In Kenya, the suspension of a ban on the export of unprocessed macadamia nuts has catalyzed a significant price increase, with the farm price per kilogram soaring from Sh20 to over Sh100. This development came after the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi issued a gazette notice suspending Section 43 of the Crops Act of 2013, thereby allowing for the export of unprocessed nuts.
The move has been widely applauded by members of the Nuts Traders Association of Kenya, highlighting the export of more than 1,000 tons of unprocessed macadamia to Asian markets since the suspension. Despite some processors' resistance, the association's leadership is advocating for a permanent repeal of the export ban, emphasizing the economic relief it brings to farmers. Additionally, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has mandated a minimum buying price of Sh100 per kilogram to protect farmers from undervaluation by brokers.
[ Sh100 = €0.64 ]
Source: capitalfm.co.ke