The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a temporary suspension of avocado harvesting for sea exports starting Monday, October 20, 2025, marking the end of the 2025/2026 export season.
In a statement signed by AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru, the decision follows a nationwide assessment that found the main crop’s current yield too low to sustain ongoing sea shipments.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
The suspension, AFA said, is aimed at ensuring only mature avocados are harvested to protect fruit quality and preserve Kenya’s reputation in global markets.
“The Authority will continue monitoring avocado maturity patterns and review this directive in mid-January 2026,” the statement noted.
AFA warned that harvesting immature avocados disrupts crop cycles and reduces future yields. The new measures seek to stabilize production, improve crop forecasting, and maintain international quality standards.
While sea exports have been halted, air shipments of the Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties will continue, subject to inspection by the Horticultural Crops Directorate. Exporters must also provide traceability details before obtaining clearance.
The directive extends to avocado oil processors—only oil produced before October 20 will qualify for export. The Authority will inspect oil stocks before approving any permits.
Additionally, AFA cautioned exporters against illegally mixing mangoes with avocados in sea consignments. Mango exporters are now required to ensure shipments contain only mangoes and must request physical inspections by emailing the Authority with packhouse details.
Any exporter or processor found flouting these regulations risks losing their export license and being denied future export permits.
