Kenya producers face high costs to meet standards as consumers go green

Come 2020, Kenya could more than triple its earnings from the export of horticultural and fisheries produce at the current volumes when the commodities destined for international markets are green labelled.

This is in line with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. Buyers are adopting healthier lifestyles and are now paying a premium for commodities that indicate the conditions under which they have been produced.

Green consumerism, the widely accepted term for consumption of products with minimal impact to the climate, is now dictating every step of the production chain as individual consumers seek to limit their carbon print amid increased concerns of global warming.

But local producers say a shift to greener methods of farming translates to higher production costs, which will in turn reduce the country’s competitive edge in the global market.

Dr Stephen Mbithi, the chief executive of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), says the country has been losing out on the premium prices for her produce due to the higher costs involved in organic production.

Standards mark

This is further demonstrated by the low level of output per unit area for organic production while the produce takes longer to harvest, adding up to the costs.

“Organic production costs more on inputs, and one produces less per unit area compared to conventional methods, but it is important for a segment of our consumers, so we carry on,” said Dr Mbithi.

Johnnie McMillan, the operations manager at Vegpro, the largest fresh produce exporter notes, “With strict accrediation standards, exporters will benefit from premium prices because the consumers want environmentally friendly commodities.”

All the same, the African Eco-labelling Mechanism (AEM), a green campaign initiative, is working on a ten-year schedule to recruit producers of vegetables, fruits and fish, who meet stringent production standards desired by today’s green consumers in the developed economies.

Kelvin Khisa, the executive director AEM says the body is currently drafting standards that local producers will have to meet for their produce to qualify for the eco-logo, the mark that will be affixed to the conforming commodities.

“We are working on the standards which satisfy the consumer demands that we expect the local producers to meet for their products to be accredited as such,” said Mr Khisa.

He revealed that the logo will be ready before the end of next year. This initiative comes at a time when governments, private organisations and individuals are cutting back on their contribution towards global warming.

As individuals adopt healthier lifestyles, there is specific interest on the quality of foods, with consumers keen on how much exposure they get to diseases that can be traced to bad consumption habits.

This is alongside the implications of their consumption on the environment, considering the carbon footprint attributed to a commodity and respect for human rights in the course of its production.