The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the closure of the export of certain types of avocados by sea.

The AFA, in collaboration with the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), issued the directive stating that the bid aims to support and expand Kenya’s international markets by minimizing the interruption to the crop cycle caused by the harvest of immature lawyers.

“The closure of the Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte and Jumbo harvest season for maritime transport for the financial year 2024/2025 will come into effect from October 25, 2024,” said AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru.

The directive is expected to come into force on October 25, 2024.

The AFA, however, indicated that the export of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo varieties would continue by air.

“Export permissions will be granted subject to inspection by the Directorate. Traceability information will be required for all shipments,” Linyiru added.

Linyiru said the reduction in planned volumes for subsequent harvests is one of the main reasons for the closure of avocado export by sea.

A national survey conducted by the AFA Directorate indicated that, through monitoring of harvest trends in the region’s main avocado producing areas, main season harvest volumes are currently insufficient to justify the export.

The survey was also conducted to determine current production trends and future production forecasts for the following year’s main season.

The temporary export halt notice, AFA said, aims to improve the quality of avocados exported to the international market.

The AFA further said that it will continue to closely monitor avocado maturity trends and patterns in the country and will review the advisory in December 2024.