Uganda could take advantage of the niche market for organic products that exists in the United States of America. The African Growth Opportunity Act (Agoa) consultant, Ms Rosa Whitaker, said last week that the market would benefit Uganda significantly because of higher average prices for organic commodities.

"Although, the organic industry in Uganda is in a nascent stage, Uganda is Africa's primary organic producer, with more than 100,000 hectares of certified farmland, productive coffee, cotton, pineapples, bananas, sesame, dried fruits, and avocados," she said.

Whitaker is the president and chief executive of the Whitaker Group, a US consulting firm that facilitates trade, investment and commerce in Africa.

" Traditionally, Ugandan agricultural products are grown without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. Organic certification requires that farmland be verified free of pesticide use for a specified period of time," she said.

She said on average, consumers are willing to pay a premium of 10 to 25 per cent above non-organic product prices.

"The continuing strength of the organic market is a result of increased product penetration in the mainstream population and rising concerns over the health effects of pesticide and herbicide use," Whitaker said.

The growth of the organic sector is an integral part of Uganda's export driven development and poverty eradication strategy, which strives to take full advantage of Agoa. As part of this strategy, Uganda has placed a high priority on certification. The US is the world's largest market for organic products.

Statistics show that in 2001, 39 per cent of American households purchased organic products. Statistics also show that more that $10 billion of organic foods were sold in 2002, a 9 per cent increase from the previous year.

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