ICCF 2025 Opens in Nairobi With Strong Calls for Fair Certification and Market Access
Peter Owoko, Director of Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, delivers remarks during the opening of the International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF 2025) in Nairobi on Tuesday November 18, 2025.
The International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF 2025) opened today in Nairobi, bringing together farmers, policymakers, agripreneurs, investors, and standards experts from across Africa and beyond for the first day of discussions aimed at transforming agricultural markets.
Day one of the two-day forum focused on strengthening contract farming systems, improving market access, and promoting sustainable, market-oriented food production.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, the Ministry’s Director of Policy Peter Owoko emphasized the urgent need to ease the certification burden on farmers.
“Some smallholder farmers must pay for numerous certifications before accessing supermarket shelves or export markets. This situation is unsustainable and locks farmers out of high-value markets,” Owoko said.
He highlighted the importance of aligning production with market demand through contract farming.
“Many farmers produce first, then start looking for markets. Yet the markets exist what is often missing is volume and standardization. Contract farming addresses these gaps,” he added.
Owoko also stressed that upcoming legislative reforms, including the agriculture bill, aim to make certification more facilitative and less punitive.
“The legislation must support trade rather than create obstacles. Farmers need predictable, fair pathways to markets, not hurdles that drain their income,” he said.
The PS’s office reinforced that contract farming remains one of the most effective mechanisms for stabilizing markets, improving quality control, and ensuring predictable earnings for smallholder producers.
Moses Mwangi, Standards Officer in the Agriculture Standards Department at KEBS, delivered remarks on the role of standards in determining whether produce is accepted locally or internationally.
“Standards clearly outline what is acceptable and what is not from size and maturity to pest control and handling practices. Farmers who follow standards know in advance whether their produce meets market requirements,” Mwangi said.
He emphasized that KEBS supports producers through product and system certification, as well as training via the National Quality Institute.
“When producers understand the standards early, they avoid costly losses and rejection at the point of export. Standards ultimately protect farmers and help them grow,” Mwangi added.
He concluded that KEBS continues to strengthen support so that Kenyan products remain competitive in demanding international markets.
Mr. James Moribi, Managing Director of Control Union Kenya and Regional Manager for East Africa, spoke about how certification builds trust and unlocks access to premium global markets.
“Certification builds trust buyers know the product has met global standards. Whether it’s GlobalG.A.P, Organic, Rainforest Alliance or regenerative agriculture, compliance unlocks better prices and consistent market demand,” he said.
Moribi also highlighted the technical support Control Union provides, from audits and training to pest control services and inspections at the Port of Mombasa and packhouses exporting avocado to Europe.
“Farmers and exporters need technical support, and that is what we provide. Through our academy, which is NITA-approved, we train consultants and businesses to meet certification requirements confidently,” he said.
He added that with operations in 83 countries, Control Union gives farmers access to global expertise and market opportunities.
Leaders reiterated the need for affordable certification, fair contracting, inclusive market systems, and greater adoption of standards and innovation to secure sustainable growth for smallholder farmers.
