Kenyans can now buy wheat grown anywhere in the United States.
For the last 12 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has worked closely with Kenyan officials to address plant-health concerns that kept U.S. wheat exports from Idaho, Oregon and Washington state out of Kenya.
A working group established after an August 2018 White House meeting between President Trump and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta provided the forum for the two countries to resolve the issue, the USDA said February 25. Kenya buys nearly $500 million worth of wheat each year, according to the USDA.
As part of the new agreement, Kenyan authorities will accept U.S. inspections and certifications of wheat, and the U.S. will work with farmers to improve surveillance for a wheat fungus.
President Trump announced February 6 that the United States intends to initiate trade negotiations with Kenya.
“Kenya is a recognized leader across the continent, an important strategic partner of the United States, and there is enormous potential for us to deepen our economic and commercial ties,” U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said at the time.
