(Kampala) – Uganda has sent its first ever shipment of Hass avocados to Spain, a step hailed as a significant achievement for the nation’s agricultural sector and its global trade ambitions.
On November 19, 2024, a container of fresh Hass avocados valued at $40,000 (approximately UGX 147.7 million) was flagged off from Kampala to Spain. This milestone export was led by Avotein Farms Ltd, with backing from the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS), a government agency under the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Lira District Woman MP and chairperson of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, Linda Agnes Auma, officiated the ceremony. She emphasized the potential for Hass avocados, often called “green gold,” to transform Uganda’s agricultural economy and urged farmers to expand their production to meet the growing global demand.
| Export Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Export Product | Hass Avocados |
| Destination | Spain |
| Export Value | $40,000 (~UGX 147.7M) |
| Export Method | By Sea |
| Spearheading Entities | Avotein Farms Ltd, NAADS |
Auma highlighted Uganda’s vast but underutilized fertile land and revealed plans for a Contract Farming Bill aimed at attracting investors. The proposed law, if enacted, will allow investors to enter into agreements with local farmers, specifying the quantity and quality of produce for export.
NAADS Executive Director, Dr. Samuel Mugasi, noted that Uganda has been producing Hass avocados for years, but much of it has been exported indirectly through neighboring countries. “This is a historic day. For the first time, we are exporting our avocados under Uganda’s flag,” he said.
Brenda Katarikawe, the markets director at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), called the development a “significant milestone.” She explained that while traditional avocado exports to the United Arab Emirates have been ongoing, this shipment to Europe signifies a new chapter in Uganda’s agricultural exports.
PACEID chairperson and senior presidential advisor on special duties, Odrek Rwabwogo, described the export as a critical step towards positioning Uganda as a major player in the international export market. “This achievement symbolizes our ability to deliver high-quality, sustainably grown products. It represents economic gains for farmers, increased foreign exchange earnings, and stronger trade ties with Europe,” he remarked.
Rwabwogo also stated that this milestone aligns with PACEID’s strategic goal of increasing Uganda’s export earnings to $6 billion by 2028.
| Key Figures and Goals | Details |
|---|---|
| Avocado Shipment Value | $40,000 (~UGX 147.7M) |
| 2028 Export Target | $6 billion |
