Meeting sustainability standards in the Ugandan flower sector (en)

In 2013, Uganda exported 6.7 million kilograms of roses and the sector employed around 6,000 workers. There is an increasing need for the country’s flower industry to grow roses and other cut flowers in a sustainable manner, as a growing number of customers are seeking sustainably sourced flowers that meet international standards. ITC is working with the Carbon Foundation of East Africa to undertake a comprehensive product-carbon-footprint exercise to help Uganda’s flower exporters meet international standards and secure market access. The aim of the project is to enable flower exporters to meet emerging market requirements and to contribute to the development of a cost-effective business model to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in the flower supply chain.

After working with flower farms in Uganda, ITC designed training programmes to assist producers to assess their carbon footprint, develop a business case for corporate social responsibility and launch a distinctive ‘Uganda Flower Exporters Association’ brand for wholesale and retail marketing.