The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a registration notice for all food crop marketing agents, transporters, and warehouse operation certification.
In a notice, AFA noted that the registration directive is pursuant to the provisions of section 16 (1) of the Crops Act No. 16 of 2013, regulation 6 (1) and regulation 22 (3) of The Crops (Food Crops) Regulations, 2019.
“A notice of fourteen (14) days is hereby given to the Marketing Agents and Transporters to register with the Authority.
Additionally, all warehouse operators are instructed to apply for certification with the Authority as provided for in the Crops (Food Crops) Regulations, 2019,” said Willis Audi, Director General AFA.
Further, Audi explained that the application for registration can be made on the AFA website.
AFA and Crops Act 2013
The Crops Act 2013 established the Agriculture and Food Authority as the regulatory body for scheduled crops
The Act consolidated and repealed various statutes relating to crops and provides for the growth and development of agricultural crops in Kenya.
Further, it provided for the promotion of scheduled crops through research, extension, quality assurance, market access, value addition and other interventions.
It establishes the Commodities Development Fund to finance the development of scheduled crops.
Additionally, it regulates the registration, licensing and taxation of growers, dealers, and manufacturers of scheduled crops.
It provides for the appointment of county officers and crop inspectors to enforce the Act and its regulations.
It empowers the Cabinet Secretary to make regulations for various matters relating to scheduled crops.
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Food Crops Regulations 2019
These Regulations implement the Crops Act, 2013 and apply to a wide range of food crops within the classes of cereals, legumes, roots, and tubers.
Additionally, it includes food crops processed, produced, and traded in Kenya, or those imported or exported.
The main purpose of the Regulations is to promote the development and regulation of food crops and food produce, and to specifically provide for the registration of growers, growers’ associations and certify processing plants, warehouses, collection centres and markets.
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Further it issues export clearance permits, ensures the safety and quality of food crops and food produce and markets food crops and food produce.
In addition, it promotes the best practices in production, transportation, storage and processing of food crops and food produce, and the collection and maintenance of a database on the production, prices and trade of food crops and food produce.
The Regulations further provide for the possibility of a contract farming arrangement between dealers and growers/growers’ associations.
About AFA
AFA is mandated to regulate, develop, and promote scheduled crops value chains.
The Authority through the Food Crops Directorate regulates the food crops sub-sector by application of rules and regulations to ensure food safety and quality.
