Kenya’s minor crop sector is a key contributor to the horticultural industry, yet growers and exporters face persistent challenges due to limited registered pest control products (PCPs).

During the Consultative Meeting, stakeholders including PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS BOARD, HCD, Kenya Flower Council, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, IBMA, COLEAD.link, CABI, SOCAA, Minor Use Foundation, Minor Crops Technical Working Group (MCTWG), growers and exporters of minor crops joined forces to discuss solutions for pest management and compliance.

Key Challenges Identified were:
✅ Limited approved PCPs & biopesticides for minor crops
✅ Constant changes in active ingredient (AI) approvals
✅ Rising market & regulatory demands from the EU
✅ Technical knowledge gaps in pesticide use & calibration
✅ Economic constraints limiting PCP registration for minor crops

Proposed Solutions:
🔹 Emergency registration for PCPs on minor crops
🔹 Obtain Phytotoxicity data from growers to aid PCP registration
🔹 Revise Crop grouping to include summer flowers & cuttings
🔹 Capacity-building Farmers in responsible pesticide use
🔹 Establish Grower-funded research centers for PCP trials
🔹 Strengthen collaborations between growers & manufacturers to fast-track PCP registration

Ensuring safe, effective, and compliant pest control is key to sustaining Kenya’s minor crop exports. Advocacy, research, and industry cooperation will drive innovative solutions for growers to thrive in an evolving market.