Organic avocado producers in Uganda employ alternative strategies to reduce and control pests without the use of synthetic pesticides. This involves utilizing various tools instead of one in an approach known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Organic pest management in Uganda includes:
- Using naturally derived substances like neem oil, natural pyrethrum, vinegar, oil-based herbicides as a last resort
- Using biological substances like Trichoderma harzianum against root rot, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) against pests and approved amount of copper spray against certain diseases
- Biological controls such as wildflowers, insects like ladybugs, predatory mites, wasps, hover flies
- Mechanical controls like trapping
Irrigation
Ugandan agriculturists who specialize in organic avocado, use drip irrigation especially during dry seasons to minimize weed growth. They also maintain a mulch layer around trees to prevent big fluctuations in soil moisture. They take extra care to ensure irrigation is neither over nor under done.
Other organic avocado management practices in Uganda are:
- Using disease tolerant rootstocks like Dusa and varieties like Hass
- Plating trees on ridges or mounds
- Maintaining drainage channels in the orchard
- Applying rock dust for soil calcium
- Applying compost tea
- Applying liquid fertilizers like seaweed extract
- Applying minerals like dolomite, lime, gypsum, potassium sulphate in powder form
- No plant growth regulators (PGRs) are allowed
Benefits of Organic Avocado Farming in Uganda
Here are some of the benefits of growing organic avocados in Uganda:
- It eliminates the threat of toxic chemicals on fruit
- It conserves and builds soil health
- It preserves and increases biodiversity which supports a healthy ecosystem
- It reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- It reduces water and air pollution
- Farmers can earn a higher profit because healthier trees bear better yields
EU Organic Standards for Avocado
Here are a few rules set by the EU that organic avocados grown in Uganda must meet:
- Their production must follow the general principles of organic production
- Their production should exclude use of GMOs
- Avocados produced organically should be kept separate from non-organic ones
- Adequate record keeping during production especially use of permissible chemical substances in limited cases.
Exporting Organic Products into the EU
All organic products including avocado Exported into the European Union (EU) must have a certificate of inspection. This certificate is issued by a control body or authority approved by the EU. This control body ensures organic avocado producers follow production rules equivalent to EU organic farming.
Gaute Fresh Hass Avocado
Our efforts to supply the market with organic avocados have led us to align ourselves with farmers that share the same values. With their support and our continued organic planting, we are committed to carrying the highest quality organic avocados available for the market.
No matter how big or small your organic avocado needs are, we know we can help increase your demand for organic avocados. Our packing house is certified to ensure that we accept, pack and sell avocados with an organic label. Contact us to request a copy of our Organic Production Certificate.