The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, has officially designated 33,000 hectares of land for commercial developers to address persistent land supply bottlenecks in the horticulture sector. The initiative is designed to significantly expand cultivation capacity and strengthen the nation’s agricultural export output over the coming year.
Speaking during a press briefing regarding farmer recognition certifications, EHPEA Executive Director Tewodros Zewde stated that land availability challenges were substantially resolved over the past month. He noted that the newly allocated plots feature unprecedented access to essential infrastructure and are strategically located near key logistics hubs to streamline domestic transport and international shipping.
Sector leaders project that commercial farming and export operations on the new land will commence within the next twelve months.
Currently, approximately 150 private investors are actively operating within Ethiopia’s horticulture industry, which plays a pivotal role in generating foreign exchange and driving rural economic growth across the country.
The association also underscored the imperative of adhering to evolving international trade standards, as global buyer nations implement stricter regulations concerning biodiversity conservation and fair compensation for producers. EHPEA confirmed it is actively supporting local growers to satisfy these mandatory quality certifications and maintain competitiveness in international markets.
By resolving land supply issues while simultaneously working to align local production with stringent global environmental standards, stakeholders aim to foster sustainable expansion across the sector. The joint effort reflects Ethiopia’s broader strategic focus on maximizing its agricultural potential while adapting to global market expectations.
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