KENYA – In a bid to capitalize on the growing demand for avocados, Evergreen Avocados Ltd., a new player in the agricultural sector, is set to establish a sprawling avocado farm in Naivasha, Kenya.

The avocado farm is planned to unfold in carefully executed phases, with an ambitious target of covering 400 hectares at an estimated cost of KES 190 million (USD 1.17 million).

The move comes as avocados gain increasing popularity, both locally and internationally. The company has recently submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as part of the initial steps for the proposed project.

The comprehensive report meticulously examines the potential environmental impacts of the avocado farm, outlining measures to mitigate any negative effects while enhancing positive outcomes. This strategic approach aims to ensure environmental sustainability throughout the various phases of the project.

Notably, the report underscores the potential profitability of avocado farming, particularly for export markets, suggesting that avocados could offer more lucrative returns compared to other crops like wheat.

Evergreen Avocados Ltd. is keen on introducing avocado varieties that are well-suited to the local climate, further emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

The proposed avocado farm is strategically located near the boundary of Nakuru and Narok counties, with Evergreen Avocados Ltd. securing the land on a lease basis from Domino Investments Ltd.

This choice of location aligns with the company’s vision to tap into key agricultural regions and maximize the potential of avocado cultivation.

Kenya, already a significant avocado producer in Africa, has been expanding its export footprint to various countries, including the Netherlands, UAE, France, Spain, and, most recently, India.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Kenya ranks among the top 15 avocado producers globally, contributing over USD 100 million annually to export earnings.

AFA’s air-only export directive for Avocadoes in 2023/2024 fiscal year still on 

Meanwhile, in a related development, Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority’s (AFA) announcement of the end of the harvesting season and the suspension of avocado exports by sea for the 2023/2024 fiscal year effected in November 3, 2023 is still on.

This decision, based on a survey conducted by the Directorate to assess the maturity indices of avocado fruits in major production zones, indicates that volumes of mature off-season crop are insufficient to warrant the reopening of sea exports.

While sea freight remains closed, the export of popular avocado varieties, including Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo, will continue via air shipment.

The AFA emphasizes that export clearance for air shipments, including fruit consignments from the East African Community (EAC) region, will be granted subject to inspection by the Directorate, with traceability information required for all consignments.

The proposed avocado farm and the ongoing export dynamics underscore the dynamic nature of Kenya’s avocado industry and the efforts to meet the increasing global demand for this sought-after fruit.

Evergreen Avocados Ltd.’s venture signals a positive step towards not only expanding the avocado cultivation landscape but also potentially enhancing the economic prospects for local farmers.

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