Executive Update
Where did the last 3 months go? Had every intention of getting these Newsletters out bi-monthly this year but here we are 3 months past March and into July! When I started writing this update for the Newsletter I spoke of balmy winter days and how little Zimbabweans could complain about the weather, but the frost of the past 2 weeks has taken those words right off my page!
A few of our members took advantage of the training offered by COLEACP during May and June. I’ve had great feedback from a member who attended the training on Food Safety - GlobalGAP Standard (Modalities and Checklist) she mentioned that even though she’s been carrying out GlobalGAP training and implementation for her organization for years she found the course very stimulating and learnt a lot on the course, even gaining tips that as a trainer she can use to make her trainings more engaging. So members, please do take advantage of these free trainings on offer by COLEACP.
HDC has had some success in our objection to RBZ Monetary Policy recommendations, after follow-up with The Governor RBZ approval was granted for horticulture producers to settle foreign loans prior to surrender requirements. Understandably this has given some relief in a very difficult environment. HDC has also been approved under the RTGS fuel facility for agriculture for our members to purchase fuel in RTGS. We are currently finalising with Trek Petroleum on the roll out of this facility and will shortly advise members of the process. We continue to raise awareness on the disincentive and detrimental effect to Horticulture of the 60:40 retention rate.
Engagements with Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement (MOLAFWFF) on the Ease and Cost of Doing Business for Horticulture continue. Priority on behalf of Zimbabwe Berry Growers Association being for duty and VAT free importation of substrate used in Blueberry Production. Presentation has been made to the joint committee of MOLAFWRR and Ministry of Finance and Economic Development wherein HDC submitted a priority list of incentives for Horticulture, highlighting this. We await Treasury approval of this and continue to engage.
The Citrus Growers Association of Zimbabwe, breathed a hefty sigh of relief at the removal of citrus from the Final Fruit Tree Priority List for the Rural Horticulture Transformation Plan under the Horticulture Growth and Recovery Plan. This highlights the vital role that private sector plays in supporting Government who have recognized and acknowledged the need to protect a massive industry from the pest and disease pressures that citrus faces and have successfully overcome for over 100 years through research and in following findings and recommendations. Thus protecting the Zimbabwe and SADC citrus industries. HDC is now working with CGAZ and stakeholders to implement the Rapid Assessment Tool to ensure continued access to the EU market and will see the updating of all citrus legislation in Zimbabwe. This is being piloted on citrus but will need to be rolled out to all sectors exporting to the EU.
Trade fairs taking place this year. We’ve widely disseminated information on MacFrut in Rimini Italy, taking place from the 7th to the 9th September, in partnership with the Italy Zimbabwe Friendship Association, Zimtrade are offering incentives for members to participate in this fair. For further information please contact Zimtrade.
Zimbabwe will be taking part in the Dubai Expo 2020 from October 2021 to April 2022 and in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, HDC will be working with Zimtrade and sector representatives to ensure that Zim Horticulture is well represented at this. Please see below further opportunities for your business and be sure to be a part of one of the biggest global trade fairs of the year. Wage negotiations held last week saw general agriculture agreeing to a 23% increase and Horticulture a 24%, neither parties agreed on effective date and these negotiations are still underway.
Gold Trade Membership
There are many benefits of becoming a Gold Trade Member of HDC.
Becoming a gold trade member entitles you to the following:
Targeted Advertising on HDC website
On our website, we have a page that is dedicated to our gold trade members. On this page, we have the logos of all our gold members which will take visitors directly to their website. Our gold members are also given the opportunity to post articles on our blog. These articles can be used to raise awareness of their particular products and/or certain issues which are relevant to the horticultural sector. This is an excellent opportunity for the members to market themselves.
Quarterly newsletter acknowledgement
Our gold members are also offered advertising in our quarterly newsletter. Our newsletters are sent to many different stakeholders, meaning they reach a broad audience. This is another great opportunity that members can take advantage of. If a gold member wishes to submit an article in our newsletter, please contact us.
Ability to host, sponsor and talk at field days
When HDC holds field days, our members will be given the opportunity to host, joint sponsor (i.e. speakers) or present themselves. This provides a platform that allows members to promote their brand and create visibility. Additionally, when gold members host their own field days, HDC is able to send out a notice to its contacts or share it via social media.
Supplier newsletter adverts sent out to HDC member
list If any of our gold members have their own newsletters which they would like to share with a larger audience, as HDC, we will email to our database. Similarly, HDC can do this with advertisements of their products.
Reduced cost to take part in trade shows where possible
In some cases, we may be able to offer our gold members cost reductions for them to participate and/or exhibit in trade shows.
Hortiforum
On the 22nd of June, we held our second quarterly Hortiforum which was aimed at providing an interactive experience with stakeholders. The theme for this Hortiforum was "A virtual tour of Zimbabwe Horticulture".
During the Hortiforum, The Green Impact Center, represented by Bram de Vries gave a presentation on who they are and what they have to offer. We took a virtual tour of horticulture, showcasing the production process of citrus, avocado and peas. Viewers were then able to ask the representatives of the different sectors any questions which they had.
Lastly, we were joined by guest speaker, Mr. Wian Mouton from Fall Creek nursery in South Africa who presented their nursery and discussed how their nursery assists blueberry producers in Zimbabwe. If anyone needs more information on this, please get in contact with us.
Our Next Hortiforum will be held before the end of November. The exact date will be advised.
Dubai Expo 2020
Zimbabwe will be participating in the Dubai Expo 2020 from October 2021 to April 2022.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement in collaboration with HDC cordially invites you to participate. The Agricultural sector will be exhibiting and showcasing its offering during the month of February 2022.
The Expo theme is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.
Our theme is “Zimbabwe, the land of great people” and the sub-theme is “Zimbabwe is open for business”
The Opportunities for the Horticulture Sector
Explore New Markets Visitors from 192 countries with an estimated 15 million visitors
Participate in The Zimbabwe Agribusiness forum, participants from the UAE and other countries anticipated
Attract investment to expand your operation in our deal room (projects to be submitted in advance)
Showcase your products and get international exposure at the largest expo in the world
Exhibit at Expo through physical goods, flyers and digital media
Conferencing facilities and exhibition space will be covered. Air travel and accommodation to be self-funded.
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