The Kenya-Netherlands agricultural cooperation recently delved into the realm of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) concerns, responding to the issues raised by farmers and exporters during this year's Naivasha Horticultural Fair in Nakuru County. This initiative is part of the ongoing bilateral collaboration in agriculture between Kenya and the Netherlands, stemming from an agreement signed in July of the same year.
Bart Pauwels, Agriculture Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, emphasized how SPS measures have evolved in international trade, transitioning from purely technical requirements to becoming competitive tools in differentiated product markets. These measures now play a crucial role in market access, ensuring food system quality and safety, and carving out export product niches, particularly in the growing market for sustainably produced "green" products.
Pauwels stressed the importance of collaboration, cross-learning, and sharing innovative ideas among Kenya's agricultural stakeholders in response to these evolving SPS challenges.
One of the key concerns raised by farmers and manufacturers pertains to the lengthy approval process for agrochemicals by the Pest Control Product Board (PCPB) in Kenya. Currently, it takes up to five years for a pesticide to be cleared and registered for use in the country, which is seen as a production hindrance.
Sarah Wambugu, a Senior Pesticide Registration officer at the Pest Control Products Board, explained that this extended timeline is necessary due to rigorous testing, including lab tests and farm trials conducted over multiple seasons. The goal is to ensure both effectiveness and safety for humans and the environment. She mentioned that the government is considering temporary clearance permits for products already approved in other markets like Europe, where most of Kenya's fresh produce is exported.
The conversation also turned to the rise of bioprotection strategies in African agriculture, given the increased use of toxic artificial fertilizers and pesticides. These harmful chemicals have been banned in European markets. As a result, bioprotection approaches, such as biopesticides and beneficial insects, are gaining traction as safer alternatives to control pests and diseases without harming non-target organisms.
At the Naivasha Horticultural Fair, numerous manufacturers and dealers showcased biocontrol products, including Dudutech, a Naivasha-based firm specializing in Integrated Crop Management systems. Abigael Mchana from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) discussed the CABI BioProtection Portal, launched in Kenya in February 2020. This portal is an extensive open-access database of biological plant protection products aimed at promoting environmentally friendly biocontrol and biopesticide products among growers and advisors. Access to this information is expected to enhance farmers' and exporters' readiness for global markets, reducing SPS-related issues.
Government regulatory bodies and organizations like Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), the International Biopesticide Manufacturers Association (IBMA), the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), and private sector entities were also part of the discussions, collectively working towards addressing SPS challenges and promoting sustainable agriculture.
