Farmers hail localisation of agric inputs procurement

THE Zimbabwe Farmers’ union (ZFU) has hailed Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025, Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grain, Oilseed and Products) (Amendment) Regulations (No. 2), as a decisive step by the Government that will strengthen local agricultural value-chains, enhance food security and support domestic producers.

SI 87 of 2025 mandates processors to source at least 40 percent of their grain, oilseed and product requirements from local producers by April 1, 2026, with a phased transition to 100 percent local sourcing by April 1, 2028.

Imports will be restricted to approved, urgent cases.
The legislation is strategic for Zimbabwe, given that agriculture contributes about 12 percent of gross domestic product, while it is a significant source of foreign currency and the biggest employer of labour in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, ZFU said it applauds key provisions of the instrument, which require processors to source at least 40 percent of their grain, oilseed and product requirements from local producers.

It said the “phased approach recognises the need to bolster domestic production capacity while creating predictable demand for Zimbabwean farmers.”

The legislation also tightens import restrictions to ensure that cheaper imports do not undercut local producers and undermine capacity building.

“By safeguarding local markets, the regulation helps retain value in our agriculture sector, supports livelihoods in rural communities, and contributes to broader goals of rural resilience and climate-smart agriculture,” ZFU said.

The legislation introduces a pricing structure designed to balance import parity prices with local production costs, with any difference being channelled into the Agricultural Revolving Fund.

The aim is to cut imports, promote food sovereignty and strengthen the country’s grains and oilseeds value chains.

The regulations come against the backdrop of a liberalised grains and oilseeds market where the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) now primarily procures maize from farmers who produced under Presidential

Input Programmes (PIP), including Intwasa/Pfumvudza and Arda-supported farmers.
Farmers financing their production through contracts, banks, or their own resources are encouraged to market through the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) or directly to food and feed processors such as the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe and stock feed manufacturers.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, through the 2024/25 Second Round Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (Clafa-2), reported a national cereal grains requirement of 1,386 million tonnes, against a production of 2,928 million tonnes, resulting in a surplus of 1,128 million tonnes.

Despite this surplus, grain millers and stockfeed manufacturers have called for import permits, claiming that farmers do not have sufficient grain, ZFU added.

ZFU said this demonstrates a preference for cheaper imports at the expense of locally produced grain.
“The ZFU therefore reiterates its commitment to working collaboratively with Government, processors, input suppliers and extension services to ensure that Zimbabwe’s farmers are ready to respond to the opportunities presented by this regulation,” the union said.

ZFU called for adequate extension support, drought-resilient seed varieties, and mechanisation to boost productivity. It also stressed the importance of transparent and fair purchase protocols from processors to guarantee secure off-take and equitable pricing.
Farmers have also highlighted access to finance and infrastructure, such as storage and transport, as critical to enabling farmers to meet the increased local demand without compromising quality or profitability.
The union emphasised that SI 87 of 2025 is a strong policy signal that Zimbabwe is serious about elevating its agricultural sector, protecting farmer interests, and building national food sovereignty.
“The Zimbabwe Farmers’ union encourages all stakeholders to work in unity to translate this regulation into a thriving future for our farming communities.”