Tanzania moves to regulate avocado trade citing farmer protection

TANZANIA – Tanzania is introducing a new policy to register avocado buyers and their agents in an effort to protect farmers from dishonest trading practices.

The move follows concerns over buyer-driven price setting that has left many smallholder farmers vulnerable.

Speaking in Dodoma during a meeting with agricultural cooperative members, Ms. Irene Mlola, Director General of the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), confirmed the plan to establish a buyer registry.

“The government wants to ensure that buyers are registered and their agents identified and recognised. This will help protect our farmers from being exploited,” she said.

Under the new policy, all avocado transactions will take place at designated centers instead of farms. This change is designed to reduce disorder in the supply chain and improve accountability.

Ms. Mlola added, “Any buyer or agent found violating the government’s avocado trade guidelines, including cases involving cheating or underpaying farmers, would have their licences revoked.”

She emphasized that the policy will also align harvest and trade with agreed-upon schedules, preventing premature sales and ensuring consistency in avocado quality. Farmers will be required to work with COPRA officials to follow grading standards and trading timelines.

Rising exports and expanding markets

Tanzania has seen a sharp increase in avocado production and exports. The country produces about 190,000 tons of avocados annually. Exports jumped from 17,711 tons in 2021/2022 to 26,826 tons in 2022/2023, with a projected 31,950 tons for the current season.

Europe accounts for 40 percent of Tanzania’s avocado exports, followed by India at 30 percent, the Middle East at 19 percent, and South Africa and Kenya at 11 percent.

The government expects exports to reach over 35,000 tons by 2025. This optimism is fueled by growing output and access to new international markets. Notably, China recently approved Tanzanian avocado imports, opening up a market estimated at US$150 million.

To support this growth, the government is investing in cold chain logistics and quality assurance measures. Officials believe these improvements will help Tanzanian avocados compete more effectively in global markets.

Ms. Mlola concluded by urging cooperation from all players in the supply chain. “Farmers must collaborate with the government and allow COPRA oversight on trade and avocado grading protocols to secure their interests,” she said.

With avocado farming becoming a key part of Tanzania’s export economy, the new registration policy seeks to ensure that the benefits of the growing trade reach those who need them most, the farmers.

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