To Develop, promote and regulate the scheduled Food crops sub-sector in Kenya.

The mandate is drawn from the Agriculture and Food Authority Act (Act No. 13 of 2013) and the Crops Act (Act No. 16 of 2013).

The functions of the Directorate are:

• Administer the Crops Act No.16 of 2013 in accordance with the provisions of these Acts;
• Promote best practices in, and regulate, the production, processing, marketing, grading, storage, collection, transportation and warehousing of food crops and food produce as may be provided for under the Crops Act;
• Collect and collate data, maintain a database on food crops and food produce, document and monitor food crops and food produce through registration of players as provided for in the Crops Act;
• Be responsible for determining the research priorities in food crops and food produce and to advise generally on research thereof;
• Advise the National Government and the County Governments on food crops and food produce levies for purposes of planning, enhancing harmony and equity in the sector;
• Carry out such other functions as may be assigned to it by this Act, the Crops Act, and any written law while respecting the roles of the two levels of governments; and
• Formulate general and specific policies for the development of scheduled food crops