Ugandan farmers have stepped up efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and expand export opportunities through an international learning visit to the Netherlands as part of the Agri and Horticultural Trade Mission.
On April 14, 2026, Group 2 of the delegation—comprising farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and officials—visited Rijk Zwaan, a leading global seed and vegetable breeding firm, as part of Day 2 of the mission.
The delegation was led by the Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation, Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, together with Ambassador Beatrice Pacunega.
Rijk Zwaan is a globally recognised Dutch company specialising in the development of high-quality vegetable varieties and the supply of improved seeds to growers worldwide. In Uganda, the company works through its partner Holland Greentech, which has been operating for over 12 years, supporting farmers with access to improved seed technologies.
The visit aimed to expose Ugandan farmers to innovative agricultural practices, value addition techniques, and global market dynamics affecting horticultural exports. Delegates engaged with experts at Rijk Zwaan to understand how advanced seed systems and modern farming technologies can improve yields and product quality.
According to organisers, the broader objective of the trade mission is to enhance agricultural productivity, promote value addition, and increase Uganda’s exports to European markets. The adoption of improved seeds and modern agronomic practices is expected to boost both the quantity and quality of agricultural produce.
Officials noted that insights gained from the visit will be shared with farming communities in Uganda to support knowledge transfer and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
The mission is part of ongoing efforts to integrate Uganda’s agricultural sector more fully into global markets, while improving competitiveness through innovation and strategic international partnerships.
