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 HARVEST MONEY EXPO 2024 LAUNCH 

The finishing touches are being applied on this year's Harvest Money Expo, which is set to get under way on February 23 and run until February 25 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Uganda's capital Kampala.

Like with past editions, this annual agriculutural expo organized by Vision Group — now in its eighth edition — will bring under one roof all the key players in the agriculture value chain to showcase what they are doing.

"For seven years, we have had successful expos and the impact is there for all of us to see. This is the best organized agricultural exhibition in this country by far — and perhaps the region," said Vision Group chief executive Don Wanyama during the launch of the 2024 expo on Thursday.

"Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, with at least 60 per cent of Uganda's population involved either directly or across its value chain. It was in recognition of this  important sector that Vision Group decided to organize this annual event."

Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama

Wanyama thanked the partners and sponsors "who have joined us in this nation-building event despite the many challenges that we face at this time".

This time around, the launch of this year's Harvest Money Expo happened at the factory of animal feeds manufacturer Tunga Nutrition Uganda Ltd in Ntinda, where it was held in tandem with the launch of a feed mill at the facility.

WATCH: 'Agriculture backbone of economy'


The guest of honour of the double launch event was agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze, who CEO Wanyama thanked for being "a permanent fixture" at the Harvest Money Expos.

He also thanked the Netherlands Embassy in Uganda, "who have continued to support us on this journey — not just with finances, but also supporting the exposure of Dutch technology at the expo every year".

"Importantly, beyond the Harvest Money Expo, the Netherlands Embassy works with us on another related exercise, which is the Best Farmers Competition," said Wanyama.

"Today, if you are going to talk about agriculture and value addition, you must be able to talk about technology and that's why I want to use this opportunity to appreciate two of our partners as sponsors: ENGSOL and Tunga Nutrition - because they basically focus on the concept of technology and how that can be used to add value to agriculture.

"I want to appreciate you for signing up and I am very sure you are going to get value for money."

'Best expo in Uganda'

The Vision Group CEO also thanked expo sponsor National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) for coming on board for a second successive year.

"TechnoServe, your contribution to the agriculture sector is very much appreciated and now that you are sponsors, we want to commit as Vision Group that we are going to help make your work even much more pronounced.

"KOICA, you are welcome on board. The Korean government has been very supportive to the development of agriculture in Uganda and we are glad that through KOICA, you are joining us in the expo.

"To the sponsors who have signed up and to the exhibitors, including those who have not made up your mind yet, I want to assure you that this is the best agriculture expo in the land."

In his remarks, Wanyama made an appeal to this year's exhibitors:

▪️  "Ensure that you have the right information for the people who will be coming.

▪️  "Ensure that you have your brochures or catalogues, because from the past expos, we have learnt that after the first two days, people run out of literature yet people still want information. So, kindly make sure you are well-stocked with information so that the people who are coming are able to get as much information as they can get."

'27 training sessions'

"To the sponsors and exhibitors, if there is anything special that you want us to highlight, kindly get to our teams. Let us know if you have a special offer for our farmers or showgoers so that we support you in publicizing it," urged Wanyama.

"To the farmers and all the interested parties out there, we promise you a very sumptuous 'buffet' on February 23-25 in Kololo. We want to urge you to come and showcase."

WATCH: 'We promise you a sumptuous buffet'


"We are very keen on making sure that the showgoers get information, so, this year we are going to hold 27 training sessions, " said Vision Group boss.

"On top of what will be on display, we are also going to bring experts in different sectors of the value chain of agriculture and they will be training you and giving you expert information so that when you are able to go back to your farm or shop or other enterprise, you actually have good information to be able to support whatever you are involved in.

"As usual, I want to guarantee you that Kololo will be very secure. Have no worries, have no fears. Looking forward to seeing all of you in Kololo."

Vision Group's Joy Abo and Fiona Tamale

The entrance fee for each of the three days is sh10,000. If you want to get into the training sessions, you will pay an extra sh10,000.

Before Wanyama, Tunga Nutrition general manager Toochukwu Chido had warmly welcomed everyone for the delightful function.

He said the manufacturing company — which offers a range of products and services including concentrates, complete feed and minerals — aims at feeding the future.

Tunga Nutrition general manager Toochukwu Chido

It is a company that the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, Joost van Ettro, described as playing a significant role in Uganda's agriculture value chain.

He said that by rehabilitating and upgrading into a huge state-of-the-art feeds factory Tunga Nutrition is "targeting booming sectors in East Africa".

"The animal feeds sector is growing rapidly and animal feed is often expensive for farmers and the quality is suboptimal. So the construction of a factory in which high quality feeds will be produced in Uganda will address the big, growing demands and will combat some of the issues farmers are facing today in Uganda," said Van Ettro.

About the upcoming Harvest Money Expo, he said they are looking forward to participating again in "this strong tradition".

He said 14 companies coming from the Netherlands will be exhibiting alongside Dutch and Ugandan companies already present here and that there will be "a lot to learn, new connections to be made and co-operations to be started".

Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, Joost van Ettro

Meanwhile, Amb. Van Ettro said the European Union (EU) and its member states are organizing the Uganda-EU Business Forum scheduled for March 5-7 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The forum will be held around the theme of boosting trade and investment, with a focus on what Uganda can gain from the global getway. The areas of focus will be agribusiness, minerals, infrastructure & energy and digital tourism.

It will help create "opportunities for Uganda and European businesses to meet and create new business linkages," according the deputy ambassador.

"An important role of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Uganda is to make a contribution to Uganda's agricultural transformation process as laid down in the Vision 2040. This vision continues to guide our ongoing engagements in the sector.

He said the programmes they support in Uganda, including their food and nutrition security port folio, investment activities, the Harvest Money Expo and Best Farmers programme, "are well aligned to this government's vision and are a clear sign of our commitment to the agricultural transformation of Uganda".

'Farming creates wealth'

"The Netherlands Embassy believes that farming is a business, farming creates wealth and by investing in farming, family incomes increase, jobs are created, exports increase and profitable agribusinesses pay taxes and the entire economy booms," said Van Ettro.

"Identification of the niches for value addition to partnering with agriculture by implementing new technologies, processing products and upgrading inputs provides a lot of opportunities for Dutch companies to showcase their innovations and skills, and this is exactly what Tunga Nutrition is doing here.

"At the same time, Uganda and the rest of the world face a challenging period of post-COVID recovery, rising food prices and the impact of climate change. In response to climate change, Uganda has prioritized climate-smart agriculture. It has, for instance, focused on sustainable land management and irrigation."

He said it is these priorities that Dutch-supported projects, Netherlands institutions and businesses pay particular attention to, helping Ugandan farmers with the necessary adaptation to the changing circumstances.

In the wake of a challenging environment, the Dutch envoy rallied all stakeholders, including the government and policy makers and development partners and entreprenuers to join hands together to address the concrete challenges that Ugandan farmers are struggling with nowadays, including fake agricultural inputs, poor veterinary and sanitary standards, limited access to finance, and lack of value addition to primary products and post-harvest losses.

"If we join hands to face these issues, then investments like these of Tunga Nutrition will be even more successful and impactful.

"It is my belief that investments like these of Tunga Nutrition are a good example of what is needed to add value to primary products and bolster the agricultural transformation as laid out in Uganda's Vision 2040.

"The Netherlands Embassy is here to stimulate investments like this with advice, problem-solving activities and other support," said Van Ettro.

'Food, feed and forestry'

One of the things that excite agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze about the Harvest Money Expo is that "farmers get to hear testimonies and get networks."

In his remarks, he hailed Vision Group for "consistently prioritizing agriculture in their sector of development journalism, which touches the lives of almost 70-80% of our citizens".

He said that when he joined fellow agriculture minister at COP28 in Dubai, they discussed a wide range of issues, including the challenges of the value chain and balancing it with climate challenges.

"Our summary was like balancing three things: food, feed and forestry," he said.

"We need food, we need to feed the animals that also feed us and then we must ensure that the forest cover is there to continue supporting the biodiversity for the food and the feed.

"So, when we have platforms like Harvest Money Expo to discuss these issues in detail in a balanced way, I feel our work and my work as minister of agriculture is being done."

Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze

Legislation

"For animal feeds, we are making a law in Parliament. Please pique interest in it as stakeholders. Where you feel it is not serving you right, point out the areas of improvement," urged the agriculture minister.

"The reason why we came up with that law was to protect the consumer (farmers and animals), and to protect genuine investors so that not everybody can claim to be producing animal feed with any formulation or science or nutrition.

"Some people were not happy with the law and I would want to hear where the areas of discomfort are.

"It is now in Parliament. Parliament is an open space for everybody. If you express interest, you will go and meet the committee. Let me know if you have any difficulty; we will organize to meet with you and give your views before we can have it passed and signed by the President. Make sure you have your input there.

"Where we are proposing an unfavorable legislation, I will concede to your reform if it is logical and it can continue to guarantee our objective of creating a feed industry that is sustainable and safe for everybody."

'Mutually beneficial relationships'

The agriculture minister said the "revolution" Vision Group has caused has seen a rise in "many young educated people joining farming".

"People are investing in farming. Let's continue making the clarion call. Let's guide them and make it easier for them.

"Let's continue in our partnerships to continue to our messages that are simple for beginners. Everybody can be a farmer any time so long as you have land. But even the back of your house can also be your small garden.

"Different players are there at the different stages of the value chain. For an extensive farmer to benefit, we encourage to try and complete the value chain at the farm. That's how you benefit. But even if you are not, partner with other people genuinely.

"Value chain is the way to go. But the players in the value chain must build mutually beneficial relationships with each other so that nobody cheats the other.

"There are bigger margins at value addition," said Tumwebaze.

'Make them allies'

Tumwebaze, who thanked Vision Group for "complementing our efforts" as a ministry, was also full of praise of the Harvest Money Expo for "making sure that these practical conversations happen".

And his advice to processors: "Make the producers your allies. Don't deny them knowledge. They are not your rivals, you can all co-exist.

Dr Samuel Mugasi, the executive director of NAADS, said poultry is one of the biggest enterprises in Uganda, supporting many people, especially the youth. "So when Tunga Nutrition comes on board to provide a feed solution, it is a big achievement".

He said some of the challenges that poultry farmers face include fluctuating prices of feed and fake feed, which not only affects poultry performance but also messes up the entire value chain.

According to him, Tunga Nutrition "will help stabilize prices of feeds that will improve the nutrition of poultry, dairy and piggery.

NAADS executive director Dr Samuel Mugasi

"We thank Vision Group for helping us do our work," said Mugasi about the expo.

"This is a good platform for us to share information with our farmers across the country because the most important thing farmers need is information.

"So when New Vision partners with us and gives us a platform like this one, it gives us an opportunity to share information with farmers to enable them to make the right decisions as regards farming.

"As a country, we are happy to see the agricultural sector growing at an average of 4% per annum, which is quite impressive. And therefore, every effort that comes in to support this sector which employs over 70% of our people is a welcome effort.

"Agriculture presents an opportunity for employment, "and we are excited to see young people today picking interest in farming".

'Network of distributors'

The NAADS ED urged Tunga Nutrition to spread out its tentacles.

"We would like to encourage Tunga Nutrition to make sure you have a well laid out network of distributors to be able to reach the farmer in remote locations.

"The market is huge for you Tunga, the opportunities are immense and therefore we encourage you to spread out."

High value crops

"We are now talking about new high value crops that are emerging on the global market, such as Hass avocado, macadamia and cashew nuts, because of the need for us to diversify our exports base," said Mugasi.

"As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, we need to be able to understand the dynamics: which crops can do better where?

"For example, we are now appreciating that cashew nuts can do better in dry areas, where you can't plant coffee or tea. Therefore, we are encouraging Ugandans to begin to take on these new high-value crops to be able to take advantage of the growing markets globally.

Hass avocado is another example.

"The global market now stands at about $15 billion (about sh57 trillion), growing at a rate of 10% per annum. It may reach somewhere in the range of $30-40 billion (sh115-153 trillion) in the next 10 years or so," said the NAADS exective director.

"So, it is an opportunity for farmers in Uganda to think about Hass avocado, also because besides enjoying it as a fruit on the table, Hass avocado has a high oil content, and we are beginning to look at it as an alternative source of cooking vegetable oil.

"We are also promoting simsim (sesame), soy bean and sunflower so that we can achieve import substitution for vegetable oils.

"We are also talking about macadamia because of the need for us to diversify our export base as a country."

Vision Group Deputy Managing Director and Company Secretary Gervase Ndyanabo

Engineering Solutions (ENGSOL) has been a consistent sponsor of the Harvest Money Expo.

"We are quite delighted and very proud to be associated with Vision Group for the eighth time as you organize the eighth edition of the Harvest Money Expo. And as ENGSOL, allow us to assure you that we are just starting," said Med Mwiri, the company's head of sales and marketing.

"We don't have any event that brings together all key players within the sector that contributes a lot to the total employment of its population that is similar to what Vision Group has provided. We commend you and we thank you for this year.

Mwiri also congratulates Tunga Nutrition, saying "as players in the agricultural industry, we pledge to work closely with you so that we develop the sector further".

ENGSOL head of sales and marketing Med Mwiri

'Next level'

Mwiri said that unlike in earlier editions, farmers attending the expo now "come to learn and to buy".

"Increasingly, as we get on with this partnership, I have seen that the Harvest Money Expo has now become a big part of the calendar of our farmers in this country. Many farmers postpone purchases until the Harvest Money Expo to take advantage of the discounted rates.

"That means that whatever we do in this partnership, whatever Vision Group had as a mission, it has resonated well with the masses, with the farmers of this country.

"The challenge we have today as partners is how do we take this to the next level, and we are open as ENGSOL to sit down with you, discuss, see how best we can contribute again more to the industry but with the support and all the platforms that you are having as Vision Group."

Mwiri pesented a suggestion of recognizing the best performing secondary schools in teeaching agriculture as a subject as well as the best teachers that produce the best performers of the agriculture subject.

So passionate was he about the idea that he even pledged financial support to Vision Group for such a project to take off.

"Possibly this will help our young people to look at agriculture as not a last resort but as a backbone that we can base on  develop our country."

'30% discounts'

Meanwhile, at this year's Harvest Money Expo, ENGSOL will extend discounts of up to 30% on a wide range of items that will be provided.

"However these prices are only valid for the three days of the expo. If you want to benefit, then you must come to Kololo, be part of the expo and then buy from Kololo at the expo," emphasized Mwiri.

"As a company at this year's expo, we are looking at showcasing a lot of products that bring out the aspect of climate-smart agriculture. We are also looking at providing a platform where farmers can easily access knowledge and look at the return on investment associated with climate-smart agriculture.

"It's a new phenomenon that we have never done at the expo and I call upon all farmers in Uganda, all schools, fleet owners and contractors to come and embrace this expo," rallied the ENGSOL officials, also extending the clarion call to policymakers because "there is a lot in terms of policy directions that can be learned at the expo".

With three weeks left to the expo, a couple of first-time sponsors have come on board.

One of them is TechnoServe, a company that has operated in Uganda for more than 50 years and contributes to the eradication of poverty through agriculture, according to country director Juliet Kyokunda.

"We provide services at every node of the value chain," she said, adding they pay closer attention to smallholder farmers.

"We are excited to be part of this expo. In our campaigns, we have been trying to encourage the youth to join agriculture and we are seeing a big shift. These expos give them first-hand information.

"We feel this is a platform for them to learn more."

TechnoServe country director Juliet Kyokunda

Kyokunda believes the upcoming expo will highlight the role of partnerships in transforming the agricultural sector.

"We thank you, Vision Group, for giving us the platform and for giving people the platform to understand that agriculture is not for failures in school or for the uneducated, but that it's instead for those who have the skin to try the various innovations.

"We want to pledge that as TechnoServe, we will walk this journey with you. We are here to stay.

"At the expo, we will have a tent where we will talk about the various projects that we are involved in and the various services that we give," said the TechnoServe country director.

KOICA, the leading development co-operation agency of the Republic of Korea, is also on the list of sponsors for this year's Harvest Money Expo.

The official tag is KOICA & K-ABIC (Korea Agribusiness Innovation Centre).

During Thursday's launch, Paska Aporo, the agency's managing coordinator of the Uganda office, said K-ABIC was specifically established under a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of youths in agribusiness.

"We are having a five-year project funded by the Korean government in partnership with the Ugandan government through the agriculture ministry," she said.

The project is supporting youth across the country, targetting 4,000 youths aged 18-35 years from across northern, eastern, central and western.

The project is limited to young people "who are already engaged in agriculture but who need support".

KOICA & K-ABIC managing coordinator Paska Aporo

According to Aporo, the project's three focuas areas are;

▪️  Establishment of an innovation centre (incubation centre)
▪️  Capacity building of youth who are already in agriculture
▪️  Financial support

"We are open to partnerships," said Aporo.

KOICA is also encouraging young farmers to produce high-value crops.

"Young people have come out to ensure that they achieve in the line of agriculture. The limitation is usually at the last part of the value chain.

"We have come on board so that during the Harvest Money Expo, we are able to showcase, we are bringing on board our youths, the products will be there. Please bring us more money so that we can harvest more money.

WATCH: 'The best expo in the land'


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📸  More pictures from the launch

The Crane Performers warmed up the stage for the launch...

The venue was at the Tunga Nutrition premises in Ntinda....

Guests mingled as they waited for the function to get under way....

The entertainers did their thing...

Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama chatting with Tunga Nutrition general manager Toochukwu Chido...

The Tunga Nutrition team....

Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, Joost van Ettro (R)...

Vision Group Editor-in-Chief Barbara Kaija greets agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze upon his arrival, as Amb. Van Ettro looks on...

Anthems were played....

Later, after his remarks, minister Tumwebaze officially commissioned the Tunga Nutrition Feed Mill...

Group photo....

A gift presented to the minister before his departure.....

Interactions and networking....

ENGSOL's Med Mwiri and New Vision's Joshua Kato...

Vision Group's Head of Sales Hope Nuwagaba (L) poses for a photo with guests during the launch...