ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Tea and Coffee Authority (ETCA) announced plans to recognize the significant contributions of dedicated farmers and exporters in the coffee, tea, and spice sectors.
ETCA Director General Adugna Debela (PhD) briefed the media yesterday, stating that the recognition program aims to honor those who have excelled in producing high-quality coffee, facilitating direct sales to foreign markets, and achieving notable export volumes. The awards ceremony, themed “Our Coffee for Our Prosperity,” will take place on October 10, 2024.
“This program serves as a platform to reward those who produce and sell their coffee at high quality and prices,” Adugna explained. He noted that this year, countries that purchased substantial quantities at favorable prices will also be nominated for the award.
The event is expected to draw over 1,000 coffee families, fostering partnerships and cooperation among stakeholders and providing a platform for the business community to strengthen relationships.
Coffee represents 25-35% of Ethiopia’s agricultural exports, playing a vital role in the nation’s economic and social development. Adugna highlighted that Ethiopia ranks fifth in the world in coffee production, supplying 7-10% of the global market. However, he acknowledged that the country is not receiving its fair share from the coffee sector, despite impressive performance over the past five years.
To address this, the government is focusing on economic structural transitions by enhancing production and productivity while improving quality in the global market. Adugna referenced the recent “Cup of Excellence” competition, where a kilogram of coffee was sold for a record-breaking 103,000 Birr, significantly improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The upcoming awards ceremony by the ETCA not only celebrates the achievements of farmers and exporters but also highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing the coffee sector’s competitiveness and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for those involved, he remarked.
In the 2023/24 budget year, Ethiopia exported 300,000 tons of coffee, generating 1.43 billion USD in revenue.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2024
