Workers in a large farm.
Kenya will host an international farm certification event from September 23–25, bringing together producers, exporters, retailers, and supply chain stakeholders to discuss safer and more responsible farming.
The TOUR stop, to be held in Nairobi and organised in partnership with regional group Rootooba, will focus on how certification standards can support local producers in meeting global market requirements.
Organisers say the event comes at a critical time, with rising demand for food grown under verifiable safety and sustainability standards. Kenya already has more than 10,000 certified producers across 24,000 hectares, a figure that has grown by 120 percent since the last event in 2023.
“We are delighted to return to Nairobi and engage once again with this vibrant agricultural community,” said Dr Elme Coetzer-Boersma, CEO of AGRAYA GmbH. “Standards are already well established in Kenya, and we hope to highlight the importance of new developments that can further support responsible farming practices and unlock doors for producers in meeting the requirements of global supply chains.”
The three-day event, known as GLOBALG.A.P. Tour stop, will feature keynote speeches, technical sessions, and networking opportunities. Discussions will cover the export potential of fresh produce, financing sustainable farming, the impact of new European Union regulations, Kenya’s aquaculture sector, and the role of technical working groups in shaping certification systems.
Participants will also visit farms and facilities to observe certified practices in production, propagation, processing, and logistics. Organisers say this field component offers a practical look at how standards are applied on the ground.
Internationally, certification now covers four million hectares of plant production and nearly three million metric tons of farmed seafood each year. The system is structured in three tiers: entry-level assurance for emerging markets, full certification for global trade, and add-on modules addressing specific issues such as worker welfare, water use, and sustainability reporting.
Since 2009, TOUR stop events have been held in more than 45 countries. They provide a forum for knowledge sharing, networking, and addressing regional agricultural challenges. In Nairobi, participants will include producer cooperatives, export associations, retailers, government officials, NGOs, certification bodies, and trainers.
Organisers describe the event as a unique chance for Kenya’s agricultural supply chain to strengthen its competitiveness. “These standards are not just about compliance,” Dr. Coetzer-Boersma added. “They are about building trust in food systems, creating opportunities for farmers, and ensuring long-term sustainability.”
