The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a four-month ban on macadamia harvesting, effective from November 2, 2024, until March 1, 2025. This decision, made by Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja after consultations with industry stakeholders, aims to curb the export of immature macadamia nuts.
Key points from the announcement include:
– Inspection Requirement: Dealers are required to submit their current stock of macadamia nuts for inspection, verification, and clearance by November 15, 2024.
– Market Context: The Kenyan macadamia industry is primarily export-oriented, with around 95% of production shipped internationally. However, prices for macadamia nuts have plummeted from a peak of Sh180 per kg in 2019 to between Sh30 and Sh40 per kg in early 2023.
– Previous Measures: In response to declining prices, the Ministry had previously lifted the ban on raw macadamia exports for one year, starting November 3, 2023, to stabilize prices and help farmers manage excess stock.
– Quality Concerns: An industry assessment indicated that many local companies lack quality stocks for processing. It also noted that harvesting and exporting immature nuts negatively impact Kenya’s performance in global markets.
– Price Assurance: Karanja announced that a minimum guaranteed farm gate price of at least Sh100 per kilogram will be implemented to support farmers.
– Enforcement: The Agriculture and Food Authority will enforce compliance with these measures, including increasing inspections and potentially revoking licenses for violators.
This ban reflects a strategic move to enhance the quality of Kenyan macadamia nuts in the global market, ensuring that only mature nuts are harvested and exported. The Ministry’s actions aim to protect local farmers and improve market conditions for the macadamia industry.
