The National Organic Agriculture Policy

THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY DECEMBER 2019 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Plot 14-18 Lugard Avenue, Entebbe P.O Box 102, Entebbe Uganda THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Plot 14-18 Lugard Avenue, Entebbe P.O Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda DECEMBER 2019 4 i THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 4 i THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY FOREWORD The agriculture sector in Uganda engages more than 85% of the total population and its contribution to GDP is over 24%. The sector continues to gradually transition from subsistence to semi-commercial operations. The transformational change constitutes a departure from the traditional system of producing food for family consumption and production outside the market structure to market-led commercialized production. While the sector development strategies follow provision of inputs and services towards higher productivity, ensuring self-sufficiency and export promotion, there is an increasing desire to harness comparative advantage offered by Uganda’s unique and diverse physiography and environmental conditions. Organic Agriculture is one such option in which Uganda has unique strengths. This policy document comes at the most opportune moment when Uganda is preparing its third National Development Plan (2019/20 – 2024/25) and the third Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan. The policy thrusts from this document will help the Ministry to prioritize and integrate organic agriculture in the two National Planning Frameworks as well as allocate resources to ensure its sustainable implementation. We appreciate and acknowledge the contribution of MDAs, private sector, development partners and other non-state actors for their valuable technical, financial support and time during the development of this policy document. Special thanks are extended to NOGAMU for providing the framework for increased coordination and mobilisation of the smallholder farmers towards collective marketing. Particular thanks also go to the development partners that include but not limited to UNCTAD, SIDA, SDC , HIVOs , Organic Denmark as well as CSOs like PELUM Uganda , UFCVP and ACSA to mention but a few. I appeal to all Ugandans to embrace this Organic Agriculture policy and actively participate in its implementation. This will help Uganda to become a Country with environmentally clean food production systems. ………………………………………………………………………… Hon Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja (MP) MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES ii iii THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CAADP Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme CAC Codex Alimentarius Commission (of FAO/WHO) CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CDO Cotton Development Organization CONSENT Consumer Education Trust DSIP Development Strategy and Investment Plan EAOPS East African Organic Products Standard EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms IA Integrated Agriculture IFOAM International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements INM Integrated Nutrient Management IPM Integrated Pest Management ITPGR International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources JAS Japanese Organic Agricultural Standards LEIA Low External Input Agriculture MAAIF Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries MDGs Millennium Development Goals MFPED Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development MUK Makerere University Kampala NAADS National Agricultural Advisory Services NARO National Agricultural Research Organisation NARS National Agricultural Research Systems NDA National Drug Authority NDP National Development Plan NEMA National Environment Management Authority NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development NOGAMU National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda NOP National Organic Program (of the USA) NPA National Planning Authority ii iii THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY OA Organic Agriculture OFO Organic Farmer Organizations PEAP Poverty Eradication Action Plan PFA Prosperity for All PMA Plan for Modernization of Agriculture RA Regenerative Agriculture TA Traditional Agriculture TPM Top Management TRIPS Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (WTO Agreement on) UBOS Uganda Bureau of Statistics UCDA Uganda Coffee Development Authority UEPB Uganda Export Promotion Board UgoCert Uganda Organic Certification Company Limited UIA Uganda Investment Authority UMU Uganda Martyrs University - Nkozi UNBS Uganda National Bureau of Standards UNCST Uganda National Council for Science and Technology UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFFE Uganda National Farmers Federation USA United States of America USD United States Dollar WHO World Health Organization WTO World Trade Organization iv v THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY CONTENTS Foreword............................................................................................................ i ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS................................................................... ii 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1 1.1 Organic Agriculture .......................................................................................1 1.2 Organic Agriculture Sub-sector in Uganda.....................................................2 1.3 Principles of Organic Agriculture................................................................3 1.4 Problem Statement......................................................................................4 1.5 Scope............................................................................................................5 1.6 Policy Formulation Process.........................................................................5 2 SITUATION ANALYSIS....................................................................................7 2.1 Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework...................................................7 2.2 National Policy Framework..........................................................................7 2.3 International and Regional Agreements on Organic Agriculture .............9 2.4 Profile of Organic Agriculture in Uganda .................................................11 2.5 Issues and Challenges .............................................................................13 2.6 Justification...............................................................................................14 3. POLICY STRATEGIC DIRECTION..................................................................16 3.1 Targets of the Policy Goal ........................................................................16 3.2 Target Groups............................................................................................16 3.3 Guiding Principles......................................................................................17 3.4 Vision..........................................................................................................17 3.5 Mission.......................................................................................................17 3.6 Goal............................................................................................................17 3.7 Specific Objectives ...................................................................................17 3.8 Expected Outcomes and Benefits.............................................................18 4. POLICY PRIORITY AREAS AND STRATEGIES ..............................................20 4.1 Priority Area 1: Enhance Research, Technology Development and Dissemination............................................................................................20 4.2 Priority Area 2: Promote Organic Agriculture Education and Training...20 iv v THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 4.3 Priority Area 3: Enhance Organic Agriculture Production and Technology Support ......................................................................................................21 4.4 Priority Area 4: Post Harvest handling, Storage and Value addition.......22 4.5 Priority Area 5: Standards, Certification and Accreditation.....................22 4.6 Priority Area 6: Market Development and Promotion..............................23 4.7 Priority Area 7: Sustainable use of Natural Resources and Conservation of Indigenous Knowledge..........................................................................24 5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES............................................................................25 5.1 Capacity for Organic Agriculture Growth..................................................25 5.2 Gender Equity, Youth Participation and HIV and Aids Awareness..........25 5.3 Climate Change..........................................................................................26 5.4 Land Use....................................................................................................26 6. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS..........................................................28 6.1 Institutional Framework.............................................................................28 6.2 Enforcement of Organic Agriculture Activities and Investments............28 6.3 Role and Responsibilities of Stakeholders...............................................28 7. COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY STRATEGY..........................................33 8. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS ....................................................................34 8.1 Cost of the Policy .....................................................................................34 8.2 Sources of Funding....................................................................................34 8.3 Sustainability of Funding Organic Agriculture..........................................34 9. ACCOUNTABILITY, MONITORING AND EVALUATION...................................35 9.1 Accountability Mechanism........................................................................35 9.2 Monitoring..................................................................................................35 9.3 Evaluation...................................................................................................35 10. POLICY SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES.........................................................36 GLOSSARY........................................................................................................37 vi 1 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY vi 1 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 1.0 INTRODUCTION Agriculture is a primary sector that serves as the main source of livelihood and provides employment to about 66% of Ugandan population. The agriculture sector is a significant contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) — 24.5% — while being critical for food and income security. Achieving food and nutritional security and alleviation of poverty continues to pose a formidable challenge for the Government of Republic of Uganda (GoU). To address this challenge, Government through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries and key stakeholders emphasizes both conventional and organic agriculture systems to enhance agricultural production. Over the last decade, the global production and trade in Organic Agriculture has been expanding exponentially. The unfolding market opportunities globally especially in the developed countries of Europe and North America, shifts in consumer preferences to safe and hazard free organic food, increasing consciousness about conservation of the environment as well as health hazards associated with agrochemicals are some of the major factors for the growing interest in Organic Agriculture. Uganda’s agriculture system is by default largely organic due to the very minimal use of external inputs like inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. The use of chemical fertilizers is among the lowest in the world while the use of plant protection chemical is highly regulated. This situation presents a huge potential to promote Organic Agriculture, both for increased and sustainable food production to safeguard food security as well as for enhanced income for the farmers. The priority and challenge for the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries is to meet the national self-sufficiency while keeping the agriculture systems largely organic. 1.1 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which aims to avoid the use of synthetic and harmful pesticides, fertilizers, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives to reach a long term goal of sustainable production of crops and animals. Organic Agriculture systems rely mainly on alternative farming methods such as crop rotation, mechanical cultivation; use of animal and green manure; and integrated pest management to maintain healthy soil; grow healthy plants; and control pests and weeds. Overall Organic Agriculture aims to promote, propagate a competitive and sustainable organic sub sector that contributes to: i. Better farm incomes and sustainable livelihood; increased farm productivity, reduced expenses on external farm inputs, and reduction of poverty in the rural areas; 2 3 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY ii. Improved health of farmers, consumers and the public in general, environmental protection, enhanced soil fertility and farm biodiversity, reduced pollution and destruction of the environment as well as prevention of further depletion of natural resources; and iii. Disaster risk reduction and resilience to climate change, improved resiliency to disaster risks and climate change vulnerabilities caused by human interventions and naturally induced hazards. 1.2 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE SUB-SECTOR IN UGANDA Agriculture has been and continues to be the most important sector in Uganda’s economy in terms of food and nutritional security, employment, income, raw materials for industry and exports to regional and international markets. Globally, Uganda is believed to be one of the organic countries. There are 58 million hectares under Organic Agriculture and Uganda has only 262,282Ha. In Africa, Uganda is second to Tanzania with 268,729 ha in organic agricultural land (World of Organic Agriculture Report 2018). Worldwide, in terms of number of organic farms, Uganda occupies fourth position after Italy, Indonesia and Mexico. With 210,352 certified farmers, producing 115,062 tons of organic produce, Uganda is one of the countries with the highest comparative advantage for organic production in Africa. The size of certified farms ranges between 0.5 ha and 4 ha. The number of certified farms represents about 1% of the total amount of agriculture land in the country. Some of the factors that favour organic farming in Uganda compared to other East African counties include: (i) adequate land and water for agricultural production, (ii) high potential for increasing production and productivity, and (iii) high export potential for organic products to regional and global markets. The value of organic produce globally is estimated at USD 15.6 billion as of 2016. Even with its vintage second position with the number of organic farmers, Uganda meets less than 5% of the global organic market. Organic Agriculture contributes approximately USD 50m accounting for 17.1% of the value of agricultural exports which currently stand at USD 291.2m per annum ((MoFPED, 2017/18). The global trading environment and demand for organic produce in Europe and the United States of America provides a clear impetus for stimulating Organic Agriculture in Uganda. The Country has a huge potential for producing food crops (including fruits), cash crops (including coffee, tea, and cotton), as well as organic livestock to meet the increasing global demand for Organic products. Uganda has the potential to put over 500,000 ha of land under Organic Agriculture and certify over 500,000 farmers once the sub sector is better regulated and facilitated. This would see Uganda’s volume of organic produce increase from the current 115,062 Mt to 210,000 Mt. 2 3 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 1.3 PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Organic Agriculture is a holistic is a holistic production management system, which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including bio-diversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. The system covers both certified and uncertified food systems and the activities follow four basic principles that are derived from the working definition of Organic Agriculture as provided for by Codex the Alimentarius Commission. The four principles that underpin Organic Agriculture are explained below: 1.3.1 The Principle of Fairness This principle observes that those involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness to all parties and at all levels - farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers. Organic agriculture should provide all individuals involved in it with a good quality of life, and contribute to food sovereignty and reduction of poverty. This principle insinuates that animals should equally be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that are in harmony with their physiology, natural behaviour and well-being while natural and environmental resources that are used for production and consumption should be managed in a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in trust for future generations. 1.3.2 The Principle of Ecology This principle restates that production should be based on ecological processes and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. Organic Agriculture should fit the cycles and ecological balances of nature and organic management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and scale. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of materials and energy in order to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve resources. 1.3.3 The Principle of Health The principle of health emphasizes the fact that the health of individuals and communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems - healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people. The purpose of Organic Agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil to human beings. Specifically, Organic Agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to preventive health care and well-being 1.3.4 The Principle of Care This principle restates that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns 4 5 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY in management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Although science is necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge which offer valid solutions, tested over time should be adopted. Practitioners of Organic Agriculture may enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this should not be done at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being, care must always be taken. 1.4 PROBLEM STATEMENT Uganda has two major agricultural productive systems both advancing the sector’s contribution to food and nutrition security; economic growth and development. These are organic agriculture and conventional agriculture. With one of the lowest inorganic fertilizer application in the world, most Ugandan farmers are subconsciously practicing organic agriculture albeit the knowledge of its science. The Low production and productivity of Organic Agriculture prevails in most production systems that smallholder poor farmers operate. The current increases attained in Organic Agriculture production have been due to increased population and not productivity. This has increased pressure on natural resource base and ecosystem services yet the policies and programmes on Organic Agriculture - environment interaction are weak or weakly enforced. Although Uganda has a huge potential, its participation in Organic Agriculture export market is very limited because of the strict sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements of the export markets, low levels of production and quality, and the poor condition of the infrastructure that increases marketing costs. While there are concerted efforts from all fronts to enhance productivity and competitiveness, external forces are threatening sustainability of the gains already achieved. Present Organic Agriculture production practices are unable to meet high standards of safety and quality set by both the domestic and export lucrative niche markets. Smallholder systems that produce the bulk of Organic Agriculture products experience capacity challenges in adapting and responding to changing consumer demands and market conditions. Both public and private investments remain insufficient in research in emerging issues of Organic Agriculture product safety and quality. Organic seed, planting materials and herbicides previously provided by the State have been gradually privatised with decrease in funding. As a consequence, services and state regulatory functions have declined in quality. Agriculture extension services, although being revitalized are still generally weak and ineffective. Although there is an increase in the use of high quality seed and animal breeds of high genetic potential, disease incidences and feed scarcity and quality present challenges to realising 4 5 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY increased productivity. Productivity enhancing technologies exist but their uptake is still low due to the inadequate capacity of the producers and traders. There are challenges in availability of quality data and information for planning interventions in the Organic Agriculture sub sector. Existing production, processing and marketing and consumption data and information are often estimates from unstructured observations and the local knowledge of extension workers. Agricultural extension services apply limited scientific approaches to data collection, analysis and in survey sampling techniques. Uganda has a low frequency of agricultural censuses and surveys, raising general concerns over data reliability. Consequently, the data available is often less informative for planning interventions and policy decisions. As a result, Uganda’s Organic Agricultural products cannot access and maintain prime domestic and global markets leading to reduced incomes to farmers and other actors along the value chains, stagnation of the contribution of the sub sector to the national economy while the jobs created along the Organic Agriculture value chain have continued to decline. 1.5 SCOPE The interest in organic agriculture in Uganda is growing because it requires less financial input and places more reliance on the natural and human resources available. For effective promotion of Organic Agriculture, identification of potential production areas and crops is crucial. The Government of Uganda strategy is to promote Organic Agriculture for crops having market potential like fruits, vegetables, spices, cotton, coffee, tea, oilseeds, organic livestock, etc. Potential areas for promotion of Organic Agriculture include 1) the rainfed areas where fertilizer and agro-chemicals consumption is already very low; 2) areas under rainfed farming with little irrigation support; and 3) areas with moderate to heavy use of fertilizer and pesticides, mostly multiple cropped areas. 1.6 POLICY FORMULATION PROCESS A consultant was hired to undertake an in depth review of relevant policy documents on the national agriculture sector in order to put in perspective the past and present situation of the country’s Organic Agriculture sub sector. Stakeholders in the agriculture sector including MDAs, development Partners, training and research institutions, private sector, civil society and non-governmental organizations, Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and representatives of different stakeholder groups in the agriculture value chain including producers, traders, and consumers were identified. Representatives of these stakeholder groups participated in the consultative processes leading to the formulation of the National Organic Agriculture Policy (NOAP). Several Agriculture Sector Working Groups (ASWG) workshops were conducted to generate 6 7 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY constraints and challenges affecting Organic Agriculture production and formulate strategies to address the identified challenges. Crosscutting and cross sub sectoral issues were also tackled and addressed. The outcome of the workshops and the consultations formed the basis for formulating a draft NOAP document. The draft Policy document was then circulated to stakeholders for their inputs and comments after which four validation workshops were held to generate a consensus on issues to be detailed in the Organic Agriculture policy. The NOAP was then subjected to the approval processes through the recognized approval structures including the senior and Top Policy Management Committees of MAAIF, the Cabinet Secretariat and the Cabinet of the Republic of Uganda. 6 7 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 2.0 SITUATION ANALYSIS 2.1 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK Over the years, a number of policies and legislation have been developed and implemented by Government to explicitly support Organic Agriculture. This gesture would ideally seem to indicate significant political Will to move Uganda towards becoming an organic Country. In practice, however, the drive to meet the food and nutrition security targets based on conventional agriculture that involves the use of inorganic external inputs has prevailed. 2.1.1 National Legal Framework Objective XXII, sub sections (a) and (c) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda restate that the State shall – “take appropriate steps to encourage people to grow and store adequate food”; and “encourage and promote proper nutrition through mass education and other appropriate means in order to build a heathy State”. One such appropriate means of building a healthy state is promotion of Organic Agriculture. There are a number of other legislations that promote the development of Organic Agriculture sub sector in Uganda. Key among these include: the Cattle grazing act (CAP.42); Animal Disease Act (CAP. 38), Control of Agricultural Chemicals Act 2006; Fisheries Act (CAP 197); Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003 (CAP.246); Land Act (16) National Environment Act (CAP.153); Plant Varieties Protection Act (CAP 244); Prohibition of grass-burning decree; Public health Act (CAP 281); Water Act (CAP 152); Wild life statute (14); Food and Drugs Act (CAP. 278); Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act (CAP 327); the National Agriculture Research Act (2005) among others. 2.2 NATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK The Vision 2040 – prioritizes agriculture as one of the key sectors that will propel Uganda from a predominantly peasant and low-income country to a competitive upper middle income country by 2040. While the sector development strategies emphasize provision of inputs and services towards higher productivity, ensuring self-sufficiency and export promotion, there is increasing recognition and desire to harness comparative advantage offered by Uganda’s unique and diverse physiography and environmental conditions. Organic farming is one such options. The National Development Plan (NDP II) identifies agriculture as one of the key productive sectors driving Uganda’s economy. Organic agriculture is one of the farming systems for developing an economically and environmentally sound ecosystem to improve the living standards of farming communities while sustaining vital ecosystem services for the millions of Ugandan people now, and for the future. 8 9 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY The Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan (ASSP 2015/16 – 2019/20) - articulates priorities and investments in the sector that will spur growth. Organic Agriculture is one of the key priorities that have been identified in the Plan to produce safe and healthy food for local consumers as well as for export to other markets. The rural development strategy – places emphasis on increasing production and productivity of selected commodities; adding value to farm products; and ensuring a stable market for agricultural products. Promotion of Organic Agriculture aims to unlock alternative livelihood opportunities, promote more sustainable and efficient use of natural resources and protect the environment with a view to increasing agricultural production, resilience and poverty reduction among the Ugandan people. In addition to the above national policy frameworks, other policies that relate to Organic Agriculture include:  The National Agriculture policy (2013) – the overarching national agriculture policy which aims to increase production and productivity; value addition and competitiveness to Uganda’s agricultural products. The policy framework also provides for the development and implementation of other commodity and/or sub sector specific policies for purposes of providing detailed guidance to those sub sectors. The OA policy is formulated in line with this aspiration.  National Environment Management Policy (2009) – aims to protect and provide measures to sustainably utilize important natural resources including land, water, wetlands, forests, fauna and flora for the benefit of the present and future generations.  The National Land Use policy (2014) – provides for the sustainable use of land to meet the agricultural, urbanization, habitation and other environmental development needs of the present and future generations. Organic Agriculture promotes maintenance of soil fertility, and reduced use of external inputs.  Food and Nutrition policy (2003) – emphasizes promotion of organic farming to produce safe and healthy food for local consumers as well as for export to other markets as a panacea for a productive population.  National Fertilizer Policy (2016) – provides for use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers to increase soil fertility with the aim of increasing production of agricultural products to sustain the domestic and international market demands. Organic Agriculture promotes multifaceted benefits of organic fertilizers including production of safe food, reduction of 8 9 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY environmental contamination, maintenance of soil fertility, and reduction in the use of external inputs.  National Fisheries and Aquaculture policy (2018) – aims to enhance fish production for food and nutrition security, ii) improve livelihoods of fishing communities, iii) accelerate and sustain the Fishery sub sector growth, and iv) promote sustainable management and utilization of water resources. While most stakeholders are generally aware of OA, this understanding is limited to crops and horticulture; stakeholders virtually have limited or no understanding of the implications of going organic in the fisheries sub sector. This policy shall promote stakeholder awareness on organic fishery.  National Delivery of Veterinary Services Policy (2003) - prioritizes a sustainable increase in the production of live animals and livestock products including milk, meat as well as by-products such as butter, casein, cheddar cheese, skimmed and whole milk powder. Critically absent from the current organic agenda is a framework and guidelines for an organic livestock and poultry and associated sub sectors such as feed, fodder, and veterinary medicine. The livestock sub sector contribution is still limited to farmyard manure and the biogas and bio-digester slurry as organic inputs. This policy shall promote livestock management strategies which are particularly critical for climate-smart agriculture – including improved pasture and grassland management, rotational grazing which aim to regenerate vegetation and restore degraded land.  National Agricultural Extension Service Policy (2016) – restates that extension services effectively and efficiently contribute to increased and sustained production and productivity of the country’s agricultural value chains including Organic Agriculture value chains.  National Seed Policy (2018) – ensures access and utilization of quality seed to increase agricultural production and productivity. About 95% of the country’s seed need is met through the informal sector managed by the farmers which is entirely organic. The dilemma has been the inability to mobilize and take advantage of these organic seeds for the promotion of organic crops and varieties for value addition and product development. This policy shall promote varieties for value addition, multiplication and commercialization. 2.3 INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL AGREEMENTS ON ORGANIC AGRICULTURE The UN, including UNEP, UNCTAD, ILO, FAO, UNGA, the Interagency International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development 10 11 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY (IAASTD) Report, and the Special Rapporteur to the UN on the Right to Food, as well as numerous peer reviewed scientific studies acknowledge the role and importance of Organic Agriculture for food and nutrition security, employment generation, environmental protection, social and economic wealth, peace and security. The Rio+20 Declaration, emphasizes that the agriculture of the future needs to be multifunctional; addressing the three dimensions of sustainable development - social, ecological, economic. It emphasizes the need for transformation of the agriculture and food systems as well as the need to carry out national assessments that will inform new agricultural and food policies that address the main shortcomings of the present conventional food systems and lays out the ground for the paradigm shift to Organic Agriculture food systems. Rio+20 acknowledges that ecological organic agriculture systems, informed by the science of agro-ecology can achieve the multiple goals of sustainable development. These include resilience to climate change and volatile markets, improving the quality of food supply and environmental, social and economic health and increasing livelihood and job security. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The National Agriculture policy is in line with the SDGs which commit Member States globally to 1) end poverty in all its forms (Goal 1); 2) end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition as well as promote sustainable agriculture (Goal 2); and: 3) protect, restore, promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss (Goal 15). Organic Agriculture has the capacity to achieve all the three Goals. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) The Convention on Biological Diversity which stems from the Conference on Environment and Development – advocates for safeguarding the biodiversity of the world’s main habitat types (forests, agricultural land, dry-and sub-humid lands, oceans and coastal areas, inland waters, mountains and islands) as well as related cross-cutting issues, such as protected areas, access and benefit sharing, incentives, and invasive species. Organic Agriculture policy directly contributes to and is in line with CBD. Kyoto Protocols on Climate Change The 1997 Kyoto Protocol to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and related post-Kyoto Protocols including the 2001 Marrakesh Accords and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015) obligates Member States to promote sustainable forms of agriculture and adoption of organic science as part of a broader effort to combat the adverse effects of climate change. 10 11 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources – advocates for Member States to develop and maintain appropriate policy and legal measures that promote the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The policies must promote development and maintenance of diverse farming systems that enhance sustainable use of agricultural biological diversity and other natural resources. Agreement of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) – in particular Article 27(3) (b), obligates Member States to protect plant varieties by patenting or by some other effective legal means. This will counter the effects of adoption of modern farming methods, the use of high-yielding hybrid and exotic varieties but undervalue the importance of agro-biodiversity and traditional knowledge. This may result in neglect of many traditional food crops and varieties. FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines on organic products – provides guidelines for production, processing, labeling and marketing of organically produced foods. The guidelines set out the principles of organic production from the farm through to preparation; storage; transportation; labeling and marketing of organic food products. They enable Member States to draw up their own rules taking into account specific national features. The Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) – aims to address food insecurity and poverty among millions of Africans across the continent through agriculture led development. The goal is to eliminate hunger, reduce poverty, and increase food and nutrition security while promoting exports. CAADP commits Member States to earmark at least 10% of their national resource envelopes to the Agriculture sector in order to achieve a 6% growth in the sector. Under this commitment, Government of the Republic of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries has developed and is implementing a five-year Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan which prioritizes Organic Agriculture as one of the key strategies for achieving the 6% growth in the Agriculture sector. 2.4 PROFILE OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN UGANDA The Organic Agriculture sector in Uganda is still in its formative years. Production of organic products remains marginal with about one percent of the country’s agricultural land devoted to organic farming. Most recent estimates from the World of Organic Agriculture Report indicate that in 2018 only 262,282 hectares of the agricultural land in the country was under organic management. The current organic production volume of 115,662 Mt is cumulative production from 210,352 certified organic farmers scattered around the Country. In terms of number of certified farmers, Uganda is leading on the African continent with 210,352 certified organic farmers. This makes Uganda only second to India, globally. 12 13 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY Uganda with 262,282, is only second to Tanzania (with 268,729) in Africa hectares of land area under organic management. The most common organic agricultural products, for domestic consumption and exports, include food crops (rice, fruits and vegetables), cash crops (coffee, tea, cocoa and cotton), as well as organic livestock and poultry. By 2015, the real exports on order was USD 56.9m in 2016 and has since declined to USD 50m in 2018. The leading export products in 2009/2010, ranked by volumes in Metric Tons, were; coffee (3,451.7), cocoa (2,914.8), sesame (2,160) cotton (1,689.5), fresh fruits (1,501.9) and dried fruits (115.6), bird eye chillies (101), vanilla (99.30), Garments (81.153 pieces), Shea nuts (54), frozen fruit pulp (8.26). By 2015, the total orders for Uganda were USD 300m but the Country has a potential to increase exports of Organic products to USD 500 million. The leading countries with certified organic farmers in the world are India (835,000), Uganda (210,352) and Mexico (210,000). The current value of organic produce is estimated at worth USD 15.6 billion (World of Organic Agriculture Report 2018). Even with a vintage second position in number of organic farmers, Uganda meets only USD 50 million worth of the global organic market. To date, organic agriculture products are slowly penetrating the shelves of large supermarket chains and restaurants due mainly to the broadening demand brought about by growing health consciousness and wellness trends in the Country. The increase in marketing of organic products in Uganda has also been facilitated by among others, the formation of National Organic Agriculture Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU). NOGAMU has provided the framework for increased coordination of Organic Agriculture stakeholders and mobilisation of the smallholder farmers towards collective marketing. Exports of Ugandan organic products are estimated to have reached USD 50 million in 2018. This is small compared to the growing global demand for organic food and beverages estimated to have reached USD 15.6 billion in 2018 and continues to increase, on the average, by over USD 5 billion a year. Major export markets for organic products are the United States followed by the European Union and Japan. The global trading environment and demand for organic produce in Europe, Japan and the United States of America provides a clear impetus for stimulating Organic Agriculture in Uganda. High prices are already the norm for organic produce in export markets. When consumer awareness, appropriate marketing mechanisms, and strategies are adopted, good quality organic products have the potential to generate high price premiums in domestic markets as well. At the moment, Uganda Organic Certification Ltd (UgoCert) is the only major local certification body in Uganda. UgoCert, in collaboration with foreign certification 12 13 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY bodies, certifies organic products for both the local and the international market. Other Organic Agriculture certification measures include East African Organic Product Standards (EAOPS) and the Uganda Organic Standards (UOS), the EU regulations, National Organic Program of the USA, Japanese Organic Agricultural Standards (JAS). These are directly implemented in Uganda by the local and foreign certifiers. UgoCert was established as local certifying body in 2004 with the aim of reducing the ceryification costs. However, certification costs are still generally high with charges ranging between USD 4,000 and USD 7,000 on average per annum per commodity, as of 2015. This cost is very high especially for smallholder farmers. Certification costs are likely to go much lower with the adaption of Participatory Guarantee System and/ or development of vibrant local organic products market. 2.5 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES The promotion of Organic Agriculture in Uganda faces many challenges, including: policy gaps, lack of production support, limited promotion and awareness; fragmented and inadequate research and development, extension and capacity inadequacies; and poor market systems. Critically absent from the current organic agenda are a framework and guidelines for an organic livestock, poultry, and fisheries sector and associated sub sectors such as feed, fodder, and veterinary medicine, especially considering the significant number of domestic livestock and an emerging dairy sector. Livestock management is critical to support the organic agenda, but there appears to be a general perception among many stakeholders that a shift to predominantly organic in the livestock sector may not be possible. As such the sector’s contribution is limited to farmyard manure and the biogas and bio-digester slurry as organic inputs. A detailed analysis of the seed sector has revealed that 95% of the country’s seed need is met through the informal sector managed by smallholder farmers who practice entirely Organic Agriculture. The dilemma has been the inability to mobilize and take advantage of these organic seeds for the promotion of organic crops and varieties for value addition, product development, multiplication and commercialization. Currently, most of the agricultural inputs are imported from the EAC region – Kenya and Tanzania; China and India at low import duties. The policy of distribution of inputs including seed, fertilizers and pesticides is spearheaded by the private sector on a demand driven basis and occasionally by NAADS through Operation Wealth Creation which are Government agencies. The current availability of commercial organic inputs in Uganda is limited. This is because of the lack of identification and recommendation of the relevant commercial organic alternatives to promote Organic Agriculture. As a result many farmers, interested in a shift to organic agriculture, are not able to do so. 14 15 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY Pest and disease management in agriculture remains and will continue to remain a critical issue. With increasing climate variability setting in (high temperature, high humidity, and long spells of dry weather in between rainy days), the incidence of pests and disease in agriculture including Organic Agriculture has increased and is turning out to be a major challenge for farmers. 2.6 JUSTIFICATION The country’s agriculture system is by default largely organic due to the very minimal use of external inputs like inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. The use of chemical fertilizers is among the lowest in the world and the use of plant protection chemical is highly regulated. This situation presents a huge potential to promote organic agriculture, both for increased and sustainable food production to safeguard food security as well as for enhanced income for organic farmers and Government. Agriculture is a primary sector that serves as the main source of livelihood and provides employment to over 66% of Uganda’s population. The agriculture sector is a significant contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) — 24.5% while being critical for food and nutrition security. The Organic Agriculture sub sector is estimated to contribute over 50% of the total output from the agriculture sector. The sub sector provides employment to many people who are engaged in various economic activities along the value chain, particularly in production, collection, bulking and transportation, processing, distribution and marketing as well as provision of inputs and support services. The National Agriculture Policy (NAP) has largely been ineffective as a result of inadequate implementation of various policy thrusts and lack of effective monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation. As a result, the Agriculture sector has continued to face numerous challenges, including increased incidence of emerging and re-emerging pests and diseases, inadequate access to and availability of pesticides, vaccines and drugs by farmers, lack of improved seed and high quality breeding stock, inadequate financing, research and technology dissemination and soil degradation. In addition, there has been limited effective private sector participation in the sector (production, capacity building, value addition, and marketing). Many of these challenges ideally require new and specific policy thrusts and strategies to critically address them. This provides the need for a comprehensive policy that will harness the Country’s Organic Agriculture resources and strengthen the capacity of the various value chain actors to achieve their potentials. The National Organic Agriculture policy shall also provide a basis for the enactment of a comprehensive Organic Agriculture Bill that will ensure effective regulation of the sub sector and provide appropriate synergies between the conventional and organic agriculture production systems. The legislation will prescribe standards 14 15 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY for prevention and control of notifiable pests and diseases; export and transit requirements of Organic Agriculture products; registration of farmers and farms that produce organic products; identification and traceability of organic products; sustainable development of the sub sector; and collection and sale of high quality seed, planting materials, semen and ova, among others. 16 17 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 3.0 POLICY STRATEGIC DIRECTION Vision, Mission, Goal, Objectives and Guiding Principles The vision and goal of the National Organic Agriculture policy resonate with issues of sub sector transformation, competitiveness and environmental sustainability while contributing significantly to economic development, food and nutrition security and human well-being. 3.1 TARGETS OF THE POLICY GOAL The Organic Agriculture policy has set targets relevant to propelling the sub sector outcomes beyond what has been attained with the past and current policy practices. The priority targets for the next five years include: i. Increase in the annual growth rate in Organic Agriculture production by more than 3.0 % to be able to spur a 6% Agriculture growth target as stipulated under CAADP; ii. Increase productivity and value of the multiple functions of Organic Agriculture by more than 50%; iii. Reduce degradation of the ecosystems by increasing investments in the Organic Agriculture; iv. Increase in the contribution of Organic Agriculture sub sector to the GDP to reach over 50% of the Agricultural GDP; v. Reduction of the proportion of Organic Agriculture dependent people living below the absolute poverty line and food insecurity to less than 27%; vi. Increase in public investment in Organic Agriculture subsector and overall agriculture sector to 10% of the total annual budget; vii. Reform and streamline extension supportive services and policy and legislative frameworks; viii. Ensure conservation of local seed and planting materials. 3.2 TARGET GROUPS The most unique feature of Uganda‘s organic agriculture sub sector is the high coordination, involvement and commitment from all stakeholders. Key stakeholders include public institutions - the political leadership at all levels; ministries of Agriculture and Trade; Uganda Export Promotions Board; Uganda National Bureau of Standards; research institutions and academia; Uganda Coffee Development Authority; Cotton development Organization; private institutions under the umbrella of NOGAMU including farmers associations; export companies; NGOs; CBOs; and private Universities such Uganda Martyr’s University. There is a high level of coordination and spirit of working together among all Organic Agriculture stakeholders under the public private partnership arrangement. 16 17 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 3.3 GUIDING PRINCIPLES The implementation of this policy shall be based on the principles: i. Subsidiarity, complementarity and comparative advantage - taking into account the mandates and the relationships of the different institutions involved in its implementation. ii. Transparency and mutual accountability – mechanisms shall be put in place to ensure that openness and value for money principles are followed. iii. Public Private Partnerships - emphasis will be placed on establishing solid mutually beneficial partnerships among the various stakeholders at national, regional, continental and international levels based on experiences and lessons learned from the successful implementation of previous continent-wide programmes in Organic Agriculture sub sector. iv. Gender and equity responsiveness - active participation and involvement of women, men, youth, older persons including people living with HIV/AIDS and persons with disabilities shall be emphasized. v. Conformity to internationally recognized Organic Agriculture measures - international standards and guidelines for plant Life and Health, World Organization for Animal Health, etc. shall be adhered to. vi. Traceability and Identification – international standards on traceability shall be used to ensure proper identification, tracking and tracing of Organic plants and animals as well as their products within the production and supply chain. 3.4 VISION A sustainable and profitable Organic Agriculture sub-sector for national competitiveness. 3.5 MISSION To guide and support investments in the entire Organic Agriculture value chain for inclusiveness, enhanced livelihoods, production and environmental sustainability. 3.6 GOAL Harnessing the country’s Organic Agricultural potential by ensuring a regulated sub sector that contributes to national development. 3.7 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES The specific objectives of the organic agriculture policy are: 18 19 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY i. Strengthen Organic Agriculture research, appropriate technology development and utilization; ii. Promote production, processing and marketing for organic products; iii. Enhance appropriate post-harvest handling practices and value addition to Organic Agricultural products; iv. Promote standards, certification and accreditation of organic agriculture products; v. Strengthen environmental conservation, indigenous biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. 3.8 EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS The expected outcomes include: i. Increased food security and income among smallholder households; ii. Increased environmental protection through promotion of sustainable use of natural resources; iii. Reduced agricultural chemical runoff into local water bodies; iv. Increased socio-cultural benefits especially for smallholder farmers’ groups for easier information exchange, technology dissemination and marketing; and v. Increased health benefits and life expectancy of communities. 3.8.1 Economic benefits Organic agriculture can produce higher incomes for farmers due to premium prices offered at the regional and global market. Emphasis shall be directed at increasing incomes for Organic Agriculture producers and traders, production of surplus high quality products for exports, effective utilization of innovations addressing production constraints of seed, pests and diseases, low production and post-harvest loses. The expected economic benefits include enhanced contribution of Organic Agriculture sub sector to economic growth, national and agricultural GDP, increased productivity, value addition and greater market participation. 3.8.2 Environmental benefits Effective conservation, sustainable utilization, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from access to and use of natural resources is critical to maintaining Uganda’s biodiversity. The extensive forest, wetland and biodiversity cover in Uganda provides diverse benefits including medicinal plants, mushrooms, fruits and bamboos, oil and resin species, ornamental plants, fodder species, dyes, and forest vegetables including yams. Organic livestock management strategies are particularly beneficial for climate-smart agriculture. These include improved pasture and grassland management, rotational grazing which regenerate vegetation and restore degraded 18 19 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY land. Converting manure to biogas provides the added benefits of an alternative energy source with fewer negative health impacts from cooking, heating, and lighting. 3.8.3 Socio-cultural benefits Agro-ecotourism is a growing niche sector globally, and this market mechanism has considerable potential in Uganda. Globally, Uganda is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world, enjoying a reputation for authenticity, remoteness (Karamoja), a well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment. Currently, Uganda’s tourism development focus is on its extensive network of protected areas including national parks. However, given Uganda’s natural history, diverse landscapes and ecosystems, and diverse agriculture and food systems, including cultural heritage and traditional cuisines, there is an excellent opportunity to expand this scope to include eco-equitable tourism built around promotion of Organic Agriculture as a core strategy. 3.8.4 Health benefits Organic agriculture means healthy and nutritious food. It prevents ill effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and promotes the well-being of humans plus plants and animals as well as ecological resilience. By leveraging local resources and practices, farmers can source inputs locally, reduce dependency on external inputs, and thereby increase savings and build self-reliance. 3.8.5 MDAs and Non-State Actors benefits This Organic Agriculture policy provides an enabling environment for co-opting, and augmenting the role of other actors including the private sector in the organic sub sector growth. The multiple stakeholder partnerships including private sector partnerships have a considerable role to play in financing and developing organic supply chains (including for OA inputs), reliable production and post-harvest operations and fair-trade partnerships. Other actors particularly the private sector and academia also have a potential role in bringing the new organic production techniques and post-harvest operations in extension services; developing credit lines for conversion and certification costs, purchase and storage of harvested crops, post- harvest and processing equipment, and cold chain facilities and transportation; and supporting training in food handling, food safety and quality management, business and marketing management, and associated consulting services from local private suppliers. In association with environmental NGOs, the private sector are the leading producers in the Organic Agriculture sector. Private sector companies may also help in identifying feasible markets abroad as a preliminary step prior to participating in and/or developing export-oriented organic supply chains. They may also help in developing business marketing, and technical skills to back the development and operation of the organic supply chains. 20 21 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 4.0 POLICY PRIORITY AREAS AND STRATEGIES 4.1 PRIORITY AREA 1: ENHANCE RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION Adequate and appropriate data and information is vital for the development of the organic agriculture sector. To facilitate the expansion of the Organic Agriculture sub sector and also to increase production capacity, new information and technologies including indigenous knowledge should be made readily available to the farmers and other stakeholders. Although many resource-conserving organic production technologies and practices are currently being used in the country, the total number of farmers using them is still relatively small. Lack of knowledge and poor public awareness and sustainable organic agricultural techniques is often a limiting factor in the spread of organic production. In addition, lack of knowledge and information about organic farming among consumers, government bureaucrats and other key actors in educational and research institutions also leads to poor appreciation of the potential for organic agriculture sub sector. Thus, in order to realize the goals of Organic Agriculture research and development, the following strategies shall be implemented: Key Strategies: i. Inventorize on-going research and identify gaps relevant to Organic Agriculture sub-sector; ii. Develop capacity for Organic Agriculture, conduct regulatory reforms, participatory planning and research with particular reference to stakeholder needs in: plants, crops, livestock, wild animals, beneficial insects and fisheries; iii. Establish and strengthen inter and intra collaborative linkages between mainstream agricultural research and Organic Agriculture institutions at national, regional and international levels; iv. Identify, document and standardize local traditional knowledge and technologies in Organic Agriculture; v. Develop and disseminate incentives for research and technology outputs that advance all aspects of Organic Agriculture. 4.2 PRIORITY AREA 2: PROMOTE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND TRAINING Labour is a major component of agricultural production but the present capacities and skills of the farm workers are inclined towards conventional agriculture. In order to advance the practice of organic farming, there is a need for the agricultural labor force to undergo re-orientation and re-learning processes in terms of farming practices and 20 21 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY further develop their competencies on organic farming systems. For those who are already practicing organic farming, continuous education on acceptable local and international standards that aim to improve the safety and quality of their Organic Agriculture produce is necessary. Key Strategies include: i. Integrate Organic Agriculture into education curricula at all levels; ii. Support training institutions with organic agriculture materials, methodologies and infrastructure at all levels; iii. Support in-service training of agriculture extension agents to provide knowledge and skills on Organic Agriculture; iv. Provide appropriate and prompt agricultural advisory services and support to value chain actors. 4.3 PRIORITY AREA 3: ENHANCE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT Proper production and technology support is vital in sustaining the interest of farmers and their eagerness to upscale and/or shift to organic farming. This priority area shall strengthen the demand for scientifically-based methods, techniques, technologies and support systems for organic production, ensuring their accessibility, availability and affordability. The necessary elements to attain sustainable development of organic agricultural production include strengthening the implementation of the following: - Genetic Resource Management Support Systems; Soil Fertility and Ecosystems Management; Rural and Infrastructure Development and Management; Alternative Rural Finance for Organic Agriculture; and Organic Product Certification/ Quality Control. Key strategies to achieve this priority area shall include: Key Strategies: i. Promote awareness on Organic Agriculture and its benefits as an alternative agricultural production system that has its unique characteristics and advantages to farmers, the economy and the environment; ii. Develop farmer groups and cooperatives to increase Organic Agriculture production that meets local and global demand; iii. Ensure availability of quality seed, semen, planting materials and all agro- inputs needed for Organic Agriculture; iv. Generate and maintain a data base on organic agriculture production, processing and marketing, consumption, available technologies and best practices to support planning and decision making; v. Provide tax incentives beginning with Organic Agriculture inputs for farmers; vi. Establish an award system for best organic producers and exporters. 22 23 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 4.4 PRIORITY AREA 4: POST HARVEST HANDLING, STORAGE AND VALUE ADDITION Most agricultural commodities have a short shelf life hence improved post-harvest handling is essential to reduce post-harvest losses. Proper storage and Value addition on agricultural products provides alternative intake of the produce – thus reduces dependence on specific markets, creates more jobs along the value chains and increases the overall foreign exchange earnings borne from the higher value products. This priority area shall ensure access, availability and affordability of appropriate agricultural technologies and support systems that are scientifically- based for post-harvest handling, storage and value addition. Key Strategies: i. Promote Establishment of demonstration farms and community-based learning centers; ii. Undertake research to develop post-harvest and processing technologies for a diversity of organic products; iii. Promote high quality primary, secondary and tertiary processing of Organic Agriculture products; iv. Provide incentives for investment in value addition for organic products; v. Support investments in basic infrastructure and utilities to promote agro- processing; value addition and storage; 4.5 PRIORITY AREA 5: STANDARDS, CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION Heightened development and promotion of quality standards accelerates production of Organic products, enhances their access to prime markets and increases farmers’ incomes. While Government of Uganda does not currently regulate the sale of organic products, a local certification body – the Uganda Organic Certification Ltd (UgoCert) is in place to distinguish organically produced products from other local produce. UgoCert also promotes organic products in both domestic and export markets. However, the process of setting up a certification system for providing assurance for organic produce is being developed in collaboration with the National Organic Agriculture Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU). The system shall be used to handle both domestic and export markets. Meanwhile, a participatory guarantee system where a group or its members do certification using their own standards and inspection systems is also being promoted as a stop-gap measure. 22 23 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY Key Strategies to implement tis priority area include: i. Create awareness on Organic Agriculture standards and certification systems at all levels of the value chain; ii. Establish and implement appropriate quality standards for production, processing, transportation and marketing of organic products; iii. Support enforcement of organic agriculture standards and certification; iv. Promote cost effective certification for organic agriculture; v. Support the accreditation of local certification firms for purposes of securing international recognition; vi. Support harmonization of standards and mutual recognition procedures at national, regional and international levels. 4.6 PRIORITY AREA 6: MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION Uganda’s Organic Agriculture products attract high prices from prime domestic, regional and global markets. This in turn increases household incomes and livelihoods, foreign exchange earnings to Government as well as increase production and productivity of organic products. Currently, out of an estimated USD 500m worth of organic agriculture products demand from Uganda alone, only USD 50m is being met. Government shall focus on farmer skills development, strengthening market research and information provision as well as awareness creation to promote market development. Key Strategies: i. Generate and maintain Organic Agriculture database for timely access and dissemination of information to all stakeholders; ii. Increase awareness on benefits of organic products; iii. Promote linkages between farmers and buyers through contract farming and other mechanisms which provide regular markets; iv. Support aggressive export promotion including campaigns for domestic local consumption of OA products; v. Provide adequate market information to all enterprises and stakeholders; vi. Support export sector development initiatives; vii. Support building of market infrastructure including zonal pack houses (cooling facilities, refrigerated transportation, sufficient cooling capacity at the airport); viii. Ensure airfreight capacity, access and affordability; ix. Build capacity for trade negotiations as well as developing a comprehensive export data. 24 25 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 4.7 PRIORITY AREA 7: SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE Balancing the ecosystem through the establishment of integrated farm nutrient cycling systems and conservation of biodiversity are central to sustainable organic farming. Organic crops and microbial agents including vector organisms are sensitive to factors such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, surface water, wind and changes in vegetation. Initiatives that ensure sustainable use of natural resources for current and the future generations shall be promoted. Key Strategies include: i. Enhance Organic Agriculture production building on progressive indigenous and local community-based knowledge; ii. Support validation, documentation, patenting and dissemination of indigenous knowledge; iii. Develop and implement soil management systems based on sustainable use of renewable resources; iv. Promote environmentally sustainable initiatives that are also climate smart for disaster prone areas to enable farmers increase their resilience to climate variations. 24 25 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 5.0 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES Organic farming in Uganda is influenced by several factors including environmental, gender and youth, technical capacity, finance and other issues that may be outside the sole jurisdiction of any one specific intervention area. These factors therefore need to be mainstreamed in the National Organic Agriculture policy in order to achieve holistic development of the Organic Agriculture sub sector. 5.1 CAPACITY FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE GROWTH Uganda, just like any other Organic Agriculture producing Country has low technical capacity to promote Organic Agriculture. Although there has been marked increase in education enrollments from primary to university levels, a large majority of actors in the Organic Agriculture value chain have formal education only up to primary level hence lack the requisite knowledge and skills to utilize modern technologies and enhance productivity of Organic Agriculture resources. The quality and coverage of basic infrastructure in Organic Agriculture producing areas has also remained poor because of past slow expansion in public financing of infrastructure, service delivery and low involvement of the private sector. To address this development challenge, Government shall invest in building human capital in practical application and building relevant competencies for tasks needed to advance Organic Agriculture growth. Government shall also promote infrastructure and private sector development needed to support Organic Agriculture. 5.2 GENDER EQUITY, YOUTH PARTICIPATION AND HIV AND AIDS AWARENESS Women and youth play key roles in agriculture development. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) studies indicate that both women, youth and men play critical roles in agriculture throughout the world by producing, processing and providing the food we eat. Rural women in particular are responsible for the world’s production (from 50 to 80% of food). However, despite their contribution to global food security, women and youth are usually underestimated and overlooked in development strategies. Both women and the youth often have limited access to services, credit, technologies, trainings, information and markets. They have a limited control over household income from agriculture. They poorly participate in decision-making processes and farmers’ cooperatives. Young people show serious indifference and disinterests to organic farming, raising concerns of who the future farmers shall be. A large majority of present farmers are aged over 50 years with only about 25% having attained formal education above primary level. Efforts to build a critical mass of skilled manpower is facing challenges of high levels of HIV and AIDs infection which continues to reduce 26 27 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY the productivity of those already supplying the agricultural labour force. Considering the contribution and role of the women in the agriculture sector, gender mainstreaming is necessary to advance gender equality and equity in the development of plans and programs for organic agriculture. This will involve incorporating gender perspectives in all policies, plans, programs and projects to ensure that they have an equitable effect on women and men. Government shall support promotional campaigns on the understanding and integrating of gender issues into Organic Agriculture projects and programmes; facilitate expansion of opportunities for business and employment in Organic Agriculture enterprises for both women and youth who often suffer unemployment and income generation opportunities. MAAIF shall also support promotional campaigns to change SME attitudes towards business in Organic Agriculture production and trade; facilitate entrepreneurial knowledge and business linkages; revitalize and strengthen vocational training facilities for competitive Organic Agriculture production and trade. 5.3 CLIMATE CHANGE Organic Agriculture producers and traders experience high vulnerability to climate change induced risks and shocks including droughts, floods and food price volatility. These risks and shocks impact on the livelihood benefits of Organic Agriculture producers and other actors along the value chains. Government shall facilitate up-scaling and out-scaling of Organic Agriculture insurance schemes by the public sector on a cost-recovery basis and by private sector at market prices; invest in human and physical capacity enhancement for designing and managing effective and efficient early warning systems; strengthen strategic partnerships and institutional capacities for successful implementation of the climate change policy adopted in May 2016; support institutionalization of drought management with institutions that will ensure rapid response to climate change related risks and shocks. MAAIF in collaboration with key actors and stakeholders shall also encourage adoption of risk management approaches which are preventive; support capacity building programmes that enhance awareness and capabilities at all levels on preparedness for drought, floods and disease outbreaks; work with stakeholders to design and implement sustainable programmes for early maturing organic crops and breeds of animals. 5.4 LAND USE Farmers including conventional and Organic agriculture experience low rate of land utilization and pervasive tenure insecurity. In Uganda, improved land tenure systems have been slow to implement and are restricting investments in productive agriculture. There are competing demands for land for conventional agriculture, Organic agriculture, urbanization, human settlement, forest and wetland reserves, and 26 27 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY national parks among others. This leads to diminishing land for Organic Agriculture production, processing and marketing. To address this challenge, laws shall be reviewed to create land banks for Organic Agriculture production, marketing and processing; land for organic farming shall be registered to protect it from conventional agriculture, human settlements and urbanization; buffer zones shall be established and activities of Organic Agriculture farmers and transhumane herdsmen shall be registered and monitored. 28 29 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 6.0 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS 6.1 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries in collaboration with key Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private sector and the civil society organizations shall coordinate the implementation of this policy. A National Organic Agriculture Platform shall be established and shall closely work with the Directorate of Crop Resources to coordinate the implementation of this policy. The National Organic Agriculture Platform shall constitute stakeholders from both the public and private sector. The National Organic Agriculture Platform shall perform the strategic oversight and coordination functions in the implementation of this policy through key MDAs and Zonal Agriculture Research and Development Institutes (ZARDIs) at regional level. The Organic Agriculture Secretariat that shall also be constituted within the Directorate of Crop Resources - Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries to guide the day-to-day activities of this policy. The policy implementation at the sub national level shall be supported by district and sub-county extension workers. District Production Officers shall designate focal point persons who shall oversee the activities of Organic Agriculture at district and sub-county levels. The districts extension workers shall provide extension services to farmers and farmer groups and forums and generate and maintain a data and information on Organic Agriculture. 6.2 ENFORCEMENT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES AND INVESTMENTS Although there are a number of legislations supporting agriculture and rural development, none of them specifically targets regulation of Organic Agriculture activities. This has created a felt need to develop a separate Act to regulate activities and investments in the Organic Agriculture sub sector. This Act shall among others regulate: production, post-harvest handling, processing/value addition and marketing of organic products; certification and accreditation; research and technology development and dissemination; education and training; investments; and the use of biotechnology in the sub sector. 6.3 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAKEHOLDERS The National Organic Agriculture Policy shall be implemented through a multi-sectoral approach using Government service delivery structures. The roles of the various stakeholders shall vary according to their mandates and functions. The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries shall provide overall coordination in the implementation and enforcement of this policy. The Local governments shall carry 28 29 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY out the implementation of all aspects of this policy at the sub national and community levels. Roles and Responsibilities S/N Institution Roles and Responsibilities 1. Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries (MAAIF) i. Policy reform processes and maintaining an enabling macro-economic policy environment conducive for private sector participation ii. Provide support services needed for realization of the policy objectives iii. Provide regulatory services, capacity building, research and security iv. Establish and maintain an effective ICT to ensure Information gathering, packaging, storage and dissemination v. Awareness creation of the actors vi. Monitoring and Evaluation vii. Resource mobilization viii. Support establishment of associations for value chain actors in Organic Agriculture ix. Awareness creation of the actors 2. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC) i. Negotiating trade opportunities ii. Export Licensing through the UEPB iii. Provide guidelines and standards to support Organic Agriculture iv. Support establishment of associations for value chain actors in Organic Agriculture v. Support Organic Agriculture products processing and value addition 3. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MFPED) i. Mobilization and provision of financial resources for Organic Agriculture implementation ii. Support collection and collating of agricultural Statistics through Uganda Bureau of Statistics iii. Identify and promote investment opportunities in Organic Agriculture Infrastructure development through Uganda Investment Authority iv. Establishment of an enabling environment for acquisition and provision of credits by the Private Sector v. Integrating Organic Agriculture issues in national planning frameworks through the National Planning Authority processes 30 31 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 4. Local Governments i. Promotion, mobilization of farmers and development of programs to encourage countrywide adoption of OA ii. Development of bye-laws and ordinances to support Organic Agriculture implementation iii. Monitoring performance of District Local Governments iv. Support policy Advocacy and support for District Local Governments v. Implementation of Organic Agriculture policy at production and marketing levels vi. Subject matter specialists providing technical backstopping to LLG and NSAs vii. Monitoring and Evaluation viii. Capacity building of lower local governments ix. Planning and budgeting for implementation of Organic Agriculture activities in LGs 5. Other MDAs i. Mobilization of resources for implementation of interventions under their respective areas of jurisdiction ii. Implementation of interventions under their mandates iii. In collaboration with MAAIF, formulate and review standards, codes of practice, development of guidelines and product certification at all levels in the organic agriculture sub-sector iv. Facilitate certification and ensure compliance with international standards v. Facilitate the collection, analyzing and interpretation of data on Organic Agriculture 9. Academia (Universities, Colleges and Research institutions) i. Curriculum development ii. Offer specialized training for Organic Agriculture actors iii. Partner with MAAIF to develop appropriate and practical internship programs iv. Generation of research priorities in consultation with farmers and other stakeholders v. Formulate and implement research projects and programmes in Organic Agriculture vi. Provide technical support and training of actors and stakeholders vii. Promote adaptation and use of appropriate technologies 30 31 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 10. Private sector, Non-State Actors (NGOs, CSOs, PSO) i. Policy advocacy and lobbying for Organic Agriculture activities at all levels ii. Resource mobilization for implementation of Organic Agriculture interventions iii. Support post-harvest handling, storage, value addition and processing to promote Organic Agriculture iv. Provision of support services including transport, trade and marketing v. Sensitization and training of farmers and other stakeholders vi. Consumer protection vii. Support and conduct capacity building activities 11. Development Partners i. Policy advocacy and support for Organic Agriculture ii. Provision of technical Assistance to agricultural programmes and projects iii. Mobilization of financial resources for Organic Agriculture investments 12. Farmers/ Farmers Organizations i. Uptake of modern technologies to improve Organic Agriculture investments ii. Mobilization of farmers and resources iii. Farmer institutional development iv. Record keeping and provision of agricultural statistics 32 33 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY FIG 1 Institutional Set-up for OA Policy Implementation PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, AND NON-STATE ACTORS RESEARCH (NARS, ACADEMIA, ETC) EXTENSION (DAES) NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PLATFORM District Production Department MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES Lower Local Governments DIRECTORATE OF CROP RESOURCES SECRETARIAT Farmer Associations & Community Level Organizations Farm Households 32 33 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 7.0 COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY STRATEGY Provision of reliable information and its effective communication is of essence to successful implementation of this policy and its intended outcomes. The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries shall build capacity of actors in policy analysis, policy brief preparation and invest in information technologies and communication to effectively manage the knowledge products generated. MAAIF and the Organic Agriculture Platform shall strengthen working relations and information sharing with key actors and partners and other bodies to promote synergies and avoid duplications. Various communication strategies shall be adopted to reach out to various audiences including the private sector, civil society, farmer associations and groups, faith based and cultural organizations, farmers and the entire public. Key strategies shall include print and electronic media including radio, talk shows and television; social media; Website; emails; workshops; seminars; public hearings; and barasas; Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials among others. Information and knowledge generated as a result of this communication strategy will be used to inform planning, policy reviews and decision making with the aim of improving OA in Uganda. 34 35 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 8.0 FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Funds for the implementation of this policy include revenues from the Government, grants from Development Partners, private sector investments, CSO financing, community support, household savings, individual contributions. Government shall provide the main source of funding. In the short and medium term, Government shall finance some aspects of policy in partnership with Development Partners and the private sector. 8.1 COST OF THE POLICY Implementation of the National Organic Agriculture Policy will cost Ushs52 billion for the next five (5) years as detailed in the National Organic Agriculture Implementation Plan. Government shall constitute the main source of funding especially for stakeholders’ coordination, research, data generation and dissemination, innovation and technology transfer. 8.2 SOURCES OF FUNDING Financial institutions including commercial banks, cooperative societies, development micro finance institutions, insurance organizations will be encouraged to invest in and provide operating capital for promotion of Organic Agriculture. Government through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries shall provide an enabling environment to foster the flourishing of formal and informal micro finance institutions. Support and strong collaboration from international development partners will be sought for the implementation of this policy. In addition, local NGOs, CBOs and Civil Societies shall play a major role in financing this policy since many of them have built strong relationships with the Organic Farmers in the rural communities. 8.3 SUSTAINABILITY OF FUNDING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries shall encourage Organic Agriculture farmers to form Organic Agricultural and Rural Development societies to carry out collective marketing of their products and to jointly mobilize resources for the development of the sub-sector. 34 35 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 9.0 ACCOUNTABILITY, MONITORING AND EVALUATION 9.1 ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM By committing to the implementation of the National Organic Agriculture policy, stakeholders in the sub sector shall in essence be guaranteeing to: 1) ensure the successful implementation of the policy: 2) ownership of roles and responsibilities under their areas of jurisdiction. Stakeholders shall be required to report on decisions and/or actions taken using the agreed upon indicators. Results-based management framework shall be employed to ensure a logical relationship between key activities to be implemented, the expected results, key performance indicators to measure results and targets to be achieved over the five year period. Stakeholders shall report on activities implemented, outputs, outcomes and impacts achieved over a period, together with the relevant explanations. Stakeholders shall also be required to report on three most important parameters namely; Financial Accountability; Physical Accountability and Political Accountability. 9.2 MONITORING The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries in collaboration with key stakeholders, including relevant MDAs, local governments, private sector, CSOs, development partners, academic and research institutions and farmer representatives shall develop and apply an integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System to measure progress, relevancy, effectiveness and impact . Relevant performance indicators to track changes across key targets including livelihoods, income, production quantity and value, production costs, productivity, marketed products and value, quantity of processed products and value, and adoption of technology and innovations shall also be developed. M&E tools for data and information collection and sharing shall be developed to capture outcomes of the policy implementation. A database shall be generated and maintained and integrated in the overall agriculture sector management information system which is linked to the to the National Information Monitoring and Evaluation System (NIMES) currently under the Office of the Prime Minister and the National Management Information System under the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. 9.3 EVALUATION Periodic (Annual, mid – term and end of policy) evaluations shall be conducted to assess relevancy, effectiveness, efficiency and the impact of policy implementation. An independent consultant shall be hired to carry out the evaluations for purposes of objectivity. Evaluation results shall be used to improve policy implementation and inform the subsequent policy formulation. 36 37 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY 10.0 POLICY SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES In order to ensure the sustainability of the implementation of the NOAP, the following strategies shall be employed: • The NOAP implementation and coordination secretariat shall be institutionally anchored within the MAAIF and its functions guided by the existing national planning frameworks including the Vision 2040, NDP II; National Agriculture Policy; the Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan; • Initially the policy shall to be funded by Government with support from development partners and other actors mainly the private sector; • Resource Mobilization Strategy shall be developed to solicit commitments from MDAs, private sector, development partners and trust funds; • Awareness shall be created and enhanced among stakeholders and actors along the Organic Agriculture value chain to harness their support to commit resources for the implementation of the policy; • Organic Agriculture issues shall be mainstreamed in other programmes, projects and activities of Government; • At production level, Government with the support from the agriculture extension staff shall ensure that farmers are mobilized and organized along specific enterprises to sustainably implement best agronomical farming practices; • The capacity of farmers shall also be built and supported to reduce post- harvest losses through improved storage and brokerage facilities provided by the Organic Agriculture Farmer Organizations and Associations; • Over the years, government shall extend the Warehouse Receipt System to Organic Agriculture farmers and secure their produce and avoid contamination both at processing and storage; • At marketing level, government shall establish and strengthen Organic Agriculture farmer cooperatives to ensure proper processing/value addition, packaging and produce labeling to meet the national, regional and international standards; • These initiatives shall partly guarantee a sustainable market for Organic Agriculture farmers. 36 37 THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY GLOSSARY Concoctions Locally formulated mixtures (from animal or plant matter) used as proxies for soil, pest and disease management. Integrated Agriculture: A type of agriculture which aims to achieve multifaceted objectives such as increasing farm productivity, maintaining farm employment, enhancing incomes and sustaining the environment. Integrated Nutrient Management: The maintenance of soil fertility and of plant nutrient supply at an optimum level for sustaining the desired productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components in an integrated manner. Integrated Pest Management: Also known as integrated pest control (IPC) is a broad-based approach that integrates practices for economic control of pests. IPM aims to suppress pest populations below the economic injury level (EIL). It may include selective use of agrochemicals, biologicals such as predator/prey, use of genetic resistance, etc. Low External Input Agriculture: Reduces as much as possible the use of external inputs like pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers and replaces them with internal inputs. Regenerative Agriculture (RA): Aims to restore an agricultural system through the use of resource efficient and ecologically sound farming practices especially after a decline in productivity levels. Traditional Agriculture (TA): Agriculture which has been practiced for generations based on transfer of knowledge within the community. This transfer is often associated with cultural and religious practices. For different reasons (population pressure, introduction of new technologies, colonization, new religions and cultures) these have been disrupted in many cases. This is usually mistaken to be organic agriculture but the two are quite different. THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE POLICY DECEMBER 2019 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Plot 14-18 Lugard Avenue, Entebbe P.O Box 102, Entebbe Uganda