"There's always new things and new plans as the farming world is changing rapidly." says Richard McGonnell, chairman of the Naivasha Horticultural Fair (NHF). In September he will be hosting the 22nd edition of one of Africa's largest horticultural fairs. According to McGonnell, visitors of the fair can come and see over 250 exhibitor stands from both the horticultural and floriculture sectors. By hosting the NHF he also seeks to highlight how these sectors can further develop their potential.
Floriculture and horticulture
Initially organized to show the world that the Kenyan flower industry is a professional one, today the NHF is there for both the floriculture and the horticulture industry. "Every year the fair gets bigger. New breeders are joining us that didn't exhibit before, not only on the flower side. At the moment avocado farms are quite successful in Kenya, but we also have exhibitors that will showcase their seedlings and fresh vegetables," McGonnell states.
He emphasizes that both the floriculture and horticulture sectors have great potential in Kenya, saying: "Flower farms are diversifying. They don't only grow roses anymore. The markets for summer flowers, chrysanthemums, and carnations are developing quickly in Kenya. Especially now many Dutch farms are closing done, there is more room for Kenyan flower growers. Likewise, if Kenya could develop vegetable production for co-operative type smaller scale farms, they could start to produce for export markets, having the advantage of relatively low production costs compared to Europe.
The larger farms know what they're doing, but there are probably 4-5 million small scale farms that can develop a lot when it comes to taking soil samples and correct fertigation. If we can find a way to modernize their cultivation methods, their production could increase by about 40%. In this way Kenya can export more, increase food supplies, and create jobs and revenues."
An impression of the Naivasha Horticultural Fair
Expectations
According to McGonnell the NHF receives more interests than in previous years: "We expect more visitors this year. We especially expect an increase in visitors from Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. In addition, we expect to get some twenty or more grower stands, which will attract outside buyers." He also points out that the NHF got a new sponsor, the Co-operative Bank of Kenya. McGonnell comments: "We offer companies the possibility to sponsor NHF. All profits of the fair go to local charities such as Naivasha Safe House which is a shelter for abused children."
Yet, he emphasizes that many things stay the same, saying: "It's still a place where people can meet in an informal setting. It's open to the public, but we want to keep it a businessmen's fair. Nevertheless, it's very relaxing as you interact with maybe a glass of wine with your friends."
The fair will take place from September 20-21, 2024 in Naivasha Town, Kenya. "We chose this month because it usually doesn't rain a lot, but every year again there is a little shower," McGonnell concludes.
For more information:
Naivasha Horticultural Fair
[email protected]
www.naivashahortifair.com
Co-operative Bank of Kenya
www.co-opbank.co.ke
Elgon Kenya
www.elgonkenya.com
Agrichem Africa Ltd
www.agrichemafrica.com
Greenlife Crop Protection Africa
www.greenlife.co.ke
Amiran
www.baltoncp.com
Osho
www.oshochem.com