Renewed Hope for Farmers as Ovacado Exports Resume

In just two weeks, Kenya will once again begin exporting avocados, putting an end to the three-month suspension implemented by the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA).

In November 2023, the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) enforced a suspension to ensure the quality of exported avocados was acceptable. This suspension is set to end on March 1st. Nonetheless, sea exports of Fuerte and Hass varieties will still be restricted to size code 20 (184 grams) until the open export window launches. Kenya's government replaced air travel with sea transport as exporting unripe fruit charred its reputation on the international market. This measure was implemented to guarantee the export of only the finest avocados. After conducting field surveys from January 7 to January 12, the authorities resolved to revoke the suspension.

Christine Chesaro, the Acting Director of the AFA, says that the surveys determined the level of ripeness and quantity of fruit in important production regions nationwide. One month ago, these surveys revealed that the fruit was inadequate, resulting in the prolongation of restrictions on avocado shipments via sea. Nevertheless, recent evaluations indicate that the fruit is now mature and satisfies the necessary export quantities. It is worth mentioning that all avocados intended for export will still undergo inspection by AFA-HCD inspectors to guarantee their quality.

On 14th February, a memo was sent to avocado traders requiring them to provide a list of their Horticultural Produce Marketing Agents (HPMAs) or suppliers before 26, February. Furthermore, the memo reminded the traders to scrutinize their production and post-production procedures to guarantee that all regulations and market demands comply. Exporters or their agents who steer clear of using produce crates or carrying their merchandise in exposed pick-up trucks violate the procedural norms set down under the Horticultural Regulations. Therefore, the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) has set down rigid protocols along with adequate penalties.

Kenya's avocado trade is booming with the four most popular types being the Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties. The country has dubbed this market the "green gold" even earning it billions of shillings in revenue last year. Europe and Middle Eastern countries play an essential role in this success, generating substantial foreign exchange for Kenya. Even with obstacles such as illicit smuggling and market instability, Kenya's avocado export sector has proven victorious by prevailing over South Africa. In addition, local cottage industries have emerged to extract oil from avocados, further contributing to the country's thriving industry.