With the EU tightening regulations and interception rates rising, the risk of rejected consignments and financial losses has never been greater. As April 26 2025 approaches, bringing even stricter EU compliance measures, the industry must act swiftly. Strengthening pest management strategies is no longer an option; it’s an urgent necessity to secure the sector’s future and safeguard the livelihoods that depend on it.
The EU has tightened its scrutiny of Kenyan flower shipments, increasing sampling rates from 5% in 2020 to 25% as of May 2024. A single FCM at any stage of development triggers the outright rejection of entire consignments, causing significant losses and supply chain disruptions. The European Plant Protection Organization’s classification of FCM as a high-risk pest, coupled with the looming enforcement of EU Regulation 2024/2004 in April 2025, signals an even tougher regulatory environment for Kenyan exporters.
Recognizing the situation’s urgency, Kenyan authorities, led by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), have developed the Rose False Codling Moth Systems Approach (Rose FCMSA). This comprehensive protocol establishes measures to prevent, detect, and control FCM at every production stage, from pre-harvest to export. It aligns with the EU’s “systems approach”, ensuring that Kenyan roses meet the EU’s zero-tolerance threshold for FCM.
But is the industry acting fast enough?
The stakes have never been higher. Compliance with the EU’s stringent standards demands substantial financial investment. To secure the future of Kenyan flower exports, the industry must prioritize the rigorous implementation of pest control measures to drive interception rates down.
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, this is a matter of economic survival. To safeguard this vital industry, all stakeholders, including government agencies, growers, exporters, and international partners ought to work together in a concerted effort to combat FCM. Shared knowledge, best practices, and ongoing research must remain at the forefront of this fight. Kenya has long been among the leaders in the global flower trade. The industry must act swiftly and decisively. The future of Kenya’s flower exports depends on it.