Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika, Senior Zimpapers Reporter
Processors of oilseed, grain and products will have to source at least 40 percent of their requirements locally by the beginning of April next year while a total ban will take effect from April 1, 2028.
This is contained in Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 cited as Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grain, Oilseed and Products) (Amendment) Regulations (No. 2).
The regulations were published by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, in terms of section 50 of the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act.
“No person shall import grain, oilseed and products, except for contractors in instances of need. Where the landed import parity price is lower than the local production parity price, the difference shall accrue to the Agricultural Revolving Fund. With effect from 1st April, 2026, all processors must source at least 40 percent of their annual requirements of grain, oilseed and products locally, and with effect from 1st April, 2028, 100 percent of all annual requirements of grain, oilseed and products must be sourced locally,” reads the regulations in part.
The new regulations come on the backdrop of an increase in the production of grains by local farmers through various collaborative initiatives between Government, the private sector and farmers.
The country produced enough food to meet domestic requirements of 2,2 million tonnes of grain this season, with a projected surplus of 812 000 tonnes.
The country is also expected to produce 600 000 tonnes of winter wheat this season.
