AFA Tightens Quality Rules as It Closes Avocado Harvest Season and Cracks Down on Export Malpractices

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the closure of the avocado harvesting season for sea exports for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, effective Monday, October 20, 2025. The Authority said the move aims to protect the reputation of Kenyan avocados in international markets while ensuring only mature fruits are harvested.

In a statement, AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru said the decision followed a nationwide survey of major avocado-growing regions, which revealed that the current crop volumes are too low to sustain continued sea exports. He noted that premature harvesting had in the past disrupted crop cycles and reduced yields in following seasons, adding that the new measures will help stabilize production and improve forecasting.

“The Authority shall continue to closely monitor avocado maturity trends and patterns and review the notice in the second week of January 2026 and guide appropriately,” said Dr. Linyiru.

Despite the suspension of sea exports, AFA clarified that air shipments of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties will continue. However, all exports must undergo mandatory inspection by the Horticultural Crops Directorate, and exporters must provide full traceability details before receiving clearance.

The directive also affects avocado oil processors. According to AFA, only oil processed before the closure date of October 20 will be eligible for export. Dr. Linyiru said inspections will be carried out to verify existing oil stocks before any export permits are issued, stressing that no approvals will be granted for oil produced after the deadline.

Additionally, the Authority raised alarm over reports of some exporters mixing mango consignments with avocado during sea shipments. As part of its enforcement efforts, AFA has directed all mango exporters to ensure their consignments contain only mango fruits. Exporters must also apply for physical inspection by emailing the Authority and indicating their packhouse locations.

Dr. Linyiru emphasized that only fully compliant exporters will be issued permits, saying the agency is determined to uphold Kenya’s position as a leading exporter of high-quality horticultural produce.