The Ministry of Agriculture has officially announced June 18th as the start of Uganda’s 2025 vanilla harvest season. The ministry has issued a strong warning to vanilla farmers against premature harvesting, emphasizing strict enforcement and penalties for violating the directive.

Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Kyakulaga Fred Bwino, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable vanilla sector. He highlighted Uganda’s growing prominence as the world’s second-largest vanilla producer for the second consecutive year, driven by high-quality yields and improved regulation.

“Uganda’s vanilla exports in 2024 exceeded 600 metric tonnes, earning USD 16.6 million, and our country continues to make impressive gains on the global market,” Hon. Bwino stated. “We’ve recognized the importance of maintaining strict harvest timings to ensure the highest quality and market confidence.”

While Madagascar dominates with 80% of the global vanilla market, Uganda has carved out a significant share thanks to its two annual harvests, ensuring a steady supply. Ugandan vanilla is celebrated for its quality, with an average vanillin content of over 4%, enhancing its market appeal. As a result, Uganda’s market share in the U.S. has grown from 3% to 12%, and from 1% to 10% in the European Union over the past five years.

Despite recent increases in vanilla seed prices, driven by global trends, the sector remains resilient. Hon. Bwino attributed this to professionalism, stricter regulation, and strategic partnerships that boost farmer confidence and ensure strong returns even at modest cultivation levels.

Vanilla is now cultivated across 38 districts, including Mbale, Kayunga, Mukono, Iganga, Jinja, and Sironko, thriving in diverse conditions—except in Karamoja, where high temperatures challenge cultivation.

The Minister also warned farmers and traders against selling to unlicensed buyers, urging registration with the ministry. Licensed trading companies such as Tambisa Uganda Ltd, Natural Extracts Ltd, and Enimiro Products Ltd have been identified as authorized partners.

Lastly, Hon. Bwino addressed various challenges facing the industry, including illegal trading, theft, and premature harvesting. The ministry has responded by enforcing harvest dates, licensing traders, and improving coordination among stakeholders.

The vanilla season for 2025 will run from June 18th to September 18th, and the ministry assured farmers of close monitoring and strict penalties for violations. Farmers are urged to adhere to the set dates to sustain Uganda’s reputation in the global vanilla market.