Kenyan fresh produce sector seeks to tap into untapped regional and global markets”
Kenya is set to host a regional meeting that seeks to boost exports of fresh produce and promote safe and sustainable farming practices. The event, which is being organized by GLOBAL GAP, an internationally recognized certification standard for farm production, in partnership with Rootooba, a Kenyan technical support provider, is slated to take place in Nairobi later this month.
The three-day conference, which is the second TOUR stop by GLOBAL GAP, is aimed at promoting good agricultural practices, market compliance, and access to national and international trade networks. In addition, it seeks to address the low levels of fresh produce exports from Kenya, which currently stands at 4% of the total produce. The remaining 96% is consumed locally, according to the horticulture regulator.
The event will bring together an array of industry leaders, including development partners led by USAid implementing partners, sector associations, the Agrochemicals Association of Kenya, Avocado Exporters Association of Kenya, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Agriculture and Food Authority, producers, and a wide range of private sector players.
During the conference, participants will discuss changing pesticide regimes, implications of lifting the genetically modified organisms ban on Kenya’s fresh produce export markets, testing solutions, harmonizing market standards for the benefit of producers and exporters, and financing solutions. The conference will also provide an opportunity for participants to make site visits to enterprises that have complied with globally-recognized best practices in production and handling operations.
The promotion of fresh produce exports is vital for Kenya’s economic growth as it creates new opportunities for producers and exporters and generates foreign exchange earnings. The conference will, therefore, steer conversations around expanding opportunities for Kenyan produce into untapped regional and global markets. Discussions at the conference will focus on major issues that are currently affecting the trade in fresh produce in both regional and global markets.
The upcoming regional meeting in Nairobi is set to create awareness on safety and promote good agricultural practices, market compliance, and access to national and international trade networks. With low levels of fresh produce exports, the event seeks to address the measures that can increase export from the current lows and expand opportunities for Kenyan produce into untapped regional and global markets. The conference will bring together an array of industry leaders and provide an opportunity for participants to make site visits to enterprises that have complied with globally-recognized best practices in production and handling operations.
