In anticipation of Kenya's avocado export season, Kakuzi PLC, a prominent agribusiness entity, has announced its initiative to offer complimentary maturity testing services to smallholder farmers. This move aligns with the Agriculture and Food Authority's (AFA) recent directive, which mandates the commencement of avocado harvesting for export on March 1, 2024, ensuring strict compliance with maturity standards. Chris Flowers, Kakuzi's Managing Director, expressed the company's commitment to supporting smallholder farmers in meeting both national and international market requirements, emphasizing the significance of maintaining Kenya's esteemed position in the global avocado market.
Flowers highlighted the critical need for adherence to phytosanitary, environmental, and governance standards to preserve the quality and reputation of Kenyan avocados. With internal maturity assessments already underway in its GlobalGAP-certified Makuyu Packhouse, Kakuzi is poised to begin its HASS avocado harvest in strict regulation compliance. Furthermore, in accordance with AFA-HCD guidelines, all avocado exports will be subject to inspection, necessitating exporters to apply for inspection three days prior to shipment and submit a list of their marketing agents or suppliers by February 26, 2024, for traceability purposes.
Source: capitalfm.co.ke