The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has suspended Kenya’s avocado harvesting season for sea exports from Friday, October 30, citing low production volumes, while warning mango exporters against mixing the two fruits in export consignments.
The directive affects Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo avocado varieties following a nationwide survey that found insufficient mature fruit to sustain sea shipments.
In a notice dated October 28, AFA Director General Calistus Efukho said the assessment by the Horticultural Crops Directorate covered major avocado-growing areas to establish current production levels and forecast supplies for the next main season.
“The survey findings are that current production volumes are low and insufficient for sea shipment,” Efukho said.
However, exporters will still be allowed to ship the four varieties by air, subject to inspection and the provision of traceability details for every consignment.
The closure also affects avocado oil processors, who have been directed to stop harvesting during the restricted period. Those holding existing avocado oil stocks intended for export must seek verification by Monday, November 2.
Only stocks verified by the Horticultural Crops Directorate will be cleared for export during the closure.
AFA has also suspended imports of avocado fruit for oil processing, saying the measure is intended to prevent traders from harvesting immature local fruit and presenting it as imported produce.
Meanwhile, mango exporters have been warned against mixing mango consignments with avocados to facilitate sea shipments after the closure of the avocado harvesting season.
The authority said the practice contravenes Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.
Exporters seeking mango permits must ensure their consignments contain mangoes only. They must also apply for physical inspection through the Horticultural Crops Directorate and provide the location of the packhouse where the produce will be inspected.
AFA warned that consignments that fail to meet the requirements will not receive export permits.
Exporters and avocado oil processors who violate the seasonal restrictions also risk having their licences revoked.
The authority said it would continue monitoring avocado maturity and production patterns before issuing further guidance on the export season.