MITOOMA, November 26, 2024 – Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has urged coffee farmers in Uganda to embrace registration in order to ensure that their green beans continue to be exported to the European Union [EU] market, following the introduction of the EU Deforestation Regulation [EUDR].
Speaking to members of the Mitooma Coffee Processors and Marketing Cooperative Union at Bitereko Church of Uganda in Ruhinda North Constituency recently, Tayebwa explained that the EUDR came about due to pressure from coffee consumers in Europe, not the Ugandan government. He stressed the importance of early registration for farmers.
“The issue of registering farmers did not come from the government. It is driven by foreign consumers who are pressuring us to comply. If we don’t register our coffee, the price per kilogramme will drop from Shs 15,000 to Shs 4,000, as we will lose access to the EU market,” he said.
Tayebwa revealed that negotiations are ongoing with the EU to request an extension of the registration period, allowing all coffee farmers in the country time to register.
“We are fighting a battle in Brussels to ensure they extend the registration period. Starting in January, any coffee that is not registered will not be allowed into Europe,” he added.
He also noted that the registration process would extend to all products exported to international markets, urging Ugandans to embrace the change. This includes crops like cocoa, cattle, palm oil, and timber.
“For example, countries like Ghana and Nigeria are registering all cocoa farmers. Even cocoa grown in Bundibugyo district will need to be registered if it is to be sold in the European market,” Tayebwa explained.
He called on leaders of the Mitooma Coffee Processors and Marketing Cooperative Union to expedite the construction of a coffee factory to enable greater value addition, which could lead to higher earnings for farmers.
“Last year, Italy, which does not grow coffee, earned US$ 2.5 billion from the coffee trade, while Uganda, which grows coffee, earned only US$ 863 million. Let’s work with the government and large companies to build factories, so we can add value to our coffee and farmers can earn more,” Tayebwa said.
The Deputy Speaker pledged Shs 200 million towards the construction of a coffee factory, highlighting that Uganda is losing money due to the lack of value addition. He pointed out that a kilogramme of Ugandan roasted coffee in Italy sells for Shs 150,000.
Tayebwa also urged Union leaders to secure sufficient capital to address the financial constraints faced by farmers, so they are not forced to sell their coffee prematurely.
“We will also need to introduce a bylaw to penalise farmers who sell coffee during the flowering stage,” he added.
He encouraged farmers to collaborate and learn from one another to improve the quality of their coffee, making it more competitive in international markets.
Additionally, Tayebwa advised farmers to prepare for the distribution of coffee seedlings that the government plans to provide across the country.
“The government is planning to distribute 20 million coffee seedlings to farmers. We also aim to assist farmers with fertilisers, as this is one of the key ways to improve the quality of our coffee,” Tayebwa said.
Juliet Bashiisha Agasha, the Mitooma district Woman Member of Parliament, called on Tayebwa to advocate for irrigation support to help coffee farmers increase production, especially during the dry season.
Henry Rukundo, a coffee grower from Mitooma district, suggested that soil sampling be done for farmers to determine the best types of coffee trees to plant and the most suitable fertilisers to use.
Charles Barigye, Secretary Manager of the Union, mentioned that the Union consists of six primary cooperative societies: Bitereko Coffee Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd. [Bitereko Subcounty], Kiyanga Coffee Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd. [Kiyanga Subcounty], Kanyabwanga Coffee Growers & Traders Cooperative Society Ltd. [Kanyabwanga Subcounty], Rutookye Town Council Coffee Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd. [Rutookye Trading Centre], Kigyende Coffee Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. [Kigyende Subcounty], and Rwoburunga-Kagati Coffee Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd.
https://thecooperator.news/ucda-registers-170000-coffee-farmers-in-two-weeks-in-bid-to-meet-eudr/
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