Hi, we are James Weru and Anthony Igogo from FTE Organics. We supply organic avocados from the rich soils of Kenya, working closely with smallholders in the Mount Kenya region. We founded FTE because we wanted to give motivated Kenyan farmers access to international markets—so they can improve and secure their income through a more sustainable business model. Today, we are proud to work with more than 1,200 growers.

Why we chose organic

We chose organic agriculture because we wanted to build a business that can last—ecologically and economically. In our view, chemicals damage soil health and ultimately undermine farmers’ livelihoods. They also often fail to deliver the yield improvements farmers expect, making the system unsustainable over time. Organic farming, instead, supports healthier soils, a cleaner environment and a more stable future for the people producing the food.

A smallholder community at the heart of FTE

Most of our growers farm on around 2 acres of land, typically with about 10 avocado trees alongside other crops—often vegetables for home use. This mixed smallholder farming landscape is the backbone of our supply, and it reflects the reality of farming families who balance market crops with food for their own households.

Supporting the next generation

One of the biggest challenges we face is that the average grower is around 63 years old, with few younger family members stepping in. That’s why we are starting programmes to involve more young people in organic agriculture—showing them the opportunities and training them in practical agricultural skills so they can build a future in farming.

Tand ransparency fair payment

Transparency is essential for trust and long-term impact. FTE Organics partners with TruTrade and uses their tools to help ensure transparency and fair payment for both growers and employees. The platform also provides a forum where farmers and market stakeholders can interact directly, strengthening accountability across the value chain.