By Nicholas Waitathu
Farmers producing for the export market hardly know if their commodities would be accepted in key markets.
In most cases, the growers’ produce is rejected at points of entry by international buyers on grounds of not meeting standards.
But this is set to change, thanks to an initiative by Control Union of Kenya (CUK), an internationally operating certification body that carries out inspections, lab testing and certification for agricultural produce starting at farm level.
During an induction seminar to avocado farmers in Bomachoge, Borabu in Kisii County, CUK Managing Director James Mureithi stressed on the need for accreditation of produce destined for export markets right from their farms.
“In most cases, farmers rarely understand why their produce is rejected by exporters. And even if told of the certification process of their product they still don’t understand. As a certification body we have been reaching out to farmers through their cooperative societies and community-based organisations to induct them on the importance of certification,” said Mureithi.
Adhering to certification ensures market access and premium price, interaction one on one or directly with the markets thus getting rid-off middlemen.
Mureithi said his organisation is advocating for sustainable agriculture, educating growers on certification, sustainability and market opportunities as part of empowering growers to thrive in the international markets.
“To attain successful certification, farmers need to form groups –agriculture marketing societies, community-based organisations and self-help groups. Under the groups, farmers will be more disciplined and thus follow set standards.
“Through the Mashinani programme, we are charged with the responsibility of checking the compliance of standards. We check if the farms, producers and exporters are complying with specific market requirements,” he said
Farmers, Mureithi said, are also educated on organic certification which focuses on ensuring crops are produced free from synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and certain artificial additives.
The European Union (EU) which is the major market of fresh produce from Kenya has been issuing sanctions to commodities not grown under set standards.
“Avocado is the green gold of Kenya and Africa. We know that the demand is increasing compared to other fruits that we have in the market. It does well in this area of Kisii but farmers have not embraced avocado farming fully and that is why experts in the avocado value chain are here with us to sensitize farmers on the good agricultural production of avocado,” he said.
For instance, Joel Ongangi, an avocado farmer from Bomachoge, said he planted 1000 avocado trees at the beginning of last year and has been maintaining it well despite emerging challenges such as pests, weather fluctuation and inadequate rainfall.
“We anticipate enjoying impressive proceeds once we start harvesting. Avocado farming is becoming even more profitable than the tea business. The money we get from avocado will be able to help us buy the maize that we keep on planting and does not have good returns and sometimes it disappoints,” said Ongangi.
Newton Maina from Avocado Association of Kenya, advised farmers to adhere to good agricultural practices and especially regular soil testing.
“And continuance sound management of the orchards to prevent the trees against pests and diseases,” said Maina.