UCDA encourages farmers to pick only ripe cherries
Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has announced the reopening of all primary coffee factories in the Greater Mukono, Greater Luwero, and Busoga regions, effective Wednesday, 11th October 2023.
These factories had been temporarily sealed to facilitate the natural ripening of coffee cherries at the farms.
In a media statement dated October 10, 2023, UCDA urges coffee traders, farmers and processors to adhere to coffee regulations.
“Specifically, they are required to harvest only ripe cherries, implement proper post-harvest handling practices and hull well-dried coffee to ensure high-quality coffee production and comply with the Coffee Law,” Laura Walusimbi, the UCDA Corporate Communications Manager, says.
According to UCDA, as of October 11, 2023, coffee farmgate prices ranged between Shs3,600 and 4,100 for Kiboko while FAQ was selling Shs7,500-8,000.
Arabica Parchment was selling at Shs8,400-9,000 while Drugar (Clean) stood at Shs8,000-8,300.
It’s important to note that farmers who add value increase their share of the final market price of coffee significantly.
