Kenya’s flower business especially the roses highly boosts our nation's economy. Roses are one of the big exports from Kenya making up of about 34% of flowers to Europe yet a pest called the False Codling Moth is threatening this. The False Codling Moth could hurt rose sales and profits by limiting access to the international markets and this poses a significant and growing problem.
Let’s look at the escalating issue of the False Codling Moth, its implications for Kenyan rose exports, and the sustainable and innovative measures being taken to mitigate the threat, ensuring both maximum production and profitability while maintaining access to the highly lucrative EU market.
The Threat of the False Codling Moth (FCM)
The False Codling Moth (FCM) is a harmful pest. The insect threatens roses and many other crops. FCM larvae came from Sub-Saharan Africa. They hurt fruits and veggies. They can even hurt flowers, causing much damage. It is a quarantine pest and a big problem for farmers. For the roses the consequences of an FCM infestation are quite severe as the larvae of the pest feeds on the flowers, hence reducing their quality and making them unacceptable for international markets, particularly in the EU. This has led to a rise in interceptions, resulting in more stringent inspection measures for Kenyan rose shipments.
Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, FCM larvae are notorious for damaging a wide range of agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers. For roses, the consequences of an FCM infestation are severe. The larvae of the pest feed on the flowers, reducing their quality and making them unacceptable for international markets, particularly in the EU. This has led to a rise in interceptions, resulting in more stringent inspection measures for Kenyan rose shipments.
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Since 2017, the EU has classified False Codling Moth as a regulated quarantine pest, and this classification requires countries exporting flowers to the EU to put in place very strict pest management controls to prevent the pest's spread through imports. As Kenya is one of the largest exporters of roses to the EU, ensuring that shipments remain free of FCM is very important, not only for maintaining market access but also for preserving the country's reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality flowers.
The Rising Challenges in Exporting Kenyan Roses
Kenya’s
floriculture sector is a key driver of the nation’s economy, generating
significant foreign exchange earnings and providing thousands of jobs. Roses,
in particular, have earned the country a strong presence in the European
market. However, repeated detections of FCM in Kenyan rose exports have led to
increasingly stringent EU regulations. The EU has progressively tightened
inspection protocols, with sampling rates increasing from 5% in 2020 to 25% by
May 2024.
These
heightened inspection measures have increased the cost and complexity of
exporting roses to the EU. In addition, any failure to meet the EU’s stringent
phytosanitary standards could result in serious consequences, including a
potential ban on Kenyan rose exports. Such a ban would have disastrous effects
on both the economy and employment in the country, affecting thousands of
farmers, exporters, and workers in the floriculture industry.
Regulatory Changes: Regulation (EU) 2024/2004
In Regulation (EU) 2024/2004 is the EU's answer to rising FCM dangers. This regulation starts in April 26, 2025. Rose from Kenya will face tougher pest rules. The goal is to stop FCM. Rose shipments from Kenya must have no False Codling Moth and therefore must act fast. It needs to protect its rose flower business. It must keep its place in the EU market.
The Rose False Codling Moth Systems Approach (Rose FCMSA)
The
Rose FCMSA is a comprehensive framework designed to prevent, detect, and
control FCM at every stage of the production and export process. The protocol
addresses critical areas of rose cultivation, including pre-harvest, harvest,
post-harvest, and export stages. By implementing this systems approach, Kenyan
authorities aim to ensure that roses exported to the EU are free from FCM and
meet the strict phytosanitary standards set by the European Union.
The
approach aligns with the EU’s existing “systems approach” to pest management,
which emphasizes preventative measures, surveillance, and rigorous control
procedures. The aim is to minimize the risk of FCM contamination while
maximizing the quality and profitability of Kenyan roses in international
markets.
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KEPHIS,
the lead agency responsible for implementing the Rose FCMSA, has been working
closely with key stakeholders in the floriculture industry to ensure the
protocol’s effectiveness. These stakeholders include flower farmers, exporters,
government agencies, and industry organizations such as the Fresh Produce
Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) and the Fresh Produce Consortium Kenya.
Together, they have been collaborating to refine and implement the measures
necessary to meet the EU’s standards.
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| A Roses Packaging Process |
Collaborative Efforts for Success
The
importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful implementation of the
Rose FCMSA cannot be overstated. On January 15, 2025, a consultative meeting
was held at the Argyle Hotel in Nairobi, bringing together representatives from
various sectors of the floriculture industry. The meeting served as a platform
to review the draft protocol, address any concerns, and build consensus on the
approach. It was a pivotal moment for ensuring that the measures outlined in
the Rose FCMSA would be embraced by all stakeholders involved in rose
production and export.
At
the meeting, KEPHIS Managing Director, Prof. Theophilus Mutui, acknowledged the
challenges facing the industry, describing the situation as a “catch-22.”
However, he emphasized the country’s commitment to taking the tough decisions
necessary to maintain its presence in the EU market and safeguard the
investments made in the floriculture sector. Ensuring compliance with EU
regulations is not just a necessity—it is a critical step toward sustaining
Kenya’s competitive edge in the global flower trade.
Securing the Future of Kenya’s Floriculture Industry
The
successful implementation of the Rose FCMSA will allow Kenya to remain
compliant with EU phytosanitary regulations and maintain its position as a
leading exporter of high-quality roses. This will, in turn, protect the
livelihoods of thousands of farmers and workers in the floriculture sector, as
well as safeguard the country’s significant revenue from flower exports.
By
adhering to the EU’s strict standards, Kenya’s floriculture industry can
continue to thrive, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability. The
implementation of the Rose FCMSA demonstrates the country’s proactive approach
to managing pests and risks in a sustainable manner while maximizing production
levels to meet the growing demand for high-quality roses in international
markets.
Conclusion
Kenya’s
floriculture sector, particularly its rose industry, is at a critical juncture.
The increasing threat of the False Codling Moth and the EU’s stringent new
regulations present both significant challenges and opportunities. By embracing
sustainable pest management practices, such as the Rose FCMSA, Kenya is
positioning itself to continue being a leading supplier of high-quality roses
to the European market, ensuring long-term profitability and market access.
The
collaborative efforts of the Kenyan government, industry stakeholders, and
exporters to safeguard the floriculture industry reflect the country’s
commitment to maintaining its competitive edge and achieving maximum
production. By meeting the EU’s stringent phytosanitary standards, Kenya not only
protects its floriculture industry but also strengthens its global reputation
as a reliable and sustainable supplier of premium roses.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.
What is the False Codling Moth (FCM), and why is it a threat to Kenya’s rose
exports?
The
False Codling Moth (FCM) is a destructive pest native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Its larvae feed on various crops, including roses, compromising their quality.
FCM infestations can lead to interceptions in international markets,
particularly the EU, which has strict regulations on pest control. This makes
FCM a significant threat to Kenya’s lucrative rose export market.
2.
How does the Rose FCMSA protocol help mitigate the risks of FCM in Kenyan rose
exports?
The
Rose FCMSA is a comprehensive protocol designed to prevent, detect, and control
FCM at all stages of rose production, from pre-harvest to export. It aligns
with the EU’s “systems approach” to pest management, ensuring that Kenyan roses
meet the EU’s phytosanitary standards and remain free from FCM contamination.
3.
What are the consequences if Kenya fails to comply with EU phytosanitary
regulations?
Failure
to comply with EU regulations could result in a ban on Kenyan rose exports,
jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and workers in the
floriculture industry. It could also harm Kenya’s reputation as a reliable
supplier of high-quality flowers in the global market.
4.
How can the implementation of the Rose FCMSA ensure the long-term profitability
of Kenya’s floriculture industry?
By
implementing the Rose FCMSA, Kenya can maintain compliance with EU regulations,
which allows the country to continue exporting roses to the EU market. This
ensures sustained market access, competitive pricing, and the profitability of
the floriculture sector, all while adhering to sustainable pest management
practices.
5.
What role does collaboration play in ensuring the success of the Rose FCMSA?
Collaboration
between the Kenyan government, industry stakeholders, flower farmers,
exporters, and other relevant agencies is crucial to the successful
implementation of the Rose FCMSA. By working together, they can address
challenges, refine the protocol, and ensure that it is effectively implemented
to protect the floriculture industry.
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