_large.jpg)
HARARE – For any farmer, a contract is more than a piece of paper—it's a promise. It's the promise of inputs arriving on time to catch the rains, and the promise of fair payment for a season's hard work. Now, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is making it clear that those promises must be kept.
In a strong new directive, the AMA is calling all contractors and growers to uphold their end of the bargain, reinforcing the regulations that make contract farming work for everyone. For too long, stories of late input deliveries and delayed payments have undermined the trust that this vital system is built on. This new directive from the AMA aims to restore that trust by holding everyone accountable.
This isn't just about rules; it's about ensuring a fair and predictable business environment where both farmers and contractors can thrive.
What This Means for Contractors: Your Promise Matters
The AMA has laid out the core responsibilities for contractors, with serious financial consequences for failure.
- Timely Inputs are Non-Negotiable: A farmer's entire season hangs in the balance waiting for inputs. Contractors who fail to deliver on time will be held liable for the grower's losses. If a farmer is forced to buy their own inputs because of a delay, the contractor will have to pay them back double that cost.
- Prompt Payment is a Must: Farmers are not bankers. The AMA is enforcing the rule that contractors must pay the agreed price within the agreed timeframe. This ensures farmers get the cash they've earned to run their business and support their families.
A Two-Way Street: Grower Responsibility
The AMA emphasizes that this is about partnership and integrity from both sides. Growers who receive inputs under a contract are also legally bound to honour that agreement. Side-marketing produce that is committed to a contractor is a serious offence and will be met with penalties, including heavy fines or even jail time.
Urgent Deadline for All Contractors: Update Your Farmer Registers
To ensure everyone is on the same page, the AMA requires all contractors to submit their complete, updated farmer registers by 15th of December 2025. This is a critical step towards creating transparency and making sure all agreements are properly documented.
Building a Stronger Future, Together
Contract farming is one of the most powerful tools we have for financing our agricultural sector and empowering our farmers. When it works, it provides access to capital, boosts productivity, and creates a stable market.
The AMA's message is simple: let's work together to make the system work as it should. By ensuring every contract is a firm promise, we build a stronger, more prosperous agricultural future for all of Zimbabwe.
For any questions on compliance, please contact the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) at
