AFA issues clarifications on new horticulture safety standards amid misinformation

KENYA – The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued clarifications to address misinformation regarding new safety rules and standards for horticulture farming and its implications for farmers and the industry.

KS 1758, is the National Horticulture Code of Practice, developed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in partnership with stakeholders from both public and private sectors, aimed to address food safety gaps in the horticultural sector for both local and export markets.

The clarification comes after reports that the Kenyan government planned to enforce strict farm regulations, potentially banning over three million small-scale farmers from selling fruits and vegetables.

According to these reports, the new regulations would limit the supply of horticultural products to large farmers, companies, and importers who comply with the KS 1758 Standard.

Middlemen and buyers who sourced produce from uncertified farmers would face heavy penalties. The regulations were described as presenting over 500 new rules for farmers, with the added burden of applying for National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) licenses, soil and water testing, and costly certification processes.

Estimates suggested that certification costs could reach KES 250,000 (USD 1,941) per farmer, a figure far beyond the means of many small-scale farmers who typically earn less than KES 7,740 (USD 60) a month from their produce.

This led to fears that more than 90% of locally consumed fruits and vegetables could be cut off from the market, severely disrupting food supplies and farmer incomes.

Voluntary certification, not mandatory

KS 1758 was introduced to improve food safety in Kenya’s horticulture sector. While it was first launched in 2004, it only gained traction in 2014 when global food safety concerns became more prominent.

However, the Standard remains voluntary, offering an option for farmers to improve their practices, rather than being a legal obligation.

“The Standard provides an opportunity for farmers to choose certification, but it does not prevent any farmer from producing or supplying horticultural products,” AFA clarified.

This directly contradicts recent reports suggesting that only large-scale farmers or those adhering to the Standard would be permitted to supply fruits and vegetables.

Improving food safety

One of the key motivations behind the KS 1758 Standard is to address food safety issues for locally consumed produce.

While exported fruits and vegetables are subject to stringent safety regulations, there have been ongoing concerns about the safety of locally consumed horticultural products, which account for 95% of Kenya’s total production.

“By applying the same safety and quality standards to local produce as we do to exports, we aim to close the gap and ensure that all Kenyans benefit from safe, quality produce,” AFA stated.

Certified farmers will likely have better access to export markets that require strict compliance with food safety standards, giving them a competitive advantage.

Environmental concerns and certification costs

AFA also clarified that the requirement for National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) licenses applies only to large-scale farmers whose farming activities could affect the environment.

This requirement is tied to the environmental impact assessments included in the certification process under KS 1758 and does not affect small-scale farmers unless they opt for certification.

Addressing concerns about the cost of certification, AFA acknowledged that the process could be expensive for small-scale farmers. However, solutions such as group certification have been introduced to lower costs.

“Group certification is one option that can significantly reduce the cost for individual farmers,” AFA explained. They are also working with development partners to provide financial support for farmers seeking certification.

Kenya’s Fresh Produce Sector

Kenya’s fresh produce industry plays a critical role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and export earnings. Approximately 96% of Kenya’s horticultural produce is consumed locally, with small-scale farmers responsible for more than 90% of the country’s total output.

The sector is supported by key organizations such as the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) and the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya), which help farmers with market access, compliance with international standards, and capacity building.

Though horticultural exports have faced challenges in key markets like the European Union, the introduction of the KS 1758 Standard offers Kenyan farmers a chance to improve safety and quality, potentially opening new markets and boosting the country’s economic performance.

Agriculture contributes 35% to Kenya’s GDP, with horticulture accounting for 40% of its export earnings.

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