The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the opening of the avocado harvesting season for export by sea shipment beginning April 2, 2026, following an improvement in fruit maturity across key production zones.
In a notice issued by Acting Director General Calistus Kundu, the Authority said it had earlier extended restrictions on harvesting after a field survey conducted between March 1 and 6, 2026, found that maturity indices and volumes were insufficient to support export.
A subsequent assessment has, however, indicated progress, prompting the Authority to allow harvesting for sea export under strict regulatory conditions. All fresh export produce will be subject to packhouse inspection from April 7, 2026, and exporters are required to apply for inspection at least three days before shipment.
Exporters have also been directed to submit a list of their duly registered Horticultural Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA) or suppliers by March 30, 2026.
The Authority further clarified that harvesting of avocados for oil processing will begin on April 30, 2026, citing the need for higher maturity indices for such produce.
To enforce quality standards, AFA has reiterated that harvested avocados must be transported in crates. Exporters or their agents found transporting or receiving the produce without crates, or using open pick-up trucks or Probox vehicles in contravention of horticultural regulations, risk having their registration or licenses revoked.
The Authority also raised concern over reports of premature harvesting by some exporters and processors, warning that it will intensify surveillance at packhouses and avocado oil processing facilities. The authority also warned that any processor or exporter found processing or packing immature avocado shall have their packhouse registration and export license revoked.
