Grassroots Certification Push Opens Export Doors for Avocado Farmers

Key Highlights:

• Control Union of Kenya is training farmers on certification and sustainability standards.
• The initiative aims to help producers access both export and local premium markets.
• The “Control Union Mashinani” program delivers certification training directly to farms.
• GLOBALG.A.P. and KS 1758 standards are key to compliance for fruits and vegetables.
• Farmers gain better prices, market trust, and reduced dependence on middlemen.
• Avocado remains one of Kenya’s fastest-growing export crops.
• Local organizations like RECSA are partnering to link farmers with global markets.

Farmers across the country are gaining vital knowledge on certification processes that open up access to premium markets for their produce.

Control Union of Kenya, an international certification body specializing in inspections, laboratory testing, and agricultural certification, has been leading these efforts through targeted farmer training.

During a recent session in Bomachoge, Borabu, Kisii County, Managing Director James Mureithi said their focus is on sustainable agriculture and helping farmers understand how certification can position them in global markets.

“As a certification body, we check compliance. We assess whether farms, producers, and exporters meet specific market requirements. In Kenya, we mainly deal with GLOBALG.A.P. for fresh fruits and vegetables,” Mureithi explained.

He noted the growing demand for organic certification and said Control Union teams have been visiting production zones to verify compliance. Once standards are met, farmers receive certificates that unlock export opportunities.

“Certification bridges farmers to export markets and even supports the local market through standards like KS 1758 for agricultural practices. We decided to change our approach by launching the Control Union Mashinani program, which brings information and training directly to farmers at the grassroots,” he added.

Through the Mashinani initiative, the organization reaches farmers at the farm level—training them on requirements, record keeping, and sustainable practices needed to qualify for both domestic and international markets.

“Many farmers know their products end up abroad, but few understand what happens from harvest to export. Certification helps close that knowledge gap while ensuring better prices and direct market access,” Mureithi said.

He described avocado as the “green gold” of Kenya and Africa, citing its rising global demand. “This region has excellent potential for avocado production, but adoption has been slow. That’s why we’re here—to sensitize and equip farmers to meet international standards.”

Mureithi called for collaboration between national and county governments, private stakeholders, and farmers to ensure access to quality seedlings, technical knowledge, and market awareness.

Local farmer Joel Ongangi, who planted 1,000 avocado trees last year, said the training was timely. “I’ve learned many things I was doing wrong. With this knowledge, I’ll work toward certification so I can access better markets,” he said.

The retired Kenya Power officer added that he plans to adopt organic farming after learning how to make and apply organic manure during the session. “The future of avocado is bright. The income from avocados will help us move away from maize farming, which no longer gives good returns,” he added.

Evans Nyakoni, founder of Riaima Empowerment Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (RECSA), praised the initiative, noting that Kisii has fertile soils and favorable weather, but farmers lack technical skills.

“Bringing farmers together, pooling resources, and working as cooperatives will help us produce more, achieve certification, and fetch better returns,” Nyakoni said.

In Kenya, sustainable agriculture certification follows global standards like GLOBALG.A.P. and organic certification, complemented by national efforts such as the Agricultural Policy 2021, the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy, and Kenya Standard 1758 for food safety and good practices.