Uganda: belgium demands ugandan beans

Farmers in Mbarara have received a lifeline boost after they secured an unlimited market in Belgium for organically grown beans.
Under the Mbarara District Farmers Association (Mbadifa), exports of the Kahuura bean species will commence in May 2008.
"We have already signed the contract with buyers in Belgium, farmers can produce whatever amount of quantity and it will be bought as long as it's the required type and organically grown," Mr Patrick Byaruhanga, the vice chairman of Mbadifa said during a press briefing on August 27. Mr Byaruhanga said the farmers will start growing the beans this September to breed more planting seed for the next planting season in February 2008.
The association is currently registering farmers who want to participate in the bean project and will also provide training for best practice. Planting and harvesting will be monitored by Uganda's organic products certifying organisations like the National Organic Agriculture Movement and the Uganda Organic Certificate.
The association started in 1992 and has 7.000 members. Mr Byaruhanga said through the association, member farmers have acquired skills in modern farming practices which has brought food security in their homes.
He also said the Belgium market would provide an opportunity to farmers to transform their lives from largely depending on subsistence to commercial farming.
The association is also in advanced stages to offer cheap loans to its members and build silos for storage.