The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a grain import levy framework designed to protect local farmers and support irrigation development, dealing a blow to claims by the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe that the policy had been abandoned.
Fresh correspondence from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion indicates that while Treasury initially raised concerns about the legal footing of Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025, it has since endorsed a revised levy framework under the country's grain marketing arrangements for the 2025/26 agricultural season.
A letter dated April 30, 2026, signed by Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga and addressed to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, supports the continued application of levies on grain imports as part of measures aimed at strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on imports.
The development comes as GMAZ, led by chairman Tafadzwa Musarara, pursues an urgent court application seeking to have SI 87 of 2025 set aside.
According to Treasury, significant price disparities remain between imported and locally produced grain, justifying policy interventions to support domestic producers.
The ministry noted that imported maize is approximately US$40 per tonne cheaper than locally produced maize, while imported soyabeans enjoy a price advantage of about US$50 per tonne.
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Treasury also backed the retention of the 70:30 wheat blending ratio in favour of locally produced wheat and recommended that imports exceeding approved thresholds should continue to attract levies.
In the correspondence, Treasury stated that levies would serve as a mechanism to protect local farmers while supporting broader agricultural development objectives.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) has been designated as the collecting agent, with proceeds earmarked for farmer payments through the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the expansion of irrigation infrastructure.
The latest position signals a shift from earlier concerns surrounding SI 87 of 2025 and suggests that Government has opted to refine rather than abandon the policy framework.
Legal analysts say the challenge facing GMAZ may be complicated by provisions within the AMA Act, which empower authorities to impose and collect agricultural levies in pursuit of food security and sector development objectives.
Supporters of the levy framework argue that it forms part of Zimbabwe's wider import substitution agenda, which seeks to boost local production, preserve foreign currency and reduce the country's growing food import bill.
Government officials say approximately US$5.7 million has already been generated through the levy framework, with some of the funds directed toward irrigation projects intended to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
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