The Macadamia Nut Processors Association of Kenya (MACNUT) and local growers have countered claims that government policies have decreased macadamia prices from approximately $1.00 to $0.60 per kilo.
Jane Maigua, MACNUT chairperson, stated the policy ensures no farmer receives less than $0.67 per kilo. "The narrative being spun is by brokers who had huge stocks of raw macadamia ready for export," she noted. Her remarks followed a workshop in Diani, Kwale, assessing the directive by Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe.
MACNUT urged farmers to unite and support the policy against selling unprocessed macadamia, to foster local job creation. Farmers are cautioned against selling immature nuts, which risks Kenyan quality and market access, especially in Europe.
The 2025 harvest season for mature nuts commenced on March 1. CS Kagwe emphasized retaining the export ban on raw nuts, aligning with the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Act and Oil Crops Regulations of 2020. This policy aims for industry compliance and the transformation of challenges into opportunities.
Kagwe encouraged farmer registration under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management System (KIAMIS) for improved sector planning. "AFA shall coordinate with county governments to support farmers through initiatives like e-extension services, subsidized fertilizer, and real-time market information," he said.
James Muturi, Chair of the Agriculture CECM's Caucus, advocated for enforcing the raw macadamia export ban to China, highlighting local processors' capacity to handle increased production, thus enhancing economic value through processing.
Source: The Star