We’re delighted to announce that the Vines Project has been extended for another two years.

Since 2020, the USDA-funded Vines Project, managed by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), has been supporting the vanilla value chain in Uganda at different levels – including helping the Association of Vanilla Exporters (VANEX) build capacity in governance and management, and market Uganda’s vanilla to the world.

The project was set to end in Sept 2024, but has been given a 2-year cost extension to finalise the milestones and objectives of the project and ensure long-term sustainability. Great news for all stakeholders involved!

NEI actively contributes to and supports the Vines Project by working with the team to improve supply chain efficiency, as well as farmer productivity and incomes. We also received a grant to support farmer training, registration, certification and diversification, as well as improve our processing facilities.

“We’re all excited that this strategic project is being extended, so we can finalise the different initiatives under way. This project has (and will continue to) shape vanilla production in Uganda – reinforcing the role and scope of VANEX,” explains Abubaker Mulindwa, our Managing Director in Uganda.

VANEX brings together key players in the vanilla value chain to promote natural, high-quality vanilla produced in Uganda. A mission that aligns fully with our own. We’ve been part of the association for many years now and Abubaker is currently a board member.