| As part of a rural development strategy, high-value agriculture and horticulture have been successful exports for African countries, particularly when diversified into nontraditional products such as cut flowers or prepacked vegetables. In this presentation, organized by the Africa Region Sustainable Development Department’s Knowledge Network at its headquarters in Washington, DC, on January 9, 2006, advisers from a Dutch horticultural consulting firm, VEK, discussed the particular needs and requirements of European Union markets for African agricultural exports.
Patrick Labaste, Lead Agricultural Economist for the Bank, introduced the topic and speakers. Ronald Thoen, VEK adviser from Holland, began with a discussion of export opportunities. He noted that there are African exports to Europe of vegetables and fruits that have increased steadily, but he also commented on the constraints placed on growers by the market. Thoen also commented on ways for transporting goods to Europe, including new ports and improvements in sea transport. His fellow adviser, Hans de Vette, discussed a few case studies for successful horticultural export, including Ethiopian flower growers, and the reasons for their success.
Audience members questioned the presenters about how the European market has evolved, the hope for smaller producers, the importance of infrastructure, and competition with South America and Asia.
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