The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the official opening of the Fuerte and Pinkerton avocado harvesting season for the 2024/2025 period. This decision follows a series of maturity surveys and consultations aimed at safeguarding Kenya’s avocado export markets and ensuring sustainable production cycles.
According to the AFA, the suspension of avocado harvesting and export by sea, which took effect on 25th October 2024, was necessitated by concerns over immature fruit harvesting. This practice has previously disrupted crop cycles and negatively impacted projected harvest volumes in subsequent seasons.
However, the latest surveys conducted between 20th and 23rd January 2025 indicate sufficient volumes of mature Fuerte and Pinkerton avocados in some regions. As a result, the Authority has approved the commencement of harvesting and sea export for these varieties starting Friday, 14th February 2025. Export clearance will be granted following packhouse inspections.
Meanwhile, Hass avocados remain restricted for sea shipment unless sourced from large farms or contracted farms with significant volumes of mature off-season crops. These farms will require both farm and packhouse inspections to secure export clearance. Hass avocados may still be exported by air, subject to packhouse inspection.
The AFA has issued a stern warning to exporters against mislabeling Hass avocados as Fuerte to evade inspection. Any exporters found engaging in such practices will face suspension of their Export Licenses for the 2025 season.
The Authority has also postponed the avocado stakeholders’ consultative meeting initially scheduled for Monday, 27th January 2025, to a later date that will be announced in due course.
This strategic move aims to preserve Kenya’s global reputation as a leading avocado exporter while protecting farmers’ livelihoods by ensuring quality and market sustainability.
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