Biofarms leads Kenya’s organic fruit export revolution

In the heart of Central Kenya, where lush landscapes meet the entrepreneurial spirit, Biofarms Limited has stood out as a beacon of sustainable agriculture. Founded in 2014 by Daniel Nzyuko and his wife, Dr. Martha Musyoka, Biofarms embarked on a mission to redefine Kenya’s agricultural export industry.

Specializing initially in vegetables such as French beans and snow peas, the company then pivoted to focus exclusively on fruits in 2017, honing in on avocados as their primary export. “We saw a gap in the market,” reflects Daniel Nzyuko, now the Managing Director and CEO of Biofarms.

“Everyone was in vegetables. We wanted to do one thing, and do it well.” This strategic shift not only aligned with global trends towards healthier diets but also positioned Biofarms as a leader in organic certified fruit exports from Kenya.

Their commitment to quality and sustainability quickly paid off, earning them accolades within the sector and establishing fruitful partnerships worldwide.

From humble beginnings to global influence

BBiofarms’ journey has been one of steady growth and strategic expansion. What began with just three staff members has blossomed into a company that employs 58 permanent employees and up to 120 temporary staff during peak seasons.

The backbone of their operation, however, lies in their network of over 5,000 farmers spread across Kenya’s agricultural heartland. “We work on a farmer-led production model,” explains Nzyuko. “Our approach is transparent and farmer-centric. We provide fair farm gate prices and support farmers through every stage, from planting to harvest.”

This farmer-first ethos has not only empowered local communities but has also elevated Biofarms’ reputation as a socially responsible business. By ensuring that farmers receive prompt payments, payment is done seven days after the fruit is collected, and offering access to finance through innovative partnerships with microfinance institutions, Biofarms has effectively transformed the economic landscape for many smallholder farmers.

In between our interviews, Daniel had to pause the interview to pick up a call from the Minister of Agriculture in the County Government of Murang’a who was following up on a request to meet the Biofarms CEO to discuss a potential partnership on the avocado value chain. Such numerous calls are a daily routine for Daniel.

They come to various people spanning farmers thanking him for pointing them to export markets, to governments looking for possible collaboration, and to companies in the export markets who are either placing orders or booking appointments to visit him.

“We do not have farms of our own. Our farms are those that are owned by farmers. When we were starting we realized that farmers had invested a lot and we started exploring how we could partner with them by supporting them to market their produce while allowing them to concentrate on managing their farms. In our suite of partners, farmers are the most important of them all,” Daniel noted.

Farmers support Biofarms walks with farmers throughout the production process ensuring that they can produce the right quality and enough quantity of the produce. The farm supplies farmers with seedlings from accredited nurseries with seedlings having a survival rate of 95 percent. Within two years farmers start harvesting the produce.

The farm also recently introduced its nursery to ensure it avails the seedlings at a cheaper price. It has also supported cooperatives such as Berur Avocado Farmers Cooperative based in Bomet to start their commercial nurseries where they provide members with true-to-type avocado seedlings at a subsidized rate.

“We do this to ensure that farmers get the right planting materials at the most affordable cost,” notes Daniel. The farm also offtakes all the produce from the market even in months when demands in the international markets are low and depressed.

Non-export quality avocado is used in the avocado oil division making sure that nothing is lost. Biofarms supervises the harvesting as part of the contractual obligation. The company trains youth to do the harvesting of the avocado and pays them. Harvesting is done using crates. The fruits are taken to the aggregation centers from where they are placed on refrigerated trucks.

Once the avocado is harvested, it is weighed and the farmer is given the produce collection note document indicating the farmer’s name, code, weight, price, and total amount to be received. Once the product reaches the packhouse the company does authentication and produces another document for internal use known as the goods received note.

The document shows the actual weight received and the farmers’ details. For the avocado value chain, Biofarms has been working with farmers in the Mt. Kenya region with the Rift Valley emerging as the new frontier for avocado production.

Over 50 percent of the farmers it is engaged with are in this belt. The company has field officers across the Central, South, and North Rift to work with farmers.

Certifications and quality assurance: building trust across borders

Central to Biofarms’ success is their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical business practices. The firm boasts an impressive array of certifications including Global GAP, SMETA, CLASP, and EU organic standards, underscoring their adherence to stringent environmental and social practices.

“These certifications have been instrumental in differentiating us in the market,” notes Nzyuko. “They assure our partners and consumers of our commitment to excellence.” Indeed, Biofarms’ reputation for reliability and ethical farming practices has opened doors to premium markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Their avocado exports, comprising predominantly Hass and Fuerte varieties, have found favor in European markets, while their avocado oil is carving out a niche as a premium product in health-conscious regions such as the Mediterranean.

Nurturing Growth and diversification

Looking ahead, Biofarms is poised for further growth and diversification. Their recent foray into avocado oil production represents a strategic pivot towards value addition, aimed at maximizing returns from their harvests and supporting local economies through job creation and skills development. “We’re not just expanding our product lines; we’re investing in our communities,” asserts Nzyuko.

 “Our growth must have a positive impact on those around us.” Beyond avocado oil, Biofarms has set its sight value addition as an avenue for expansion. Leveraging their existing infrastructure and expertise, they aim to capitalize on consumer trends towards convenient, nutritious foodstuff.

Challenges and resilience: overcoming obstacles

The path to success hasn’t been without its challenges. From initial capital constraints to navigating the complexities of international markets and fluctuating commodity prices, Biofarms has weathered storms that come with rapid growth and industry dynamism.

“Managing growth while maintaining quality and integrity is a constant balancing act,” admits Nzyuko. “But each challenge has been a learning opportunity, strengthening our resolve and refining our strategies.”

A Vision for the future: impact beyond profit

As Biofarms looks toward the future, its vision extends beyond financial success. The company has established the Biofarms Foundation, dedicated to supporting education, water access, and healthcare initiatives in vulnerable communities.

“We believe in doing business with a purpose,” affirms Nzyuko. “Our success should enrich the lives of those around us, fostering sustainable development and leaving a positive legacy.”

 A Green Revolution Biofarms Limited has exemplified the transformative power of agriculture when combined with innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment.

 Through their steadfast commitment to quality, ethical practices, and farmer-centric approach, Daniel Nzyuko and Dr. Martha Musyoka have not only elevated Biofarms into a global player but have also set a new standard for Kenya’s agricultural exports.