Market access: Rayfield Farms resumes exports from Nigeria to the United Kingdom

Rayfield Agricultural and Integrated Farms Ltd., a Nigerian family-owned company based in Keffi, Nasarawa State, successfully resumed exports of fresh leafy vegetables to the United Kingdom in June 2025, following targeted technical assistance provided by the COLEAD under the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme.

Operating a 156-hectare farm, Rayfield had lost access to its export markets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the company’s management remained committed to gradually improving its production and handling practices in order to regain its export potential. According to its Managing Director, Mr. Sardauna Davies, support from the COLEAD played a key role in strengthening operational efficiency and internal management systems.

The support combined the COLEAD’s Sustainability Self-Assessment System (SAS) with a needs assessment against the GLOBALG.A.P. standard. On this basis, Rayfield’s management fully engaged in implementing the COLEAD’s recommendations, notably by improving record-keeping, strengthening hygiene controls, aligning processes with HACCP principles, and enhancing agronomic planning.

These improvements helped restore buyer confidence and resume commercial shipments. Located approximately two hours from Abuja International Airport, the farm also benefits from a logistical advantage that facilitates access to multiple international markets.

This success story clearly illustrates how structured technical assistance can enable Nigerian exporters to meet international standards and sustainably maintain access to high-value markets.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.