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Lilian Anguparu

African Organic

Hi my name is Lilian Anguparu and I am the General Manager of Amfri Farms.

Our Ugandan farm is specialized in the production, processing and export of organic fruits, vegetables and spices under the name African Organic. We grow lemon grass, papaya and passion fruit in Uganda for Nature & More. Thank you for buying them! Apart from that we also grow pineapples, apple bananas, ginger, mangoes, jackfruit, avocadoes, chilies, bell peppers, herbs, sweet potatoes, tree tomatoes, matooke, gooseberries, egg plants and beans.

We're a large biodynamic, family owned business located about 85 km to the north of Ugandan capital Kampala where the packing, processing plant and office are based. Apart from employing around 100 persons (during the seasonal peaks) we also collaborate closely with around 150 out growers. These committed, organic farmers are responsible for a considerable percentage of our products. One of the main reasons why African Organic has become one of the main exporters of Ugandan organic produce is because of our close friendship with the Danish organic specialist Solhjulet which dates back to 2003.

N&M: Lilian, can you tell us something about the company philosophy?
We are committed to consistently achieving the highest quality standards required by our customers, while obviously also ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions and fair wages for our employees as well as fair prices for the growers we work with.

N&M: Can you tell us something about your organic passion fruit?
Lilan: Passion fruits come from various areas in Uganda. In the area near Kamuli the fruits thrive especially well. The passion fruit is a very demanding plant. It must be propped up on wires and handled carefully. It is a twining plant, so it is almost like hanging clothes on a line and watch them fall down from time to time. After a year the first fruit appears and after two years the plant yield is considerable.

N&M: Can you explain why there are so many organic passion fruit growers in the Kamuli area?
The idea of organic production came from Mr. Dennis Tabbu who introduced the ideas and philosophy of organic farming. Very soon the neighbours were inspired by the high values of organic farming and also started to grow organic crops as well. It was clear to everyone that the use of fertilizers and chemicals would only cause problems instead of a fertile soil. As the farmers say: "The soil will very soon get old and die". But by means of compost, farm animals, covering soil and intercropping it is possible to maintain a fertile soil from which the farmers can grow healthy products in profitable quantities.

N&M: Passion fruit is one of your specialties but for many people in Europe it is not a very common fruit can you therefore give some tips as to how to eat a passion fruit?
Lilian: You can eat passion fruits just as they are. Cut them in half and eat them with a teaspoon like a boiled egg. They are also very tasty in salads. Cut them in half and press the juice and the pips over your salad as a perfect dressing. Passion fruits are also excellent for cream to cakes and ice cream. Furthermore, Passionfruit also makes a rich, colorful and tasty juice!

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soil

Everything starts with the soil and without healthy, vital soils it is impossible to grow healthy vital products. In the past artificial fertilizers and chemical pesticides were seen as the only way forward regarding higher production but it was clear to everyone that the use of these products would only cause problems instead of a fertile soil. As the farmers say: "The soil will very soon get old and die". By working with compost, farm animals, cover crops and intercropping it is possible to maintain a fertile soil from which the farmers can grow healthy products in profitable quantities without destroying the environment.

biodiversity

Our farm not only produces fruits and vegetables but in line with ideas of biodynamic production we also have a cattle farming business with a herd of 40 healthy, happy cows. When it comes to this form of animal husbandry it is all about respecting the animals as living creatures.
Focusing on the organic fruit and vegetable production we recognize and understand the importance of biodiversity. This is also a subject that we address when we train the out growers, therefore they also rear some animals (goats , cattle and chicken).

At one of our experimental farms Kyampisi, we test many new crops and ideas. Here we also train the out growers during special seed workshops, biodynamic and organic farming trainings. We do this in close cooperation with the German organic seed specialist for Bingeheimer Seeds. Through these workshops we are enabling the farmers to produce their own organic seeds making them independent of large international suppliers of seeds.

individual

Passion fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron. One passion fruit has only 16 calories. When eaten with the seeds, a serving is an excellent source of fiber.
Papaya is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Every year 20.000 to 340.000 farmworkers die of pesticide poisoning and 1 to 5 million farmworkers get sick from it. In organic cultivation no chemical-synthetic pesticides are used and significantly less pesticide residues are found on organic products in the store. Research indicates (Fantke & Jolliet, 2016) that this also has a health effect for consumers. In short, we can say with confidence that organic fruits and vegetables, on the average, are healthier. And that also goes for our organic exotic fruits.

society

It is African Organic's responsibility is to train farmers in the practices of organic farming. The large organic farm Kyampisi is an experimental farm where new crops and ideas are tested. Here we experiment and hold workshops and classes. Farmers learn about growing products that meet the quality demands of the European market. We are happy with the way things are going and it is our dream that one day we will be able to establish a real agricultural school in close cooperation with the Kyampisi Farm. Kyampisi Farms also offers facilities for visitors who want to learn more about Biodynamic “Demeter” agriculture in Uganda. It is a great opportunity for people to interact with nature in the “Demeter way”. Tourists interested in the Demeter way of farming and living have an opportunity to stay at the farm for at least 3 nights to enjoy this overwhelming experience.

At our farm we employ around 150 people on a daily basis. During the peak season and when things are very busy this number rises to around 300 people. We try to employ as many women as possible at our farm. This is because here in Uganda it is often difficult for women to get a well paid job.
Apart from offering an honest wage we also offer our employees one hot company meal a day and porridge for breakfast. Furthermore, the farm has established a childcare centre where there is an employed nanny, and one of the mothers (in turn) take care of the children while the mothers are working. They make sure that especially the small children who still need to follow their mother to the field will have milk and water.

We do not just “pay” a higher price to the farmers and the workers and focus on extra social benefits but we also want to support the community through the creation of jobs. All these initiatives must be implemented with respect for the current cultural conditions and the nature. Our cooperation is also based on the development of healthy organic products for local consumption. Another aim is to support and develop the organic way of thinking among the population and also to obtain a more fair distribution of the goods. We also have educational programs for all employees and this helps them to further study and also their relatives and families to have a chance of going to school so they can become better people.

climate

In Uganda passion fruit grows naturally in the open and there is no need of greenhouses! They are grown, pollinated and harvested all by hand. After harvesting they are picked up using trucks, cleaned sorted and packed ready for customers in Europe. Hence our way of growing is not energy draining. Also in every passion fruit field, a minimum of 10 trees are recommended per acre and also most the farmers use energy saving stoves for those who have to burn wood and charcoal for cooking. Some have domestic biogas digesters for lighting and cooking. Use of solar energy is also encouraged for lighting.

The tropical climate in this part of Uganda is ideal for growing exotic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, since we do not use any (energy draining) chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Currently we do however fly our organic products to Europe. This has to do with the fact that our country is located in central eastern Africa and there currently there are no possibilities to ship these fresh products to the European market.

water

By taking care of our soil we are also taking care of our water. We call this “Soil – Water Management”. Studies show that good compost has a water holding capacity of up to 60%, Furthermore healthy soils means that they are less susceptible to water erosion and run off. Also organic farming ensures that the water is not contaminated by pesticides and artificial fertilizers as is often the case in conventional agriculture.

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Amfri farms has proven the

Submitted by Azmina on 25 October 2017 - 4:53am

Country:

Canada

Amfri farms has proven the value of sustainable organic farming methods with its impressive array of awesome and quality fruits and veges it produces! Its inspiring to see Amfri employees committment to ethical farming pratices!

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It's the best inspiring

Submitted by Tashah Cissy Na... on 25 October 2017 - 1:30pm

Country:

Uganda

It's the best inspiring company ever and am proud to be part of it because it developed me socially, physically, financially, mentally and intellectually .am really proud to be part of Amfri family thank you so much Mr Nazim and Madam Lilian may the almighty bless you.

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This has been the number top

Submitted by Kabonge on 25 October 2017 - 7:01pm

Country:

Uganda

This has been the number top organic products exporter in Uganda
Keep up the spirit

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AMFRI FARMS/AFRICAN ORGANIC

Submitted by AMINA HIDAAYA on 11 December 2017 - 2:57pm

Country:

UGANDA

AMFRI FARMS/AFRICAN ORGANIC IS A VERY COMMITTED COMPANY AND ARE PROUD TO WORK WITH EOSTA.THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SUPPORTING US BY BUYING OUR PRODUCTS.YOU ARE ALSO MOST WELCOME TO VISIT OUR 600HA BIODYNAMIC FARM.UGANDA IS A VERY GOOD COUNTRY WITH THE BEST WEATHER.COME SEE WHERE ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS COME FROM PLUS THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE WHO PRODUCE AND PACK THEM

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Lilian Anguparu

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