The European Union (EU) has announced plans to establish a specialized training center for small scale coffee farmers in Tanzania, as part of its broader initiative to enhance productivity, quality, and competitiveness of Tanzanian coffee in the global market.
The initiative aims to empower farmers through modern training programs, the use of advanced agricultural technologies, and efficient resource management.
The ultimate goal is to boost the production of high quality coffee that meets international standards, particularly for the EU and Italian markets.
Speaking during a visit to Kilimanjaro Plantation Limited (KPL), located in Mweka, Moshi District, the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Giuseppe Coppola, emphasized that the effort reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting Tanzanian farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to participate meaningfully in the global coffee trade.
“We are committed to ensuring that farmers receive the training and tools they need to produce high quality coffee capable of entering European and Italian markets with ease,” said Ambassador Coppola.
The Ambassador noted that the visit allowed the delegation to witness firsthand the quality of coffee farming operations at KPL and expressed admiration for the remarkable work being done and the premium products being produced.
“We’ve seen a well managed plantation with impressive productivity, This is a clear indication that Tanzania has strong potential to become a major competitor in the global coffee market,” he added.
Ambassador Coppola also highlighted Italy’s readiness to support the entire coffee value chain in Tanzania.
This includes the establishment of the upcoming training center, which will focus on equipping smallholder farmers with the necessary skills and expertise to improve the quality of their coffee.
“We want to see coffee farmers in Kilimanjaro and other regions producing coffee that meets international standards and easily accesses markets in Europe and Italy,” he emphasized.
On his part, KPL Farm Managing Director, Colton Rebenold, stated that coffee farming continues to play a significant role in Tanzania’s agricultural sector.
He noted that the plantation produces between 500 to 700 tons of coffee annually, much of which is exported to European markets, including Italy, as well as Japan.
“We manage over 620 hectares with more than 1.2 million coffee trees. This production yields significant tonnage each year. We also use the coffee husks from processing to make liquid fertilizer, which helps improve soil fertility,” said Rebenold.
He added that every two weeks, the farm generates about 400 liters of liquid fertilizer from the husks, which is sprayed on approximately 50 hectares of farmland.
Rebenold also expressed that the visit by EU ambassadors symbolizes a strengthening partnership between Tanzania and European countries in developing the coffee sector.
This collaboration, he said, is motivating farmers to enhance both the quantity and quality of their produce.