 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
USAID Information:
External Links:
|
|
|
|
|
USAID Helps Uganda's Roses Break Into the U.S. Market For The First Time
Shipment Arrives During February's Busy Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2006
0222-06-017
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
WASHINGTON DC - Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that Rosebud LTD, a Ugandan company, delivered its first shipment of 500,000 roses to the United States earlier this month, just in time to arrive for the floral industry's busy season in February. Rosebud LTD, already Uganda's largest flower producer, has confirmed orders for a variety of roses from now through May 2006, exported to the Miami-based Orange Flower Connect.
Through targeted technical assistance, USAID has assisted Ugandan flower exporters with U.S. entry regulations, export documentation, and certification of origin. This support has been provided through the USAID-funded SCOPE project, Strengthening the Competitiveness of Private Enterprise, which aims to enhance Uganda's efforts in being competitive in the global market. In addition, SCOPE has helped the Uganda Flower Exporters Association draft a business competitiveness plan for the entire industry.
"This is a perfect example of the U.S. commitment to Africa," said Lloyd Pierson, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa. "Through our expertise, USAID is building partnerships to create sustainability and drive economic growth. This is a remarkable step for Uganda, and we are glad to be a part of the progress."
Flower exports from African nations enter the U.S. market quota and duty free under the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade legislation, which helps African companies gain access to the global marketplace. Floriculture is Uganda's fifth largest export earner, and it is estimated that every direct job in the flower industry supports five individuals. For Ugandans, this newly tapped U.S. market has great potential to increase incomes and improve livelihoods, especially for women, who make up 60-80 percent of workers on flower farms.
The SCOPE project also helps form collaborative, public-private sector groups to create business plans and marketing strategies for the development of competitive firms and industries. In addition, USAID mission activities in Uganda have been instrumental in building the floral industry in-country. Currently in Uganda, 36 varieties of roses are commercially grown. USAID/Uganda's Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program works with flower producers on new growing practices, private-sector investment, training in post-harvest controls, and pest management programs.
Read more about USAID's work in reviving the horticulture industry in Uganda by linking to Telling Our Stories at http://www.usaid.gov/stories/uganda/ss_uganda_fhlflowers.html.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
Back to Top ^
|
RSS Feed for Recent USAID Press Releases
