The Produce Export Development Alliance (PEDA) has urged Nigerian farmers to capitalize on the $1.5 billion global horticulture export market to generate foreign exchange.
The Chief Executive Officer of PEDA, Adetiloye Aiyeola made this appeal during the organization’s relaunch event in Lagos over the weekend. He emphasized that both farmers and investors should focus on cultivating produce that can be exported, as Africa currently contributes only 4 percent to the global horticulture export market.
“The global horticulture market is valued at approximately $1.5 billion, but Africa’s share remains minimal,” Aiyeola pointed out.
He further explained that PEDA’s mission is to help farmers unlock the full potential of the international horticultural export market, which remains largely untapped. This, he noted, is primarily due to poor standard compliance by many farmers and agribusinesses.
“Our goal is to create connections between various horticultural stakeholders, including farmers, agribusinesses, logistics providers, and service facilitators, in order to bring about significant changes in the food value chain,” he explained.
He added that PEDA aims to leverage its international network, to assist agribusinesses in strategically accessing foreign markets.
Aiyeola highlighted that PEDA is committed to facilitating business growth through trade missions, events, and other opportunities for networking. The organization also plans to focus on providing essential training to farmers regarding agricultural policies and production standards.
According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria earned a total of N20.56 trillion from agricultural exports in the first nine months of 2024, reflecting the enormous potential for farmers to profit from global trade.
Aiyeola added that one of the organization’s key goals is to ensure that farmers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet international market standards, which is critical for expanding export opportunities.
Also speaking, Olufemi Oladunni, the Executive Director of the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), emphasized Nigeria’s vast potential for agricultural production.
He stated, “Nigeria has fertile and arable land capable of feeding not only our 200 million people but also meeting the needs of the global market.”
He called on farmers and agribusinesses to focus on producing not only for local consumption but also for international export, stressing the importance of adhering to global market standards.
Oladunni further urged Nigerian farmers to ensure that their products are safe and healthy, ensuring they meet the quality requirements necessary for successful exportation.
Meanwhile, Jane Omojokun, CEO of NUGATA Consults Limited, also stressed that for Nigeria to lead in agricultural exports, it is essential for farmers to adhere to international export standards. She pointed out that this process must begin at the farm level.
The relaunch of PEDA, which was formerly known as the Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN), was attended by around 30 agribusiness professionals and farmers from across the country.
The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global agricultural export market.
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