Zimbabwe regulates the sale of maize

01/07/2019,

On 28 June, the Government of Zimbabwe issued Statutory Instrument 145, which prohibits the purchase and sale of maize among private individuals and companies, leaving the State-owned Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as the only entity able to acquire and dispose of maize. The GMB can accept maize directly from producers or contractors – individuals or entities that had contracted a producer to grow maize – while a producer is only permitted to transport five bags, not exceeding 50 kg each of maize, unless the grain is being transported to the GMB or is accompanied by appropriate documentation. The measure was implemented amidst a sharp reduction in the 2019 harvest due to below-average rains and significant hikes in food prices, reflecting the strong depreciation of the national currency.

Country: Zimbabwe