[Getty Images]Kenyan exporters of fresh produce are now eyeing markets away from European Union (EU) countries ahead of the 2022 implementation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Policy. Exporters are now looking for new markets in the US, China, Thailand, the Middle East and India to cushion themselves from the expected losses. Players drawn from the Agrochemical Association of Kenya and Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya claim if the policy is ratified, annual earnings from fresh produce will dip by 70 per cent. The concern stems from a petition in the National Assembly by Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei that seeks to ban the use of some pesticides locally, which are outlawed in other countries in the production of fresh produce. But Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya has argued that adoption of these recommendations means Kenya is at liberty to adopt the EU Policy on Sustainable Use of Pesticides, which will have a negative impact on farmers’ earnings.

Source: Standard Digital June 16, 2021 16:41 UTC