The government has introduced new regulations restricting the importation of grains, oilseeds and related products, in a move aimed at boosting local production and strengthening agricultural value chains.
The changes are contained in Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, issued under the Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grain, Oilseed and Products) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (No. 2) gazetted on Friday, 05 September.
Under the new rules, no person will be permitted to import grains, oilseeds or their products, except contractors acting in instances of need.
The regulations further define key pricing frameworks, including “import parity price”, the landed import price in Zimbabwe inclusive of cost, freight, insurance, and associated charges, and “production parity price”, which is the local price of grains and oilseeds as determined by government.
A mechanism has been set to channel any difference between the import parity price and the production parity price into the Agricultural Revolving Fund, a move authorities say will help support future farming activities.
The law also places strict timelines on processors. From 1 April 2026, processors will be required to source at least 40% of their annual grain and oilseed requirements locally.
By 1 April 2028, this obligation will rise to 100%, effectively ending dependence on imports for raw materials.
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