Kenya is set to temporarily halt the export of avocados and macadamia nuts in a move aimed at preserving the quality of its agricultural produce in the global market, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The ban, which seeks to prevent the premature harvesting of these key exports, will come into effect in the coming weeks.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development announced the suspension, with Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja confirming that the export and harvest of macadamia nuts would be paused from November  2, 2024, until March 1, 2025.

During this period, traders are required to comply with specific guidelines. “Dealers must submit their current stock for inspection, verification, and clearance by Nov. 15,” Karanja stated in a press release from Nairobi.

This decision is driven by the need to address the detrimental effects of harvesting immature macadamia nuts, which, according to Karanja, have hurt Kenya’s standing in the international market.

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“Harvesting, processing and export of immature macadamia nuts lead to poor performance of the produce from Kenya in the global market,” Karanja explained.

In response to concerns that farmers might be taken advantage of during the suspension, Karanja also assured that the government would introduce a minimum guarantee price for macadamia sold in the local market.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Food Authority (AFA) has also announced a suspension on avocado exports, effective October 25, 2024.

Bruno Linyiru, AFA’s director general, emphasised that this move is aimed at safeguarding Kenya’s international reputation for high-quality avocado produce and preventing disruption to the fruit's natural growing cycle.

“The suspension of avocado exports would help sustain and grow Kenya’s international market, and minimise interruption of the crop cycle occasioned by harvesting of immature fruits,” Linyiru remarked.

While small airfreight exports of avocados will be permitted during this period, the ban extends to shipments via sea, ensuring tighter control over the quality of produce leaving the country.

Linyiru further noted that the AFA will review avocado maturity trends and re-evaluate the suspension during the first week of December.

In addition, he issued a caution to exporters against blending avocados with mangoes to compensate for the supply shortfall during the suspension.

Kenya primarily exports its avocados and macadamia nuts to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and China, with avocados being the country’s most significant fruit export.

By taking these measures, the government hopes to stabilise the sector and maintain the country’s reputation for producing high-quality agricultural goods.