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Fruit and flower farmers to reap from Sullivan Summit
2008-04-09 09:32:51
By Adam Ihucha, Arusha
Horticulture farmers in northern Tanzania are set to take advantage of the forthcoming Sullivan Summit to showcase their potential in the industry.
Sullivan Summit VIII, ``The Summit of a Lifetime,`` will take place in Tanzania`s safari capital from June 2 to 6, this year.
It is expected that this year's Summit will stimulate, generate and drive business, tourism and development towards Africa like never before.
``We are currently doing whatever is possible to grab the opportunity offered by Sullivan Summit to showcase Tanzania\'s horticultural industry,`` said Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) Executive Director Jacqueline Mkindi.
Mkindi said in an interview recently that expectations are so high that players in the industry look forward to securing considerable orders after the Summit.
She said that farmers are currently compiling necessary information on the potential to invest in the industry and will soon put up exhibition podiums at Nane-Nane grounds in Njiro suburb,10kms south-east of the municipality.
The horticulture growers will also use the Summit to persuade prospective investors from America into joint venture arrangements.
``We hope Sullivan Summit will be the right gathering to attract investors into horticultural industry in the country`` commented Mkindi.
TAHA is a fast growing organisation with 48 members, which earns the country over USD45m per year, and employs more than 10,000 people.
Horticultural production started in Tanzania in the 1950s, but substantial exports to Europe began in the 1970s.
Exports of vegetables commenced in the 1970s increasing significantly in volume after the year 2000, while the first cut flower farm was established in 1989.
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