Meru Deputy Governor H.E. Titus Ntuchiu this afternoon led top officials of the County Government, Departments of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries’ CECM Carole Kagwiria Mutiga and Trade, Cooperatives and Tourism’s CECM Maingi Mugambi in a consultative meeting with officials from the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), Kenya Flower Council and Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC Kenya) led by Mr. Okisegere Ojepat from FPC Kenya.

The team which also comprises representatives from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is working with Meru County Government under the leadership of H.E. Governor Kiraitu Murungi, to develop a memorandum on organization and support for producers(farmers), traders and all stakeholders in the fresh produce sector in the County for establishment of structures and systems so they can align their produce and practices with international regulations, standards and guidelines for easy access to international markets.

DG Ntuchiu added that under the program, the County Government and the team will put in place measures like establishment of classification data for produce varieties and guide farmers on best production practices, and also work on modalities to establish storage and other structural requirements for refrigerated transportation as well as at export terminals such as cold storage for miraa, avocados, vegetables, potatoes, bananas and other produce to be exported directly from Meru through Isiolo International Airport which is jointly shared by Meru and Isiolo Counties.

During the meeting, the team also clarified that export of avocados from Kenya has not been banned, but the export process has been regulated to ensure harvest and export widows align with high/peak seasons for the crop to prevent harvest and exporting of low-quality produce which could compromise the integrity of the market and attract bans and closures at the global market. Avocado farmers have been advised to stay alert and informed on the regulations so that they can know when to start their harvest and exports for best returns.
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