Business - September 3, 2024

35 Billion Earmarked for Coffee Farmer Registration

Christine Namatumbwe September 3, 2024

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35Bn EARMARKED FOR COFFEE FARMER REGISTRATION

The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) is set to register coffee farmers nationwide, a move aimed at aligning with the European Union’s new regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR).

The EUDR, enacted by the European Parliament, mandates that coffee exported to the EU must originate from land where no deforestation has occurred since 2020.

Speaking during a media breakfast meeting held in Kampala, Gerald Kyalo, the Director of Development Services at UCDA, emphasized that compliance with this regulation is crucial for maintaining access to the lucrative European market.

To meet the EUDR requirements, UCDA will implement a comprehensive coffee traceability system, which involves mapping coffee gardens and recording precise coordinates to ensure that the coffee can be traced back to its origin.

Kyalo highlighted that UCDA will invest approximately 35 billion shillings in the installation of this traceability system. This investment aims to enhance the monitoring of coffee quality and ensure that the product meets international standards.

“The registration and traceability system are critical steps in securing market access for our coffee producers,” Kyalo stated. “We urge all farmers to participate in this registration process to safeguard their market opportunities and contribute to sustainable coffee production.”

Samson Emong, the Country Manager, Cafe Africa says Uganda’s coffee does not cause deforestation.

“Uganda coffee doesn’t contribute to deforestation, the only problem is that we can’t provide data within the EU parameters,” he said.

Emong is part of the task force discussing matters regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

“The EUDR is a law that we agree with. We should be able to conserve the environment. The access and maintenance of the EU market is important to us,” he added.

The European Union’s new regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) comes into effect on 31 December 2024.