Tanzania Cracks Down on Avocado Trade Abuse – To Register Buyers and Agents Nationwide

Dodoma

In a decisive move to protect smallholder avocado farmers from exploitation, the Tanzanian government has announced a mandatory registration system for avocado buyers and their agents , aimed at bringing transparency, fairness, and order to the fast-growing export-driven industry.

The initiative, unveiled by Irene Mlolwa, Director General of the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) , during a recent meeting with agricultural cooperative leaders in Dodoma, will require all avocado buyers to register and operate only through officially recognized agents.

Speaking at the event, Mlolwa emphasized that this regulatory shift is designed to end years of unchecked manipulation in the avocado supply chain—where unscrupulous buyers have dictated prices, bypassed grading standards, and exploited farmers lacking collective bargaining power.

“Effective immediately, all avocado buyers must operate through registered agents who will be issued official identification badges and permits,” she stated. “These agents will only be authorized to operate in designated zones to ensure traceability, accountability, and fair engagement with farmers.”

She further outlined that avocado trading will only be permitted at officially designated collection centers , banning direct farm purchases to prevent under-the-table deals and price undercutting.

“This is not just regulation—it’s protection,” Mlolwa said. “Farmers should no longer be sidelined in determining the value of their own produce. We are putting systems in place to ensure they get fair returns and are shielded from predatory practices.”

The new framework includes scheduled harvesting and collection timelines , mandatory grading procedures , and close collaboration between COPRA officials and farming communities to enforce compliance.

Mlolwa also made it clear that only registered buyers with fully documented agents would be allowed to participate in the avocado trade. This measure aims to eliminate the chaos that has plagued the sector, where informal buyers often exploit weak enforcement to dominate the market unfairly.

“Some buyers have been setting their own prices—ignoring regulations and undermining our farmers,” she said. “That era must end. These reforms will create a level playing field—but farmers must also cooperate to make this work.”

The government’s intervention comes as Tanzania’s avocado exports continue to gain traction in global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia. Strengthening domestic oversight ensures that growth translates into real economic benefits for local producers.

With these new measures, Tanzania is positioning itself not only as a key avocado exporter but also as a country committed to fair trade, farmer rights, and sustainable agricultural development .