The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a ban on the export of various avocado varieties by sea as it seeks to curb the harvesting of immature avocadoes.

AFA, through its Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), in a notice, said the directive set to take effect on October 25, 2024, would affect various avocado varieties, including Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo.

“The closing of Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo harvesting season for sea shipment for the 2024/2025 fiscal year will come into force with effect from October 25, 2024,” AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru said.

AFA, however,  said the export of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties will continue by air shipment.

Investing in farming: You’ll go broke if you don’t know what your market wants

“Export clearances shall be granted subject to inspection by the Directorate. Traceability information will be required for all consignments,” Linyiru added.

According to the authority, the directive follows a survey that found out a decrease in the projected volumes of the subsequent harvests of main season crops to warrant exportation.

“The findings of the survey indicate there are currently insufficient volumes of main-season crops to warrant sea shipment,” said Dr. Linyiru.

The authority is optimistic that the new directive will enhance the quality of avocados exported to the international market.

It added that it will continue to closely monitor avocado maturity trends and patterns in the country and give a review of the notice in December 2024.