Yara Ghana partners Agrihouse Foundation to empower farmers, input dealers and processors at 13th annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness conference and exhibition.

October 20, 2023

Yara Ghana, a leading fertilizer company dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture in Ghana, reaffirms its commitment to enhancing agriculture by partnering with Agrihouse Foundation again, for the 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition. The event is scheduled to take place from Tuesday October 24th to Friday October 26th, 2023, at the Agrihouse Agri-village Training and Demonstration Centre, in Bamvim, Tamale, in the Northern Region.

Yara Ghana’s steadfast partnership with Agrihouse Foundation spanning over 13 years for the annual Pre-Harvest agribusiness conference and exhibition, underscores its dedication to connecting farmers with buyers and building a resilient agricultural value chain.

Yara Ghana’s involvement in the Pre-Harvest program reflects its commitment to promoting best farming practices, offering premium fertilizer products, and advocating for sound business practices within the agricultural value chain, ultimately benefiting the growth, profitability, and sustainability of farmers and businesses.

The 13th edition of the annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition, themed “CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED: THE FARMER, THE INPUT DEALER, AND THE PROCESSOR,” aims to provide market linkages, education, and opportunities to individuals across the entire agricultural value chain.

The three-day event encompasses conference sessions, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace for fostering business-to-business interactions. Serving as a dynamic platform, facilitating contract negotiations for farmers and strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers, Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), Aggregators, Processors, and other key players in the agricultural value chain.

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in practical and immersive sessions aimed at providing deeper insights into best practices and capitalizing on the multitude of opportunities within the agriculture sector.

These sessions encompass commodity break-out discussions, intensive training programs, farmer-buyer matchmaking dialogues, panel education sessions, field demonstrations, keynotes, and exhibitions—all of which contribute to showcasing and promoting businesses while fostering networking opportunities.

As part of their contribution to the event, Yara Ghana will lead field demonstrations and training sessions, engaging over 2000+ farmers at the 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference to be held at the agrihouse Agri-village training and demonstration centre in Bamvim in Tamale in the Northern Region. Their Expert agronomists will provide guidance, high-quality, crop-targeted fertilizers to support participants in producing nutrient-rich, high-quality food to strengthen local communities.

Having evolved over 13 years with positive outcomes, Yara Ghana encourages continuous support, participation, and collaboration among the entire agricultural value chain. They envision Pre-Harvest as a platform that will continue to provide tangible benefits to Ghanaian farmers, strengthen food security in Ghana, and contribute to the country’s resilient and sustainable agricultural development.

Expressing her appreciation for Yara Ghana ‘s consistent support, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted Yara Ghana’s pivotal role in promoting the agricultural sector. She emphasized that Yara Ghana stands out as an exemplary corporate organization that has generously supported the growth of Ghana’s agriculture sector.

Ms. Akosa underlined the enduring partnership between Yara Ghana and Agrihouse Foundation, spanning an impressive 13 years, and described Yara Ghana as a dedicated ally in the quest to elevate Ghana’s agricultural landscape. She hailed Yara Ghana’s continued sponsorship of the Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition as a testament to their unwavering commitment.

“Our partnership with Yara Ghana is a source of immense pride for us at Agrihouse Foundation. Yara Ghana has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Ghana’s agricultural sector by sponsoring our Annual Pre-Harvest event for the past 13 years. This level of dedication is truly remarkable and exemplifies what can be achieved when the private sector collaborates with organizations like ours to empower our farmers and promote sustainable agriculture,” Ms. Akosa emphasized.

She went on to highlight the specific areas where Yara Ghana has made a significant impact, saying, “Yara Ghana has been a key driver in promoting crop nutrition, empowering women in agriculture, and advocating for best practices throughout the agricultural value chain. Their contributions extend beyond just sponsorship; they actively engage in practical initiatives that benefit our farmers, including education and training programs.”

Ms. Akosa also acknowledged Yara Ghana’s role in enhancing the participation of women in agriculture, emphasizing that the company’s support has been instrumental in fostering gender inclusivity within the sector.

“Yara Ghana’s initiatives have not only improved crop yields but have also uplifted the lives of many female farmers. Their commitment to women in agriculture is commendable, and it aligns perfectly with our mission to empower all farmers,” she added.

Activities planned for the three-day event include:

Commodity Breakout Session: Bringing together a diverse range of participants including farmer groups, farmer-based organizations, aggregators, buyers, students, smallholders, and commercial farmers, the Commodity Breakout Session aims to offer invaluable insights into excelling within the agricultural value chain.

Farmer-Buyer Matchmaking: An exclusive networking event, the Farmer-Buyer Matchmaking session is tailored to allow farmers to connect with potential wholesale buyers and various agribusinesses along the value chain. During this interactive session, both farmers and buyers have the opportunity to establish connections and finalize deals that can shape the course of their agricultural endeavours.

Another highlight of the event is the Exhibition: Spanning the entirety of the three-day event, an engaging exhibition showcase will unfold, providing a space for purchasing and selling products at affordable prices. This platform serves as a hub for exploring the latest innovations, products, and services driving advancements in the agricultural sector, ranging from Crop Varieties, Seeds, Farm Equipment and Machinery, to Agrochemicals and Fertilizers, as well as Livestock, among others.

Field Demonstrations: During this phase, farmers and industry participants engage in practical learning, gaining firsthand experience and adopting best practices in farm management. Hosted at the Agrihouse Foundation Agri-Village, this immersive experience.

About The Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition

Agrihouse foundation’s, Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions event, for the past 12 years, have provided and created market linkages and built the capacity of over 150,000 value chain actors and stakeholders.

Beneficiaries and participants of the annual Preharvest event ranges from farmer groups, buyers, development partners, policy makers, agribusinesses, ICT professionals, and aggregators. Others include input dealers, equipment and machinery dealers, transporters, financial institutions, telecommunication companies, out growers, civil society, and processors, who converge in the Northern Region, to network, exhibit, share knowledge, train, engage in field demonstration activities and most importantly, negotiate and seal deals.

The intervention has served as a stimulating platform for match-making, exchange, agribusiness development, stakeholder linkages, and has brought about growth in local economies, through the creation of expanded agribusiness opportunities. It has also assisted in removing constraints on market access for farmers and agribusinesses who require access to lucrative markets and economic opportunities to improve their livelihoods and those of their families.

The annual Pre-Harvest event, culminates with conference events, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace for business-to-business meetings.

It continuous to serve as a dynamic platform for farmers to negotiate and seal contracts and strengthen the capacity of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), Aggregators, Processors, and value chain actors for them to play a key role as agricultural market actors. After twelve (12) successful editions, and through feedbacks and testimonies, we are confident to say, the annual Pre-Harvest event, has lived up to its overall goal of creating markets and linking farmers to buyers.

ABOUT YARA GHANA

Yara Ghana, is a leading fertilizer company established in 2007, to strengthen the high quality of input supply and related services along the agricultural value chains in Ghana.

Yara Ghana’s key focus have always been on providing Ghanaian farmers with knowledge, crop nutrition solutions, and digital technologies that can help them improve their yields and quality in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. This will help farmers achieve enhanced livelihoods while contributing to local, regional, and national food production, and to ensuring Ghana’s long-term food security.

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Agriculture will be an economic pillar for the youth under PFJ 2.0 – Dr. Bryan Acheampong.

October 18, 2023

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), is on a mission to empower and support the youth in their pursuit of a career in commercial farming.

speaking at the occasion of the Youth in Agriculture Conference held at the University of Ghana on Wednesday 18^th October 2023, the Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong indicated that, within the development agenda of Ghana, agriculture is identified as one of the economic pillars. It is obvious that the nexus between agriculture development of Ghana’s abilities to achieve its food security goals are inextricably linked.

The Youth in Agriculture Programme, will be led by the Ministry for Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) as part of the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II Initiative (PFJ 2.0), which aims to empower and support young individuals to engage in commercial crop farming. This initiative addresses the challenges young farmers face in securing land and resources for farming.

This legacy initiative focuses on promoting commercial farming, igniting passion among youth, and creating sustainable employment opportunities. MoFA and YEA intend to initiate the project in Wenchi, located in the Bono region of Ghana, with plans for rapid expansion across the country.

The project is expected to make significant contributions to food and nutrition security, inflation reduction, GDP growth, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for youth in agriculture.

Under this program, beneficiary youth farmers will receive training on modern farm management practices, 10 acres each of land already developed for farming under the guidance of experienced aggregators assigned by the project.

The beneficiaries will also receive input credit such as seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, etc., and services such as extension, and mechanization support (ploughing, harrowing, planting, spraying, etc.). A monthly stipend covering the first production cycle of the respective agricultural value chain will also be provided to ensure their success.

In terms of marketing, Dr. Bryan said, harvested produce will be sold to off-takers, and profits shared between the project and beneficiaries, ensuring sustainability and further boosting the income of beneficiaries.

Additionally, the project intends to construct low-cost affordable single-room farm housing facilities, storage houses, adequate water, and other support infrastructure within the enclaves to support production.

According to Dr. Bryan, the project is targeting to reach out to 200,000 youth farmers as beneficiaries to collectively cultivate and manage over one million acres during the 5-year program duration. Each beneficiary will be engaged for 6 months, during which they will receive training and support. It is expected that, by the end of this period, they should have accumulated enough capital and adequate experience to independently manage their fields and cover associated costs for the next production cycle. Successful beneficiaries who meet assigned targets will be encouraged to continue, while the work of those who did not do well will be assessed for support to be able to meet the targets.

The Minister also indicated that a comparative analysis of crop budgets suggests that beneficiaries, under the project, will realize over 400% profit margin compared with conventional farmers cultivating the same acreage elsewhere. This is certainly a game-changer for farming in Ghana.

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Creating opportunities for roping in the youth is paramount under PFJ 2.0: DR. Bryan Acheampong.

October 18, 2023

The Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr. Bryan Acheampong has stated that creating opportunities for roping in the youth has been paramount to the Government, underscoring the fact that youth involvement in agriculture is critical. He said this when he addressed the youth at an agriculture conference on Wednesday 18^th October at the University of Ghana.

The conference sought to deepen the appreciation among the youth for the strategic shift in delivering solutions to the problems in the sector and also to take a giant step for collaboration between the Government and the youth to effectively harness the potential of agriculture.

Dr. Bryan was inspired by the positive response of the youth to the engagement which focuses on youth employment in agriculture, particularly under the new PFJ 2.0 programme, because the youth is one of the biggest actors in the agriculture sector.

According to Dr. Bryan, a conversation had already started between the Ministry and the Youth and Employment Agency (YEA) about the form of collaboration that will be taken to ensure commitment on both sides. On the side of the Government, the emmense opportunities that come with the input credit system introduced under PFJ 2 and complimentary interventions through the establishment of agriculture zones and economic enclaves were brought to the fore. For its part, YEA elaborated its intended support to the programme through capacity building, access to land and payment of stipends to benefiticiaries at the early stages of the programme

The significance of the conference cannot be overstated. First, it is very timely because it is being held when the Government has outdored a new direction for prosecuting the agenda of transforming Ghana’s Agriculture. Right from the conception of the programme, through the planning phase to the launch and now at the point of implementation, formal and informal conversations with actors along the agriculture value chain and other stakeholders have centered on productivity and job creation.

The Minister for Food and Agriculture also stated the fact that PFJ 2 is designed to consolidate and build on the successes of PFJ 1. As a first priority, the programme seeks to ensure that Ghana becomes food secure within the planned implementation period. Other related objectives are, job creation, particularly for the teeming youth of the country, reducing food price inflation, building food systems resilience, and promoting import substitution and exports.

To assure the youth, achieving these objectives will inherently lead to the creation of job opportunities along the agriculture value chain. An input credit model, around which the programme revolves for instance ensures easy entry into agribusiness.

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FAO report assesses impact of disasters on agriculture and food security.

October 17, 2023

In a groundbreaking revelation, the world now has an assessment of the consequences of disasters on a global scale: Over the past three decades, the agricultural sector has incurred losses amounting to approximately $3.8 trillion (equivalent to around €3.6 trillion).

According to a report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly half of these costs can be attributed to droughts, while floods, storms, pests, health crises, and conflicts are also significantly contributing to this growing impact.

“Disasters are producing unprecedented levels of damage and loss in agriculture around the world. Their increasing severity and frequency, from 100 per year in the 1970s to around 400 events per year in the past 20 years, affect agrofood systems across multiple dimensions, compromising food security and undermine the sustainability of the agriculture sector,” Maximo Torero, Chief Economist, FAO.

Asia is the hardest-hit region, but on a global scale, average annual losses amount to 116 billion euros, equivalent to 5% of annual agricultural gross domestic product, almost equal to losses

experienced in Africa, Europe and the Americas put together.

Nevertheless, compared to the estimated counterfactual production, losses appear to be particularly significant in several parts of Africa, primarily Eastern, Northern and Western Africa

The continent also gets the short end of the stick when it comes to climate related hazards, with a registered 70 percent of all global wildland fires.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) notes a significant increase in the number of disasters, from around a hundred a year in the 1970s to around 400 in recent times. With climate change on the horizon, these impacts are expected to intensify, further exacerbating existing social and environmental vulnerabilities.

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Tighten pesticide approval process to avert the adverse effects on the environment – Stakeholders appeal to the government.

October 11, 2023

Stakeholders in the cocoa value chain believe that highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) pose grave dangers to cocoa farmers, their families and communities in Ghana and across West Africa.

In Ghana, pesticides are used by most farmers to boost crop production

However, over use and improper use of chemical pesticides are having adverse effects on the environment, human health, and social capital.

In a communique issued to the media, both state and non-state actors agreed that though pesticides are used to boost crop production in the short term, the persistent misuse of pesticides adversely pose great risks to the health of farmers and the environment in the long term.

Read the full communique below:

FINAL COMMUNIQUE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF PESTICIDE USE IN COCOA PRODUCTION LANDSCAPE OF GHANA

Preamble

We, the participants (both state and non-state actors) having met at a conference on human rights and environmental issues of pesticide use in cocoa production landscape of Ghana on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 hosted by Conservation Alliance International, SEND Ghana and INKOTA Network at the Holiday Inn in Accra, discussed extensively some crucial issues within the country’s cocoa sector and note that the following to inform policy discussions on pesticides usage:

1. A large majority of cocoa farmers in Ghana are reliant on chemical pesticides, as they are often cheaper and less labour intensive than non-chemical pesticides for addressing pest and disease incidence.

2. Some of the unapproved pesticides used contain active ingredients classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as highly hazardous due to the dangers they pose to human health and the environment.

3. Some of the active ingredients are no longer approved for use in the European Union (EU) due to their effects on health and the environment and yet widely used by many cocoa farmers

4. Unapproved pesticides including those that are highly hazardous also damage soils, poison water bodies and destroy biodiversity.

5. The continued over-dependence on unapproved pesticides (including highly hazardous pesticides) could result from limited access to approved pesticides or alternatives. Weak enforcement of regulations, influence of pesticide manufacturers and high cost of approved pesticides have led to the proliferation of unapproved pesticides.

6. The use of unapproved (especially highly hazardous) pesticides in cocoa production is a risk to the human right to health, the human right to safe and healthy working conditions as well as the human right to a healthy environment. This can only be addressed with a collective effort of both state and non-state actors in Cocoa producing and consuming countries.

Based on the above mentioned, we hereby make the following proposals:

1. The pesticide approval process in Ghana should be tightened to phase out all unapproved (and highly hazardous) pesticides (HHPs) and clamp down on the influx of unapproved pesticides in the market.

Though pesticide use boosts cocoa production in the short term, the persistent misuse of pesticides adversely poses great risk to the health of farmers and the environment in the long term. EPA should strongly consider withdrawing its approval for pesticides that are no longer recommended by COCOBOD for use in Cocoa. Government agencies and local authorities (MMDAs) should therefore ensure that certified retailers sell only approved pesticides to cocoa farmers and all actors on the value chain go through routine medical check-ups to reduce the health-related risk associated with contact with pesticides.

2. The human and logistical capacity of agencies statutorily responsible for enforcement of laws and regulations in respect of the production, importation, supply and use of pesticides in the country should be strengthened.

The security agencies at the borders should prevent the entry of unapproved pesticides into the country. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Research, Academia, and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) should be strengthened to regularly monitor pesticide residue levels for actions to be taken. The certified agro-input dealers, mass sprayers and farmers should be continuously educated on the risk of using pesticides without strict compliance to use, storage and disposal of used containers. The production of Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPEs) should suit the local weather conditions to motivate sprayers to use them.

3. There should be periodic monitoring and evaluation of the chemical pesticide industry to determine the types of pesticides on the Ghanaian market (percentage of approved and unapproved), the source of introduction, the impacts on cost of production, the impacts of application on human health and the environment and availability of alternatives.

To efficiently regulate the use of pesticide for agricultural production, Ghanaian government in collaboration with other actors such as research institutions/academia should establish a database to generate relevant and reliable data to highlight and properly document the effect of pesticides on production, human health and the environment in order to review public policy and programs to address any negative effects. This will enable the country to develop and promote minimum standards to ensure safety of farmers and the public from pesticide poisoning as well as chronic health effects of pesticides.

4. There should be sustained community education and public awareness about the effects of pesticides on human health and the environment along the entire value chain.

While many producers and consumers are aware of the beneficial effects of pesticides in enhancing farm produce and productivity resulting from control of pest and disease incidence, there is still a large number of persons that may be ignorant about the adverse effects of misuse of pesticides on humans and the environment. The public education could be complemented with on-farm training for producers, input dealers, sprayers, farm families, and community members in efficient use of pesticides to reduce the risk to humans and the environment.

5. There should be investment in research into alternatives and local production of approved pesticides.

Government and the private sector should invest in research into alternative pest control methods such as Integrated Pest Management, biopesticides and agroecological approaches within the country in order to enhance their availability and affordability. This may likely reduce the patronage of low cost unapproved and often highly hazardous pesticides on the local market. The promotion of alternatives amongst cocoa farmers could also reduce the risk of application to human health and the environment and contribute to more sustainable cocoa production.

SIGNED.

(Both state and non-state actors)

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Why China’s boost for focus on African farm produce will not blur outlook for infrastructure push

October 9, 2023

China is helping African countries to grow more food products and set up industries to process farm produce as part of efforts to reverse a long-time trade imbalance in its favour.

It is also increasing African food imports after more than two decades of mostly buying raw materials from the continent while exporting electronics and textiles, resulting in a trade surplus that saw China accused of promoting the unhealthy imbalance. Last year, Chinese exports to Africa made up nearly 60 per cent of the US$282 billion in two-way trade.

But new initiatives to support African agriculture, industrialisation and skills development did not mean a shift away from infrastructure building, long a mainstay of China’s engagement in Africa, observers said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently unveiled plans to build more manufacturing plants in Africa, ramp up food production there and equip thousands of Africans with vocational skills to support the continent’s agricultural modernisation.

“China will harness its resources … to support Africa in growing its manufacturing sector and realising industrialisation and economic diversification,” Xi said in late August on the sidelines of the Brics summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He also pledged closer cooperation on quarantine and inspection to help boost Chinese imports of African farm produce.

The comments were a continuation of a pledge made by Xi during the 2021 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), when he promised to open up “green lanes” for African agricultural products so that imports could hit US$300 billion by 2024.

To that end, Beijing waived tariffs last year on 98 per cent of taxable items from dozens of least-developed countries, most of them in Africa.

In Johannesburg, Xi further promised support for developing Africa’s manufacturing industry and creating “Made in Africa” brands, and reiterated his 2021 promise to invest at least US$10 billion in the continent and extend US$10 billion in credit facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Days later, the African Export-Import Bank announced it had secured a US$400 million loan facility from China Development Bank for onward lending to SMEs across Africa.

Xi’s pledges in Johannesburg – made during a meeting with African leaders and ministers on August 24 – came shortly after Beijing’s top diplomat in Africa, Wu Peng, said countries there wanted China to shift its focus from building infrastructure to local industrialisation.

Xi’s comments also appeared to reflect a shift from the past decade, when China pumped billions of dollars into Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative, building mega projects such as ports, railways, highways and power dams.

However, analysts said the latest pledges did not indicate a turning away from infrastructure, but rather the opening up of parallel investment tracks.

“It is about fostering the next phase of using that infrastructure for new export markets and for rural income growth,” Lauren Johnston, a China-Africa researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs in Johannesburg, said.

She said China’s own development model focused heavily on raising rural incomes since rural areas were mostly home to the poorest of the poor.

“So, raising rural incomes helps to alleviate poverty, which then feeds China’s global poverty alleviation ambition and helps to realise the [United Nations-led] Sustainable Development Goals too,” Johnston said.

Given its own rising population, Africa would need even more food over the next decades, Johnston said. Food security mattered more to China as well, she added, because the US-led trade war meant it was no longer confident about relying on the United States and Australia for feed and food.

Richard Mulwa, deputy vice-chancellor of Kenya’s Egerton University, said Xi’s plan would bring vitality to Africa’s food systems through joint research, technology transfer and the development of high-yield crops.

“The whole plan is good. For long, Africa has lagged behind in innovation, but with cooperation with China in research and development … [and] on agro-ecological parks, there are so many benefits to be realised,” Mulwa told Chinese state news agency Xinhua in a recent interview.

Linda Calabrese, research fellow and development economist at the Overseas Development Institute think tank in London, said: “We know that official policy lending [for the belt and road] is slowing down, but we also know that there may be some commercial lending or equity investment in infrastructure. So the focus on infrastructure may become more modest.”

“Given the nature of the projects, they may be undertaken by various line ministries, or by China’s development agency. In that case, they will not tap into the same sources of finance as infrastructure projects, and therefore they will not be competing, just be placed on a parallel track,” Calabrese said.

Carlos Lopes, professor at the University of Cape Town’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, said Xi was trying to be responsive to the areas identified by Africa as a priority for engagement with China.

“There is a perception that the Belt and Road Initiative is running out of steam and requires a more robust wave of investments if China is going to keep its edge in Africa,” Lopes said.

In a commentary for The Conversation published in August, Johnston said there had been a shift in China’s relationship with Africa – away from a focus on mainly oil and extractive commodities. This was the “Hunan model”, named after the central Chinese province leading the push.

Johnston highlighted the Hunan model’s specific focus on agriculture, heavy industry equipment, and transport – such as electric vehicles and trains – areas where the province is a leader within China and which are growth industries in many African countries.

“Many of these [Chinese] companies have a presence in, and long-running strategy for, African markets,” she wrote.

This comes as China expands its list of food imports from Africa, with dozens of countries recently signing deals allowing the export of farm produce such as chillies, cashews, sesame seeds and spices.

South Africa, China’s largest trading partner in the continent, had long exported mostly minerals to the Asian country. Last month, it began sending avocados to China – joining Kenya and Tanzania whose fresh avocados gained market access last year and also adding to its existing export list of lemons, grapefruit, oranges and other citruses.

Beninese pineapples, Rwandan chilli and beef products from Namibia and Botswana have also gained China market access in recent months.

Peng, director general of the Department of African Affairs in the Chinese foreign ministry, confirmed last month that the first 52-tonne shipment of Kenyan anchovy had arrived in China.

“More is on the way,” Wu said. [The FOCAC] green channel for African agricultural exports to China is bringing tangible benefits to African and Chinese people.”

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Ghana-made herbal beer to cater for health-conscious customers.

October 6, 2023

Beer lovers in Kenya can now enjoy Alomo Bitters, one of Ghana’s popular beer brands without having to travel to the Western African nation. Alomo Bitters, a herbal-based alcoholic drink made with purified water, plant extracts and a neutral spirit is produced by Kasapreko Company Ltd in Ghana.

The brand, popular not only in Ghana but also in Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Burkina Faso is set to spark a competition in the alcohol industry.

Francis Holly-Adzah, Director, International Business Development, describes the brand as an authentic herbal drink exquisitely crafted by nature’s hands, and distributed across 12 West African countries, three South African countries, the European Union region, United States of America and Canada.

He explains, as Kasapreko enters Kenya, it anticipates a warm reception from consumers who seek top-tier beverages that deliver quality and affordability.

According to him, there are similarities in cultures, lifestyle and socioeconomic statuses of many citizens of both Ghana and Kenya.

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Ghana and EU inaugurate 224 housing units for farmers at Shai Osoduku District.

October 5, 2023

The European Union (EU) and the Government of Ghana celebrated a significant milestone today with the inauguration of 224 on-farm housing units on the plantation of Golden Exotic Limited (GEL), Kasunya/Asutsuare in the Shai Osoduku District of the Greater Accra Region.

These newly constructed housing units are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable living for farmers and their families. The houses have been designed with a focus on their functionality and sustainability.

The housing compound is equipped with feature energy-efficient electricity systems, a water treatment plant and a community centre.

The project is part of the broader Banana Accompanying Measures Programme, which prioritized the development of the agricultural sector while enhancing social welfare within the farming community.

Access to decent and affordable housing plays a crucial role in creating a conducive environment for farmers to thrive and contribute effectively to the agricultural sector. By providing farmers with these housing units, the Banana Accompanying Measures Programme aimed to address the pressing issue of rural poverty and homelessness within the farming community.

Vice President of Compagnie Fruitiere in Ghana (Parent company of Golden Exotics Limited) Mr. Olivier CHASSANG, said “This is a major milestone in the social development of the company and a great example of international cooperation”.

European Union Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, highlighted the significance of the partnership in empowering local communities: “These housing units are a testament to our commitment to uplifting farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector. They will not only provide a safe and comfortable space for the farmers but also enable them to lead better lives.”

He added that “The Banana Accompanying Measures support the competitiveness of the Ghanaian Banana export sector while ensuring its environmental and socio-economic sustainability in the long run.”

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, expressed gratitude towards the European Union’s support and emphasized the program’s transformative impact.

“We are proud to have collaborated with the European Union in realizing this important project. The housing units will unlock potential and enhance the agricultural productivity of the farmers. This is an embodiment of the shared vision for rural development and poverty reduction, which lies at the core of our collaboration.”

The completion of the 224 housing units under the Banana Accompanying Measures marks a long-awaited yet significant milestone in the journey towards creating a thriving farming community in Ghana.

The European Union and the Government of Ghana look forward to continuing their fruitful partnership to further empower farmers, contribute to sustainable rural development, and improve the overall quality of life in the agricultural sector.

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Agrihouse Foundation secures a charter for Brazil’s leading International Cassava Fair.

October 2, 2023

Podium Alimentos, the leading organization, that manages Brazil’s largest International Cassava Fair (FIMAN), has announced a five-year partnership with Ghana’s Agrihouse Foundation, as its official franchise holders, for the promotion, facilitation and marketing of the annual International Fair in Brazil.

In a statement issued, the Chief Executive Officer of Podium Alimentos and creator for the International cassava Fair (FIMAN), Mr. Mauricio Gehlen, expressed his excitement for the partnership with Agrihouse Foundation. He emphasized that, the partnership with Agrihouse Foundation as the official franchise holder for the International Cassava Fair (FIMAN) in Ghana, for the next five years will undoubtedly elevate and significantly enhance the program’s growth and increase participation in Ghana and Africa.

In his statement, Mr. Gehlen, added that Agrihouse Foundation has a commendable track record of consistently demonstrating unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture and a proven history of promoting the agriculture industry in Ghana and beyond.

He further explained that, Agrihouse Foundation will work with his office, to strengthen and enhance the prominence and impact of the International Cassava Fair (FIMAN) initiative in Ghana, with a primary focus on contributing to improving the cassava value chain sector. Adding that, Cassava contributes significantly to the nutrition and livelihood of up to 500 million people in the world, beside serving as a primary staple food for millions of people, cassava is also an important raw material used for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes.

Commodifying cassava presents Africa and the global community with an opportunity to reduce dependence on imports, enhance food security, and support economic growth.

Despite its immense potential, cassava has often been to a high level, been overlooked as a crop suitable for commercial production and commodification. However, as global food demand continues to rise, the potential for cassava to contribute to agricultural growth in Africa and around the world is becoming increasingly apparent.

Mr. Mauricio Gehlen, emphasized that, the partnership will also facilitate the dissemination of global cassava research findings, innovations, and best practices to the Ghanaian cassava industry, fostering growth and sustainability.

This collaboration he said, signifies a great milestone in our efforts to foster greater international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the cassava industry.

For her part, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her profound gratitude for this partnership. “We are very excited and grateful to Podium Alimentos for giving us this amazing opportunity to do what we do best – Making Impact in the Agribusiness sector!

As the official franchise holder in Ghana, we look forward to working diligently transparently with Podium Alimentos to ensure the continued success of the International Cassava Fair (FIMAN), and to advance sustainable agriculture while strengthening the cassava industry. It is imperative that we transform cassava into a standardized commodity that can be traded and exported on a large scale to boost national revenues, much like how we prioritize commodities such as gold, crude oil, and cocoa,’ emphasized Miss Akosa.”

As the official franchise holder for the International Cassava Fair (FIMAN) in Ghana, Agrihouse Foundation is resolutely committed to cultivating a thriving cassava sector in Ghana and Africa. Simultaneously, we aim to work together , to foster greater international collaboration by connecting Ghanaian enterprises with potential investors and partners, who seek to penetrate the Ghanaian market, to explore partnerships and investment opportunities, with the cassava value chain sector, to collectively improve impact, economic growth, improve job creation and the introduction of new technologies to the cassava sector.

As part our mandate of ensuring a stronger Ghanaian representation at the International Cassava Fair (FIMAN) scheduled to take place from Tuesday, November 21st, 2023, to Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, in Paranavaí, Brazil , Agrihouse foundation is mobilizing farmers, processors, input dealers, Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), Aggregators, Processors, and value chain actors, individuals and businesses across the agriculture value chain to serve as exhibitors , participate and engage in Business Matchmaking sessions, at the International Cassava Fair.

By facilitating the transfer of knowledge and championing the global dissemination of cassava research, innovations, and best practices from international experts to the Ghanaian cassava community, Agrihouse Foundation will work together with Poduim Alimentos to organize and facilitate strategic business-to-business meetings, networking, matchmaking, panel discussions, educational tours and farm visits for participants in Brazil.

This exchange of expertise, we are confident, will further empower our stakeholders to be exposed to more innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technologies, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

Agrihouse Foundation is passionate towards the causes and tasks, we take up and we are positive to contribute in all means possible, to the growth of the Casssava value chain sector. Cassava is the next big thing. It is the next Cocoa , Alberta added.

This collaboration underscores Podium Alimentos and Agrihouse Foundation’s steadfast commitment to advancing the cassava sector and promoting international cooperation within the Regional and Global agricultural landscape.

Over the next five years, the focus will be on propelling growth, sustainability, and innovation within the industry.

Agrihouse Foundation has a successful track record of spearheading similar International Trade and market linkage initiatives.

Our partnership with the Brazilian Embassy over the past ten years in promoting the annual Agrishow event in Brazil. Our partnership with the Israel Trade Office, in promoting educational Break-out Tours and Agritech in Israel, our partnership with the US- Ghana Chamber, Philadelphia, in promoting Trade and market linkages and our strong partnership with GhaNeb – Nebraska, in facilitating opportunities between Nebraska, among others, are testaments of our passion and strength in fostering and facilitating, successful Business, Trade and Investment opportunities between Countries.

Agrihouse Foundation are also the initiators and implementers of highly successful interventional projects in Ghana including the Gathering of the Royals, the Agric Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp, the Livestock, Poultry and Fisheries Training and Tradeshow, the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum, the Gold in the Soil Awards, organized together with Global Affairs Canada.

Agrihouse Foundation are also the initiators and organizers of the Monthly Agriwoman Marketplace, the Monthly Beginner Agribusiness Masterclass and the internationally recognized 1household – 1 garden initiative and the annual Preharvest Agribusiness Exhibitions and Conference.

ABOUT FIMAN:

The International Cassava Fair (FIMAN), organized by Podium Alimentos , every two year , is a globally recognized premier cassava tradeshow. It serves as a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange, innovation showcase, and networking among cassava stakeholders worldwide. The 2023 edition of FIMAN is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, November 21st, 2023, to Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, in Paranavaí, Brazil.

The three-day event will focus on the exchange of experiences, staying at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, and forging successful partnerships. It will feature a dedicated Ghanaian Pavilion where key players in the cassava value chain can showcase their products and services, engage in B2B matchmaking, and make business presentations.

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