"Ethiopia's lucrative horticulture trade could stumble as exporters transfer rising production and research and development costs to their products, potentially discouraging international buyers", warn experts at the Ministry of Agriculture.
"The cost of horticulture research and production arising from the global energy crisis is making horticulture products expensive. Exporters are transferring these additional prices to end consumers. As a result, international horticulture consumers are being discouraged," reads the Ministry's horticulture development and marketing strategy.
Officials plan to expand the use of GMOs in horticulture farms as part of their plans to boost exports and productivity. Ethiopia has thus far relied on foreign support, such as importing improved avocado seeds from Israel, in a bid to cut down on the extra costs.
The strategy notes that demand for Ethiopian horticultural products such as avocado and strawberries is growing substantially. However, officials see room for improvement.
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