Thirteen winners of the 2025 Best Farmers Competition have been flagged off for a week-long agricultural study tour of the Netherlands, where they will learn modern farming technologies, agribusiness practices and innovative production systems aimed at transforming their enterprises and communities.
The send-off ceremony took place at dfcu Bank headquarters on Thursday evening, and also marked a major boost for Uganda’s agricultural sector, with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands announcing a commitment of more than UGX 4 billion towards the Vision Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture (VISA).
The initiative is a four-year programme being implemented in partnership with Vision Group to accelerate agricultural transformation through innovation, knowledge sharing and international collaboration.
The annual study visit, organised under the Best Farmers Competition, brings together outstanding farmers from across Uganda and exposes them to one of the world’s most advanced agricultural systems, while creating opportunities for business partnerships, technology transfer and market linkages.
Speaking at the event, Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama said the commitment followed discussions held earlier in the day between Vision Group management, diplomats and Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel on the future of Uganda’s agricultural sector.
“We discussed partnerships, agricultural transformation, the Best Farmers Programme and the Harvest Money Expo,” Wanyama said.
The Best Farmers Competition, now in its twelfth year, has become one of Uganda’s most respected agricultural platforms. Through partnerships with the Embassy of the Netherlands, dfcu Bank, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Koudijs, the initiative rewards outstanding farmers while exposing them to global best practices in agriculture.
According to Wanyama, the programme has so far recognised 134 farmers from across Uganda, with 121 having travelled to the Netherlands before this year’s cohort.
He said many former winners have expanded from subsistence and local markets into commercial farming and export businesses after participating in the programme.
Some have established partnerships with Dutch companies in livestock, poultry, seed production and agricultural equipment, while others have grown into successful exporters serving regional and international markets.
“The Netherlands has demonstrated that agriculture can be driven by innovation, technology and business. That is why it remains an important learning destination for our farmers,” Wanyama said.
He described the Dutch Embassy as one of the strongest supporters of agricultural development initiatives in Uganda, noting that the new funding would strengthen both the Best Farmers Programme and Harvest Money Expo over the next four years.
Wanyama said the partnership had evolved beyond sponsoring annual activities and was now focused on building a sustainable platform that supports agricultural modernization and commercial farming.
He revealed that Vision Group and the Dutch Embassy are already exploring ways of giving the Harvest Money Expo a stronger international profile beginning next year.
“We shall continue engaging with the mission to ensure that the expo takes on a truly international dimension,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Quispel said Uganda possesses enormous potential to become one of Africa’s leading agricultural producers if farmers continue embracing innovation, entrepreneurship and modern farming practices.
She noted that the Netherlands had become one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters despite its relatively small size and limited natural resources.
“Uganda has fertile soils, favourable weather and hardworking farmers. The potential here is enormous,” she said.
Quispel praised the impact the Best Farmers Programme has had over the last 12 years and highlighted the growing role of the Best Farmers Coalition in extending knowledge beyond the competition.
“One of the things I particularly like about the coalition is that best farmers are teaching other farmers,” she said.
“We cannot bring every farmer in Uganda to the Netherlands, but when those who travel return and share what they have learned, the impact becomes much bigger.”
The ambassador also commended the progress she has witnessed in Uganda’s agricultural sector through the partnership.
“What you can really see is how farming is developing and changing in Uganda. We need to continue supporting that progress and take it to the next level.”
She said the next phase of the partnership would focus on attracting greater international participation and expanding opportunities for Ugandan farmers to connect with global markets and innovations.
Quispel also pointed to the creativity being showcased by Ugandan farmers and young innovators through platforms such as the Harvest Money Expo.
She cited products such as snail slime cosmetics, which are attracting growing demand in international markets, as evidence of the opportunities that exist in agricultural value addition.
Among the farmers travelling to the Netherlands is Dr Richard Wemesa, Chief Executive Officer of Jolwe Integrated Farm Enterprises in Gayaza, Wakiso District, who said he hopes to learn more about agricultural automation and modern farm management systems.
“As an economist, I believe automation is a key driver of growth. My journey to the Netherlands will enable me to benchmark some of the advanced farming automation practices that Dutch farmers are using in their daily operations,” Wemesa said.
He added that he intends to adopt and implement suitable technologies at his farm upon his return to Uganda.
“I hope to acquire knowledge and identify technologies that can improve efficiency and productivity at Jolwe Integrated Farm Enterprises. My goal is to invest in and implement some of these innovations to strengthen commercial farming in Uganda,” he said.
The importance of knowledge sharing was further emphasized by Paul Owor, coordinator of the Best Farmers Coalition.
Owor said the coalition was formed to ensure that the benefits of the programme continue long after winners return from the Netherlands.
“The Best Farmers Programme does not stop when you travel and come back. We remain connected and continue supporting one another,” he said.
The coalition brings together winners from different regions and agricultural enterprises to exchange ideas, mentor fellow farmers and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Owor said members have already benefited from partnerships created through the network, including access to farm machinery and equipment.
He urged the travelling farmers to return as ambassadors of change within their communities.
“We want you to learn as much as you can, but we also want your impact to be felt in your communities. Share the knowledge and skills with other farmers so that more people can benefit.”
He also encouraged them to use the trip to build commercial relationships.
“Look for business opportunities and partnerships. The relationships you establish can open doors for future trade, investment and collaboration. This should not be your last trip to the Netherlands.”
Partners supporting the initiative said exposure visits remain one of the most effective ways of accelerating agricultural transformation.
Dr Geoffrey Mukama, Technical Sales Officer at Koudijs, said the study tour is designed to reward excellence while equipping farmers with practical knowledge.
“The trip is part of the annual Best Farmers Competition, an initiative that rewards excellence while equipping farmers with practical knowledge to transform Uganda’s agricultural sector,” Mukama said.
“Continuous learning is at the heart of successful farming. That is why Koudijs has proudly supported the Best Farmers initiative for the past 11 years.”
KLM Country Manager Lukia Otema challenged the farmers to make full use of the opportunity.
“At KLM, we are proud to support journeys that make a lasting impact. As you travel to the Netherlands, embrace the chance to explore new technology, ideas and best practices that can elevate your farms and your country,” she said.
dfcu Bank Chief Retail Banking Officer Annette Kiconco said the send-off came barely two weeks after the bank celebrated 62 years of operations in Uganda, with agriculture remaining one of its most important sectors.
“For the past 12 years, dfcu has partnered with Vision Group, KLM, Koudijs and the Embassy of the Netherlands to deliver the Best Farmers Awards, one of Uganda’s most respected agricultural platforms,” she said.
Kiconco described farmers as the backbone of Uganda’s economy and said agricultural transformation requires more than recognition.
“As agriculture continues to grow more commercially, we recognise the need not just to provide recognition but practical support that enables relevance and sustainability.”
She reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting farmers through financial solutions that enable growth, productivity and long-term success.
Organisers described the annual visit to the Netherlands as an investment in Uganda’s agricultural future rather than a reward trip.
“The trip to the Netherlands for our farmers is not a holiday. It is an investment in exploration, knowledge and transformation,” Vision Group said in a message to the travelling farmers.
“Learn, observe and return with insights needed to scale up Uganda’s agricultural competitiveness.”
As the 13 farmers prepare to depart for the Netherlands, stakeholders expressed optimism that the knowledge, technologies and partnerships they acquire will help strengthen agricultural productivity, expand market opportunities and contribute to Uganda’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading agricultural economies.
