The Uganda Seed Trade Association (USTA), organized in 1999, is a private membership association gathering all seed industry stakeholders. “USTA is an organization formed and directed by its members to shape the development of Uganda’s seed industry and to be an effective voice of action for all matters concerning research, production, marketing, free movement of seed, associated products and services for better yields and sustainable production”This was after Government had liberalized the Seed Subsector to allow Private Sector participation. The membership comprises of seed companies in and outside Uganda. The main aim of forming the association was to coordinate and oversee the development of a vibrant seed industry.
As a mouth piece Apex Association, USTA engages Government to provide the much required policies and incentives that foster seed production, conditioning, marketing and extension of quality assured seed. The association, in addition provides the necessary services to its membership and industry customers through programs initiated by the members, Government and other stakeholders.
MISSION
“To enhance the availability of quality assured seed and services to farmers by facilitating, coordinating and spearheading the development of the seed industry in Uganda.”
VISION
“A successful Seed industry that provides quality assured seed and services nationally and internationally”
The Objectives of USTA are to;
– Promote, encourage, coordinate and safeguard the interests of seed trade in Uganda.
– Improve the standards and profitability of marketing of seeds and complementary agricultural inputs that encourage more private investments in the seeds sub-sector.
– Develop mechanisms for Resource Mobilization especially financial resources for members
– Provide a Seed Forum where members and other stakeholders freely interface with government on advocating through positive dialogue for favorable Seed Policy.
– Promote the undertaking of Research and Development of new varieties, training, accreditation, seed production, seed conditioning and marketing of quality assured seed by its members for overall development of the seed industry.
– Establish and maintain linkages with Regional and International Seed Associations, Research Centers, other networks, – Development Partners, and use of such collaboration to develop capacity of members through exchange of information, learning, resource mobilization, and business linkages.
- Quality Service
- Integrity
- Innovativeness
- Compliance
- Sustainability
- Unity
