GAP Standards

Avocado farming practices can vary depending on the region and specific conditions, but there are several globally accepted practices that contribute to successful and sustainable avocado cultivation:

1. Site Selection and Preparation

Climate and Soil Requirements: At Global Orchards, we prioritize choosing sites with well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Avocado trees thrive in loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. We ensure optimal air circulation to minimize humidity-related diseases, crucial for maintaining healthy avocado trees.

Altitude and Temperature: Our farms are strategically located within Kenya’s optimal altitudes of 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level, where temperatures range from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F), ideal for avocado growth and fruit development.

2. Variety Selection

Choose Suitable Varieties: Global Orchards selects avocado varieties like Hass, Fuerte, and Pinkerton, well-adapted to local climates and in high demand for their exceptional flavor and marketability.

3. Planting

Spacing and Layout: We plant avocado trees with proper spacing of 5 to 8 meters apart in rows, ensuring each tree has ample space for healthy growth, sunlight penetration, and efficient machinery access.

Grafting: Our propagation methods include grafting onto rootstocks to ensure disease resistance, improved fruit quality, and early fruiting.

4. Irrigation and Water Management

Water Requirements: Global Orchards implements drip irrigation systems to provide consistent water supply directly to the tree roots, optimizing water use efficiency especially during critical growth stages and dry periods.

5. Fertilization and Soil Management

Nutrient Requirements: We conduct regular soil tests to assess nutrient deficiencies and apply customized fertilization plans. Avocado trees at Global Orchards receive balanced nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and essential micronutrients for robust growth and fruit production.

Organic Matter and Mulching: To enhance soil fertility and structure, we incorporate organic matter into the soil and apply mulching techniques to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain optimal soil temperature.

6. Pruning and Canopy Management Pruning: Our expert team prunes avocado trees regularly to promote a balanced canopy, improve airflow, and remove diseased or overcrowded branches, thereby encouraging healthy fruit production and facilitating harvesting.

7. Pest and Disease Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Global Orchards practices IPM by monitoring pest populations, implementing cultural controls, and utilizing biological agents to manage pests such as thrips, mites, and scales effectively while minimizing pesticide use.

Disease Prevention: We employ preventive measures like proper irrigation management, good drainage systems, and timely application of fungicides to prevent diseases like root rot and anthracnose.

8. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handlin

Maturity and Harvesting: Avocados are harvested at Global Orchards when they reach optimal maturity, ensuring peak flavor and quality. Our harvesting techniques minimize damage to the fruit and maintain freshness.

Post-Harvest Handling: We meticulously handle avocados to avoid bruising, grade them based on size and quality, and store them in controlled environments to extend shelf life and preserve quality during transportation and distribution.

9. Market Access and Certification

Quality Standards: Global Orchards adheres to stringent local and international quality standards and certifications such as Global GAP, ensuring our avocados meet the highest safety, traceability, and sustainability requirements.

10. Sustainability Practices

Environmental Stewardship: We are committed to sustainable practices including water conservation, soil health management, and biodiversity conservation, minimizing our environmental footprint while ensuring long-term farm productivity.

Community and Social Responsibility: Global Orchards engages with local communities, supports fair labor practices, and contributes to socio-economic development in farming regions, fostering sustainable livelihoods and community well-being.

By integrating these globally accepted practices into our avocado farming operations at Global Orchards, we strive to enhance productivity, improve fruit quality, and uphold sustainable agricultural practices, meeting the demands of discerning consumers both locally and internationally. Join us in celebrating the excellence of Kenya’s avocado harvest with Global Orchards!

This personalized adaptation highlights how Global Orchards implements globally accepted avocado farming practices, emphasizing sustainability, quality, and community engagement throughout the cultivation process.