The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a warning to all mango exporters in the country.
In an advert on Tuesday November 7, Agriculture Director General (AG) Willis Audi said the Horticultural Crops Directorate will inspect all avocado and mango shipments before exportation.
“All Avocado and Mango consignments for export are required to undergo inspection by the Directorate before an Export Certificate is issued, as provided in the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020 Section 29 (1 & 2),” said AFA.
Further, the Authority warned individuals mixing mango and avocado for exportation against the regulations.
“It has come to our attention that following the closure of the Avocado harvesting season and export by sea, some exporters are mixing consignments of Mango with Avocado for sea shipment. This is against the provisions of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020 Section 20(5),” said Audi.
AFA Directives
For this reason, AFA directed all mango exporters to apply for physical inspection of Mango consignments through directorhcd@afa.go.ke (copy to hcdtechnical@gmail.com).
Additionally, the Authority said the application should clearly state the location of the pack house to facilitate inspection.
“Ensure that the quantity being exported for which the permit is being sought, fully constitutes Mango fruits in the consignment,” directed AFA.
Also Read: Kenya Reviews Avocado Export GuidelinesTo Safeguard Export Market
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Furthermore, the exporters were advised to adhere to the above-mentioned directives with effect from Monday, November 13.
Subsequently, Mango exporters are required to demonstrate compliance, failure to which their dealership in Mango export will be revoked.
Kenya exports fresh Mango to the Middle East market, with small quantities of processed fruit (dried) to The Netherlands, UK and Italy amongst others.
For further clarification, exporters can contact the office of the Ag. Director HCD.
Also Read: Kenya Issues Directive to All Avocado Traders
Avocado Exporters Season
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Authority on October 30 announced the end of avocado export season, after a survey to validate the maturity indices of the fruit in the primary production zones.
In a notice to all exporters, importers and processors, the ministry said no export sales will be made beyond November 3.
“The closing of Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte and Jumbo harvesting season and export by sea for the 2023/2024 fiscal year shall be in force with effect from 3 November 2023,” read the statement in part.
Additionally, the Ministry directed that the export clearance would be subject to the directorate’s inspection.
