchange earnings and positively impacting the national economy. Through careful planning, sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts, Canrose Uganda Ltd, alongside the Ugandan flower industry, is poised to thrive and leave a lasting impact on the country's agricultural landscape."
Partnerships
Canrose Uganda Ltd is open to collaborative partnerships and flexible arrangements, Benet Byereta notes. "We are prepared to draft new company agreements or negotiate terms that align with the interests of our partner companies or individual investors, ensuring mutually beneficial collaborations. Our plan is to establish partnerships with interested investors, with investments scheduled in phases to meet international standards. Once the partnership is secured, we will develop a comprehensive final project plan, outlining the specifics of our joint venture."
For more information:
Benet Byereta
Canrose Uganda Ltd
Email: [email protected]
Phone/Whatsapp: +256772454615
www.canroseugandaltd.com