SOUK

SOUK farm identified an opportunity to expand Rwanda’s agricultural export market, whilst also ensuring that local farmers are paid a good wage. SOUK grow, process and export their own crops, as well as working with ‘out growers’ and partner farms to maximize crop quantity and diversity. By focusing on internationally sought-after fruit and vegetables, they are able to pay farmers twice the amount they would receive for crops grown for the local market.

SOUK provides training and agricultural inputs to the farmers to try and ensure the quality and consistency of their output, as well as the provision of technical support for irrigation systems to ensure a good harvest.

Once harvested, crops are pre-sorted at the farms, and then collected and prepared for export at the packhouse in accordance with the customer’s specifications.

SOUK farms currently produce 600 tons of fruit and vegetables for export to the UK, Netherlands, and UAE, including avocadoes, beans, chilis and French beans, with other products currently under trial. They hope to double that total quantity by the end of 2024.

Alongside the training provided to the farmers, SOUK continues to work hard to overcome challenges with quality control, constantly improving their sorting process. Recognizing the value of circular practices for business, and for the environment, SOUK is committed to reducing waste and promoting soil health. They are also hoping to create new opportunities using waste products, and are seeking a feasibility study into the potential production of avocado oil which they hope will provide them with an additional income stream.

They know that circular practices, and the long-term protection of soil health is vital to their ongoing business success.

SOUK and currently employs 300 people across five sites, including the Southern Province, Nyanza District and Eastern Province, Gatsibo district, with an additional 1200 people working as out growers.