Countries in Europe are now asking Kenya’s horticulture farmers for proof of certification showing that their products to the continent are free from any GMO traces.
According to Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Okisegere Ojepat, Europe, which accounts for Kenya’s 45 percent horticulture market is now questioning the country on the health of its horticultural crops.
”We are being questioned to confirm whether what we are selling to our European customers is GMO or non-GMO and we are required to show proof through additional certification. There is no clarity so far from the government on what is going on and this is causing confusion.”
”We need clarity from the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) to give comfort to the country and the world just to ensure that our trading partners are aware of Kenya’s position. What customers are insisting on now is a declaration that what we are exporting is not GMO and by all means, it should not have traces of GMO,” Mr. Ojepat said.
Majority of Kenya’s horticulture sales to Europe include cut flowers, French beans, snow peas, and Asian vegetables.
Last week, the High Court temporarily suspended the government’s plan to allow the importation and distribution of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country pending determination of a lawsuit against the lifting of the ban.
