The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a temporary suspension of avocado exports by sea for specific varieties in a bid to maintain quality and safeguard Kenya’s global market position.
In coordination with the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), AFA declared that the export ban applies to Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo varieties for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. This move is aimed at reducing the disruption of avocado crop cycles caused by premature harvesting.
“The closure of harvesting and sea export for Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo avocados will begin on October 25, 2024,” said AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru.
The ban affects sea shipments, while air exports of these varieties will continue, provided they pass inspections conducted by the Directorate. Each export consignment must include traceability information to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Linyiru explained that the decision to halt sea exports was based on reduced projections for the upcoming harvests. A nationwide survey of major avocado-growing regions showed insufficient quantities of mature avocados to justify large-scale exports.
The survey, carried out by AFA’s Directorate, monitored production trends and was used to forecast the upcoming main avocado season’s output. This temporary suspension aims to improve the quality of avocados exported to international markets.
AFA will continue to monitor avocado maturity patterns and plans to review this directive in December 2024, offering an updated assessment of the situation.
