US opens market for french beans exports from Kenya

The US has allowed Kenya to start exporting french beans into its market following five years of intense lobbying by fresh produce growers, opening a new frontier outside Europe for farmers.

The US Department of Agriculture said that it was now satisfied with Kenya’s pre-export conditions following improvements in washing, packaging and processing of beans.

"We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of French beans and runner beans from the Republic of Kenya into the United State effective December 5th, 2011," said the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in a statement.

Stephen Mbithi, the chief executive officer of the Fresh Produce and Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), said the permission followed upgrading of standards along the value chain.

"They have inspected our pre-export processing conditions and found them satisfactory," said Mr Mbithi.

The move is expected to increase horticulture farmers access to the American market, which presently takes up only five per cent of Kenya’s horticulture produce, most of it in the form of cut flowers.

French beans accounted for 29 per cent-- $47 million-- of Kenya’s total earnings from vegetable exports of Sh13.7 billion last year.

The US opening comes at a time when Kenya’s exports are grappling with less demand in Europe following the contagion from the Greek debt crisis brought about by the highly indebted countries such as Greece and Spain.

US will, however, limit its market scope to protect its small-scale farmers from price shocks.

 

Credits: RAWLINGS OTINI/Africa Review

 

This article was originally posted on Sustainable Development Africa Platform

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