In Nandi County, the Nandi Avocado Farmers' Cooperative Society (NAFCS) has commenced direct avocado exports to Belgium and the Netherlands, marking a significant development in the region's agricultural sector. Following the acquisition of an export licence from the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) on July 10, 2024, and the nearing completion of an Avocado Processing Facility in Lessos, Nandi Hills, the cooperative is positioned to compete effectively in the European market. The initial shipment involved 700 kilograms of avocado samples sent to the two countries, demonstrating the cooperative's capability and readiness to engage in international trade.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang highlighted the government's role in supporting the cooperative through capacity building and the provision of certified seeds, which has culminated in this achievement. "Having supported the Nandi Avocado Farmers Cooperative Society with capacity building and certified seeds distribution, I am pleased to see the significant milestones we have achieved in the sector. For a long time, our small-scale avocado farmers have struggled to access markets individually. However, it's a new dawn for avocado farmers in our County after the Nandi Avocado Farmers' Cooperative Society (NAFCS) got a licence to start direct exports. Our first consignment of avocado export goes to Belgium and the Netherlands."
The establishment of the avocado aggregation pack house facility in Lessos, with a daily capacity of 22 tonnes, is expected to enhance market access, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve pricing through economies of scale for local avocado farmers.
Source: kilimonews.co.ke