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20 May 2011
Unit:
LEI
 From 23 to 25 March the International Horticulture & Floriculture Trade Exhibition HortiFlora Ethiopia Expo was held for the 4th time in Addis Ababa. More than 20 countries participated in the event. The number of exhibiting companies exceeded 100 and the number of trade visitors was almost 1,500, of which around 300 came from abroad. LEI participated on behalf of Wageningen UR. The Hortiflora has proven to be a great opportunity to create visibility in the horticulture sector and to identify the needs of the private sector.
Together with Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (JUCAVM), the Department of Horticulture, Education and Competence Studies Group (WUR-ECS) and PTC+, LEI is working on capacity building for the Horticulture sector in Ethiopia. There is an increasing need for a sufficient supply of well-educated and practice-oriented staff for various levels in the horticultural value chain. By meeting this need, the NUFFIC-supported programme helps make Ethiopian horticulture profitable, sustainable, dynamic, reputable and compliant with national and international markets and legal requirements.
The production conditions in Ethiopia enable the cultivation of virtually all tropical, sub-tropical and temperate horticultural crops. From a mere agronomic point of view the potential for fruit and vegetable production and exports is consequently enormous.
Participation in Fairs like Hortiflora by national and international key actors has stimulated the linking and learning and will further enhance the capacity of Ethiopia to remain a key player in the floricultural and horticultural industry.
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