Dümmen Orange honors EHPEA for contributions to horticulture

ETHIOPIA – Dümmen Orange, a global leader in the breeding and propagation of ornamental plants, has awarded the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) with a special award for its ongoing support and excellence in the horticulture sector.

The award, which included a trophy and a certificate, was presented at the annual Workers’ Day celebration, attended by Aba Gedas, company management, employees, and representatives from various institutions.

The recognition highlights EHPEA’s “unwavering support and commitment to excellence” and its role in fostering growth within the business community.

The certificate emphasized that EHPEA’s contributions have played a pivotal role in the success of Ethiopia’s horticulture industry, helping to spur innovation and collaboration across the sector.

During the ceremony, Yordanos Jemal, General Manager of Dümmen Orange’s Ethiopian farm, expressed her appreciation for the collective efforts of her team, stating, “The farm has achieved significant milestones despite the challenges we faced. I want to thank our workers and management team for their dedication and hard work.”

Jemal emphasized the farm’s continued commitment to excellence and innovation in the face of obstacles.

Benjamin Geopferich, Regional Director for Dümmen Orange in Africa, attributed the farm’s success to the “team spirit and commitment” displayed by both the management and the workers.

He also recognized the effective leadership of General Manager Jemal as a key factor in their achievements.

Dümmen Orange is not only a key player in Ethiopia’s horticulture industry but also a company committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Over the past 20 years, the farm has invested in several CSR initiatives, including building elementary and high schools, kindergartens, roads, and local administration offices.

The company has also sponsored orphans and other community projects, illustrating its dedication to uplifting the surrounding community.

With more than 2,000 workers currently employed, Dümmen Orange continues to be a significant contributor to Ethiopia’s economic development.

The company produces and exports Pelargonium and Poinsettia cuttings to markets in Europe, the United States, and other international destinations.

Dümmen Orange is recognized worldwide for its leadership in breeding and propagating ornamental flowers and plants.

The company recently won the Plantum Sustainability Award 2024 for its efforts to breed insect-friendly plants in collaboration with the Naturalis Biodiversity Center.

Their work in testing plants for nectar volume, sugar concentration, and flower traits has led to a better understanding of how to support pollinators such as bees and hoverflies, whose numbers have sharply declined in recent decades.

The jury of the Plantum Award praised Dümmen Orange’s “tangible societal impact,” citing the company’s collaboration with research institutions to promote sustainability in horticulture.

This innovative approach demonstrates how humans and nature can work together for a better future.

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