NAIROBI, Kenya – In a bid to safeguard its international avocado markets, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a temporary halt on avocado exports, set to take effect on October 25, 2024.
The suspension, implemented in collaboration with the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), aims to prevent disruptions to crop cycles caused by the harvesting of immature avocados, which can jeopardize the reputation of Kenya’s produce abroad.
The AFA cited a significant reduction in projected avocado yields as a key reason for the export closure.
A countrywide survey conducted by the agency revealed that the current harvest volumes are insufficient to meet export demand without risking the quality of the fruit.
This survey, which monitored trends in major avocado-producing regions, also sought to forecast future production for the upcoming main season.
“The closing of the Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo varieties for sea shipments will begin on October 25, 2024, as part of this effort,” AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru announced.
He clarified that while sea exports will be suspended, air shipments will continue, provided the produce passes inspections and meets strict traceability standards.
The move is designed to ensure that only mature, high-quality avocados reach international consumers, preserving Kenya’s standing in a competitive global market.
The AFA will review the suspension in December 2024, keeping an eye on avocado maturity trends across the country.
This suspension comes at a time when Kenya’s avocado exports have faced increasing scrutiny over quality control, with immature harvesting being a persistent issue.
The suspension, implemented in collaboration with the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), aims to prevent disruptions to crop cycles caused by the harvesting of immature avocados, which can jeopardize the reputation of Kenya’s produce abroad.
The AFA cited a significant reduction in projected avocado yields as a key reason for the export closure.
A countrywide survey conducted by the agency revealed that the current harvest volumes are insufficient to meet export demand without risking the quality of the fruit.
This survey, which monitored trends in major avocado-producing regions, also sought to forecast future production for the upcoming main season.
“The closing of the Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo varieties for sea shipments will begin on October 25, 2024, as part of this effort,” AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru announced.
He clarified that while sea exports will be suspended, air shipments will continue, provided the produce passes inspections and meets strict traceability standards.
The move is designed to ensure that only mature, high-quality avocados reach international consumers, preserving Kenya’s standing in a competitive global market.
The AFA will review the suspension in December 2024, keeping an eye on avocado maturity trends across the country.
This suspension comes at a time when Kenya’s avocado exports have faced increasing scrutiny over quality control, with immature harvesting being a persistent issue.
