What are organic products? An organic product is any crop, livestock, or processed item produced using organic agriculture principles on land where prohibited substances have not been applied for the previous 3 years. The acceptable agricultural principles under the Uganda Organic Standards (UOS) emphasize the use of cultural, biological, and mechanical methods that encourage resource recycling, support ecological balance, and protect biodiversity. In practice, this means organic farming should improve or sustain soil and water health, while safeguarding natural habitats such as wetlands, forests, and wildlife. The standards strictly prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Defining Organic Certification Organic certification is the process of confirming that a farm or business follows the Uganda Organic Standards, which then permits them to market, label, and sell their products as organic. These standards...

Uganda is rich in agricultural potential, and the global demand for its fresh fruits and vegetables continues to grow. However, before you can start exporting, you need to go through an official registration and approval process. This guide breaks down everything you need to know , especially if you're new to export procedures or unfamiliar with Uganda’s regulatory institutions. ✅ Step 1: Register Your Company with URSB Before anything else, you need to register your business entity with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) . URSB is the official government body that handles business name registrations, incorporation of companies, and issuance of legal business certificates. You can register online via the URSB   e-Services Portal Alternatively, you can visit URSB offices across the country, including the head office at Georgina House, Kampala Road , for in-person support. 💡 Registration costs are minimal. For example, registering a business name starts from U...

Repeating avoidable marketing mistakes is the reason many farmers unknowingly sabotage their profits not because they lack hard work or experience. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a new entrant, here's a breakdown of the most common errors and practical ways to sidestep them. 10. Chasing Unrealistic Goals Without Clear Benchmarks The Mistake:  You always say you aim to “sell at the highest price possible” But when prices rise after a sale, you feel disappointed saying you could have waited a bit and catch that high price. The Fix: Establish a realistic financial target. For example, this season I want 400 million from my coffee enterprise. You can also consult your financial advisor or professional in this regard to be very specific. 9. Operating Without a Solid Marketing Plan The Mistake:  You always hear experts cautioning farmers to have a Marketing plan but here you are, you do not know what a Marketing plan is. This is why crisis hits you unaware always. The F...

Aflatoxins are a  hidden but deadly threat  in many of the foods we consume daily. The issue goes beyond farming, it’s a  public health crisis , an  economic burden , and a  development challenge .  Today, let us shed light on what aflatoxins are, the foods most affected, how and where they develop, and the serious health and economic consequences they carry. Most importantly, we’ll dive deep into the root causes of aflatoxin contamination. What Are Aflatoxins? Aflatoxins are toxic chemical compounds produced by certain types of fungi:  Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus . These fungi thrive in warm and humid environments and contaminate a wide range of food and feed products. The term "aflatoxins" is derived from Aspergillus flavus toxins . There are four major types: B1, B2, G1, G2 , and two additional derivatives:  M1 and M2  which are commonly found in animal products like milk, resulting from animals consuming contami...