Kenya, 11 October 2025 - Avocado farmers in Kenya have been given a 10-day window to harvest their produce ahead of the official closure of the avocado picking season for sea exports.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) announced that the harvesting season for the 2025/2026 fiscal year will be closed effective Monday, October 20, 2025.
In a statement signed by AFA Director General Dr Bruno Linyiru, the decision follows a nationwide assessment of major avocado-producing regions. The survey revealed that current volumes of the main season crop are insufficient to support continued sea shipments.
The move is also part of the state corporation’s ongoing efforts to ensure that only mature fruit is harvested, in order to preserve the quality of Kenyan avocados and maintain access to high-value international markets.
According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the current restriction on avocado harvesting for sea export will remain in place until at least mid-January 2026.
“The Authority shall continue to closely monitor avocado maturity trends and patterns and will review this notice in the second week of January 2026 to provide further guidance,” the statement read in part.
However, the export of certain avocado varieties, including Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo, will continue via air freight. Exporters of these varieties must obtain clearance from the Horticultural Crops Directorate and provide full traceability information for all consignments. Mandatory inspections will also be conducted prior to export.
The Authority explained that it recently conducted a nationwide survey across major avocado-producing regions to assess current production levels and forecast next season's output. The survey revealed that the volumes from the current main season crop are insufficient to sustain sea exports without compromising fruit maturity and quality.
AFA further emphasized that the premature harvesting of avocados disrupts crop cycles and reduces yields in subsequent seasons. By enforcing these regulations, the Authority aims to stabilize production, enhance yield forecasting, and uphold the quality standards required in global markets.
The role of AFA, under Kenyan laws, is to regulate, develop and promote scheduled crops value chains for increased economic growth.