Kenya Classified a Low Risk Country Under The EU’s Deforestation Regulations

oxfarmorganic@gmail.com Farming News June 18, 2025

KENYA’S TREE COVER PRAISED AS EU DEFORESTATION LAW LOOMS; FCM PROTOCOL SLASHES FLOWER INTERCEPTIONS

Kenya has been classified as a low-risk country under the EU’s new deforestation regulations, offering relief to exporters. The announcement came during a high-level meeting between CS Mutahi Kagwe and European Union in Kenya Ambassador, Ms. Henriette Geiger

CS Kagwe welcomed the EU’s recognition of Kenya’s growing tree cover, driven by crops like avocado and coffee, but warned against “shifting goalposts” that could harm market access.

Ambassador Geiger assured Kenya would not face stringent assessments and promised ongoing consultations. On pest control, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service – Kephis reported a sharp drop in EU flower interceptions, thanks to the successful implementation of the FCM Systems Approach Protocol.

Exporters urged for a reduction in the current 25% sampling rate on flower consignments, with KEPHIS requesting it be lowered to 5-10% to streamline exports, critical as Kenya exports over 60 million rose stems daily to the EU and UK.

Discussions also covered pesticide alternatives, with CS Kagwe highlighting the government’s promotion of pyrethrum as a sustainable option. The Coffee Directorate( AFA Kenya) reported progress in geo-mapping farms to boost traceability and compliance.

The meeting reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to fair, sustainable trade and robust environmental standards.

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