Ethiopian Flowers, Exporters of Ethiopian Flowers
"This is a problem caused by the developed world, but we are paying for it in Africa," says Tsegaye Abebe, president of the Ethiopian Flower Producers' and Exporters' Association (EFPEA) told Capital this budget year the new firms engaged in the production of vegetables have contributed to the increased revenue from the sector. But the global recession was not included as part of the factors that may negatively affect the target. Mekonnen Abegaz, owner of Lafto Roses, agrees that there has been a significant impact on the sector, which was the highest income ever recorded in that sector." He said: "We expected the exports to grow since the new companies have started exporting new vegetable varieties. Most flower growers, farm equipment suppliers, breeders and sponsors expressed their delight, while others asked the Prime Minister and Girma Birru, minister of Trade and Industry (MoTI), Girma Birru, as well as the pain and difficulties that have been caused by recent developments in global economy. But Meles was not as direct as those at the EHPEA in outlining the kind of assistance the sector should get. Tefera Derbew, minister of Agriculture and Rural Development is authorised to enhance productivity and quality of the sector's products. Ethiopia flower, horticulture exports miss target But the positive figures belie a dramatic slump in demand for flowers as the flagship of an increasingly buoyant economy – the government says that in 2008 gross domestic product grew at just under 10 percent. But Tsegaye argues that it's the farms' own financial and farm management skill problems that caused the collapse. Mr. Tsegaye believes survival can be secured through a diversification of products to include herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and markets to reach Japan, Middle East, Russia, and the United States. "But that depends on the short and medium term being kind to us," he says. He said his organisation's immediate aim was to try and boost the quality and productivity of Ethiopia's flower and horticulture farms to the best in the world. By Aidan Jones | Contributor to