NAIROBI: Kenya is reportedly in talks with South Africa to resume its exports of avocados that have been banned since 2010 due to the presence of fruit fly pest, according to local media.
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) general manager of phytosanitary services Isaac Macharia recently said that South Africa had given Kenya a number of requirements that it must fulfill before exports can begin.
“We are confident we will meet all the requirements given that we are already exporting avocados to the European Union which has stringent standards,” Macharia was quoted as saying.
Before the ban was imposed, the avocado trade with South Africa used to earn Kenyan farmers approximately US$1.2 million annually, the story reported.
Macharia said South Africa was an important market as it helps Kenya to diversify its exports.
“It will help to reduce reliance on European markets and help to cushion farmers in case demand drops,” he was quoted as saying.
The Kenyan avocado industry is using a combination of traps and pesticides to eliminate fruit fly, the story said.
