UGANDA – The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), a globally recognized authority in coffee quality training and certification, has granted Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) Coffee Laboratory the Q Venue recognition.
This prestigious acknowledgment positions the UCDA Coffee Laboratory as an international center of excellence for coffee quality assessment.
The Q Venue recognition enables UCDA to offer specialized training in Q Arabica and Q Robusta, particularly catering to the youth seeking to establish careers in the coffee industry.
This achievement reflects the laboratory’s commitment to maintaining consistent and predictable learning environments, adhering to international standards.
A Q Venue supports the certification of Q Arabica and Q Robusta graders, who play a vital role in the coffee industry by possessing the expertise to communicate effectively with other professionals globally regarding coffee quality.
These highly specialized professionals can differentiate specialty Arabica and Fine Robusta coffees, sought after in specialty markets, thus commanding premium prices.
Their knowledge also empowers them to advise farmers on enhancing the quality of their coffees and tapping into niche markets.
“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to improving the quality of Uganda coffee, promoting value addition, and driving positive change in the coffee industry,” said UCDA.
This milestone aligns with the broader continental strategy as the African Union endorsed the G25 Kampala Declaration on coffee, officially designating coffee as a strategic crop for Africa.
The Kampala Declaration, resulting from the G-25 Coffee Summit held in August last year, emphasized the imperative for African nations to assert control and dominance within the lucrative coffee industry.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni underscored the significance of coffee value addition, not only amplifying revenue but also creating increased employment opportunities within the sector.
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