The Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union has pushed back against calls for relaxed maize import restrictions, arguing that the country should first make better use of locally produced grain and ensure farmers receive prices that make production viable.

The statement comes as Zimbabwe continues to balance two competing priorities protecting local farmers and ensuring millers have adequate supplies of maize.

The government has been moving towards greater reliance on locally produced grain. Under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, millers, stockfeed manufacturers and other processors were required from April 1, 2026 to source at least 40% of their grain requirements locally, with the threshold expected to rise to 100% by 2028. 

The policy was introduced as part of efforts to promote local production and reduce dependence on imports.

However, in August, grain industry players raised concerns over import procedures and the availability of maize, with Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe Southern Region chairperson Major (Rtd) David Moyo calling on government to address importation challenges ahead of possible El Niño-related production risks.

“Government should chip in and deal with importation modalities. We understand there is a pending drought and, as such, farmers are holding on to their maize stocks for speculative purposes,” Moyo said.

Industry concerns have emerged despite improved domestic production.

Government figures indicate that maize production increased to about 2.69 million tonnes in 2026, up 17.1% from the previous season, while GMB stocks stood at about 239,825 tonnes by July 28. 

ZFU, however, says the existence of maize outside formal markets should not be confused with a national shortage.

The union said reports that some off-takers were failing to access locally produced maize were creating a perception that farmers no longer had grain to sell.

“While farmers may choose to retain a larger portion of their harvest in response to the El Niño early warning for the 2026/7 season, they are prepared to supply maize to millers and other buyers who are willing to engage on fair and commercially viable terms,” ZFU said.

The farmers' body said the bigger issue was whether farmers could sell their grain at prices that covered the costs of production.

“Farmers have invested heavily in seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, fuel, labor, mechanization, irrigation, and finance. They must be given a fair opportunity to sell their produce to continue production,” the union said.

ZFU warned against treating farmers' reluctance to accept low prices as evidence that maize was unavailable.

“There is a distinction between maize being unavailable and farmers not willing to sell at unsustainable prices,” it said.

The union said imports could still play a role where there was a genuine deficit, but should not automatically become the first response when local grain is available.

“While imports may be necessary in cases of genuine deficit, they should not be the first option when local maize is available,” ZFU said.

The dispute highlights a wider challenge for Zimbabwe's maize sector: how to ensure affordable and reliable supplies for millers while giving farmers enough incentive to keep producing.

ZFU said better logistics, market linkages and direct engagement between farmers and buyers could help address the problem.

“We invite maize off-takers to engage directly with us to discuss volumes, delivery points, quality specifications, payment terms, and offered prices,” the union said.

The union said prioritising local grain while improving market linkages would help protect the current harvest and encourage farmers to continue producing in future seasons.