Kenyan agro exports v. carbon miles
Kenyan cut flowers make up 32% Of the EU market, 90% of cut roses to the UK market, according to this story. Kenya supplies all of the green beans bought by UK supermarket chain Marks & Spencer, and 75% of runner beans.
However, due to concern about 'air miles', UK retailers have begun labeling produce flown in with an airplane sticker (though have not reduced imports). A study is cited, however, that Kenyan produce produces less carbon than European, because of the year-round sunshine in the former, vs. greenhouse-grown produce in the latter.
An NGO charges big Kenyan flower produces of worker exploitation and exposure to poisonous chemicals.
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'Poor farmers could lose their livelihoods if the UK approves a ban on air-freighted imports' reports Observer. It also reports that 'Organic produce is the fastest growth area of Africa's horticultural industry, together with cut flowers and other high-value products like dried herbs and essential oils'
Meanwhile the US market is opening up to Kenyan ag imports, reported here.
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