TAHA rolls out scheme to boost horticultural exports to UK

TANZANIA: IN a groundbreaking move set to transform Tanzania’s horticultural landscape, a leading industry player has rolled out a strategic initiative that will boost crops’ exports to the United Kingdom.

This is aimed at further pumping a great amount of foreign currency into the economy, especially by positioning the horticultural exporters at a level, where their business will flourish.

In implementation, Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) in partnership with the Tanzania High Commission in the UK, with support from Trademark Africa (TMA) has launched the initiative dubbed, “Horticulture Exports Accelerator Programme.” Making the revelation during the launch in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, TAHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jacqueline Mkindi further said the premier exports is strategically crafted to assist both emerging and established businesses in the business.

She added that it will ensure adherence to international standards while facilitating seamless market access to the UK and Europe at large.

“This ambitious initiative is geared to not only complement the government’s efforts in acquiring foreign currency, but it will significantly boost the horticultural exports to roomy UK market” said Dr Mkindi. It is understood, the programme is part of TAHA’s scheme to reinforce the government’s campaign of stimulating horticultural exports to be able to fetch significant foreign currency to the economy.

In March 17, 2023, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Dr Mkindi as among the members of the Presidential Food and Agriculture Delivery Council (PFADC), where among others, she was tasked to spur horticultural exports to boost the country foreign currency reserve.

Eligible companies operating in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, focusing on the export of raw or processed horticultural products, including but not limited to, fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, cut flowers and cuttings, have up to July 20, 2024 to apply for the opportunity, TAHA said.

The programme benefits include business-to-business (B2B) engagement, supply chain and traceability enhancement, certification and standards support, capacity building, trade missions and exhibitions, financial linkages, official recognition and support from the government.

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UK’s broad and lucrative market recently opened its gates wider for local exporters, owing to London’s approval of duty-free exports for horticultural and other commodities, a move that is expected to be a jackpot for the local farmers.

According to official data, Tanzania’s horticultural exports to the UK have experienced a steady rise from 2019 to 2023, achieving a total export volume of 11,520 metric tonnes valued at 87 million US dollars.

TAHA’s Chief Development Manager Anthony Chamanga reported that exports saw a modest increase of 130.75 metric tonnes between 2019 and 2020, an uptick of 10.8 per cent.

The period from 2020 to 2021 saw the most notable growth, with exports almost doubling.

“Tanzania’s horticultural industry has firmly established itself in the UK market, exporting substantial quantities of avocados, cut flowers, bitter gourd and green beans,” observed Mr. Chamanga.