Kenya will lift the four-month suspension on avocado exports in two weeks, the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) announced, ending the restriction imposed by the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) last November to ensure the maturity and quality of the exported fruit.

Starting March 1, maritime exports of the Fuerte and Hass varieties will resume, but will remain limited to size code 20 (184 grams) until the open export window begins. Christine Chesaro, Acting Director General of the AFA, noted that a month ago, the fruit was considered insufficient, leading to the extension of restrictions on avocado shipments by sea. However, recent assessments indicate that the fruit is now ripe on the farms and meets the required export volumes.

The AFA has imposed strict measures, including penalties, on exporters or their agents who transport avocados without boxes or in open trucks, violating Horticultural Regulations. The Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties contribute significantly to Kenya's avocado exports, recognized as the "green gold" of the future.

Kenya has overtaken South Africa as a major avocado exporter, generating export revenues exceeding 20 billion shillings last year, primarily to Europe and the Middle East, thus strengthening its position as a significant source of foreign exchange. Despite challenges such as smuggling attempts and market price fluctuations, Kenya has solidified its position as a key player in avocado exports, shaping a growing industry.

Source: The East African