What if They Don’t Buy?

This post I am writing in response to the story about the UK Soil Association’s decision to increase barriers to airfreight produce imports from other countries. When I read this story my heart became heavy for the Kenyan and Ghanaian farmers who will likely lose income and might ultimately be forced to sell or reorganize their farms; as a result of the harsh new standards imposed upon agricultural products flown into the UK from abroad. Some are viewing this decision taken by the UK Soil Association as protectionist, I am not sure where I stand on this view yet-but it is difficult to completely rule out. However, it seems that this will most likely be the effect of their decision-that it might tip the balance of trade between the UK, Kenya, and Ghana drastically in the favor of the UK.

Here’s an excerpt from a BBCstory where they quoted Jane Ngigi, chief executive of the Kenya Flower Council:

“One minute we are talking about fair trade and market compliance, the next this is less of an issue and the issue is lessening the carbon footprint of the developed world possibly by cutting markets in Africa.

“It is so confusing.”

For Africa to export to UK and European markets, a smallholder farmer has to adhere to stringent environmental and ethical standards, which is a lengthy and expensive procedure.

African producers have worked very closely with supermarkets to ensure that these rigorous certification procedures are followed through resulting in the quality product the consumer buys.

Up until very recently I’d always seen the growth of the international organic food market to be the best thing to happen to farmers in countries like Kenya or Ghana. Organic produce farmers in these and other African nations appear to have a comparative advantage over their European counterparts within this small, but growing agricultural sector. And indeed over time this industry did in fact become an African farmers success story. However, according the the UK Soil Association the air freighted produce imported into the country threatens to increase the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, they are making extreme efforts to tighten controls on air freighted produce imports.

The UK Soil Association’s drive to cut carbon emissions by allowing less air freighted food on market shelves threatens the agricultural exports of several African nations. My understanding of how it would play out is that the association would require the companies exporting air produce to the UK to answer questions regarding fair labor and to show how they are working on ways to circumvent the need for produce to be sent to the UK by air. Those firms that don’t meet the raised standards will not be able to apply the organic label to their goods. Thus, if the producers of those high quality organic foods still want their products on the shelves of UK supermarkets-they can still do it but their products will not be shelved and sold in the organic section. Instead they will have to compete with the less expensive produce goods in the non-organic produce sections. This could mean that consumers would have no incentive to buy the more expensive African imports.

Again, I haven’t fully made up my mind on how to view this. But one thing is for sure-change is on the horizon for Africa’s farmers. If they in the West won’t buy, African nations may may need to look more at their neighbor states or perhaps other nations in the southern hemisphere to find new markets.

This is definitely a topic I’d like your input on. So please feel free to expound on what you feel African farmers should do to offset their possible upcoming losses or how you view this latest decision by the UK Soil Association. BRE or Pablo, if you are reading, I am very curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

To learn more about this author, visit Benin Mwangi's Website.

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