More than one hundred (100) fishers and coastal dwellers in Cape Coast have been educated on the importance of protecting endangered sea turtles.
The Sustainable Ocean Alliance Ghana (SOA Ghana hub), an ocean conservation and environmental organisation, organised a community campaign focused on sensitizing the beneficiaries and participants on the need to protect endangered sea turtles in Cape Coast.
Ghana’s coastline provides a vital habitat for endangered sea turtles such as Olive Ridleys, Leatherbacks, and Green Turtles, which face multiple threats including poaching and fisheries bycatch.
These endangered sea turtles travel thousands of miles to reach Ghana’s shores to lay their eggs, only to be often captured, killed, or sold to illicit traffickers by local fishers and coastal residents.
SOA Ghana’s community campaign, supported by Sustainable Ocean Alliance in the United States, took place at the Moree beach and landing sites in Cape Coast.
To sustain the campaign and efforts, two turtle protection clubs within the communities at Moree Beach in Cape Coast have been established.
These clubs will play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the conservation efforts.
Gideon Sarpong, an advisor for SOA Ghana, described the event as an enlightening experience for many fishers and community members, igniting their commitment to protecting these vulnerable sea turtles.
“Many coastal residents previously involved in the poaching of these sea turtles were unaware of the invaluable roles they play, from maintaining productive coral reef ecosystems to transporting essential nutrients from the oceans to beaches and coastal dunes. Additionally, sea turtles contribute to the regulation of jellyfish populations, which are known to prey on fish eggs,” he said.
SOA Ghana’s dedication to these conservation endeavors remains unwavering, with another community engagement event planned for December in Accra, Ghana.
Additionally, an online conference on protecting sea turtles and an ongoing online campaign will continue to advocate for the protection of sea turtles in Ghana.
Today, Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, the 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Conference and Exhibition will commence at the Agrihouse Agri-Village Learning Innovation, Training, and Demonstration Center in Kudula, Tamale, located in the Northern Region. This highly anticipated event is expected to attract an audience of no fewer than 3,000 participants.
In a press release issued by, Agrihouse Foundation, Ms. Alberta Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, stated, “Everything is now in place for another fulfilling staging of Ghana’s leading agricultural event.” She emphasized that, compared to previous editions, this year’s conference would introduce more relevant aspects aimed at enhancing agricultural output in the Northern Region and throughout Ghana. All preparations for this annual agricultural event, known for its focus on market linkage, connectivity, technology and innovation in agriculture, have been successfully concluded, among other accomplishments.
Ms. Akosa elaborated, saying, “This year’s training and workshop sessions will explore thematic areas, including Market Linkages, Commodity Pricing, Financing, Seed Quality Systems, Favourable Agricultural Policies, Best Practices in Agricultural Production, Nutrition, and Climate-smart agriculture. Furthermore, there will be a dedicated training and capacity-building session on gender equality, women’s empowerment, agricultural technology, and innovation, among other subjects.”
The event is set to bring together approximately 3,000 farmers, value chain actors, and agribusiness owners. The primary objective is to exchange ideas and discuss strategies and measures to ensure the establishment of a more structured and sustained market access and linkages in the agricultural sector.
Under the theme, “Connecting the Unconnected: The Farmer, The Input Dealer, and The Processor,” the event will feature Hon. Osei Yaw Frimpong, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, delivering the Keynote Address and officially opening the exhibitions. Additionally, Andrew Reid, Economic Growth Office Director from USAID, will serve as the Special Guest Speaker, and Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, the Northern Regional Minister, will give the Welcome Remarks.
Other notable speakers at the Pre-Harvest event include Hajia Hawa Musah, the Regional Agric Director, Regional Department of Agriculture, Alhaji Mashud Mohammed, the National Best Farmer for 2021, and Ms. Theresa Randolph, the Country Director for Yara Ghana.
Now in its 13th year, the Annual Pre-Harvest Conference and Exhibition has become a prominent and highly impactful event on the Ghanaian Agribusiness calendar. The event will take place from Tuesday, October 24th, to Thursday, October 26th, 2023, at the Agrihouse Agri-Village Learning Innovation, Training, and Demonstration Center in Kudula, Tamale, in the Northern Region.
Sponsors for this year’s event include YARA Ghana, GIZ-EUGAP, Interplast, and others. These sponsors have played a vital role in making this event possible and in supporting the growth and development of agriculture in Ghana.
Over seventy (70) companies and institutions are expected to serve as exhibitors at the 13th annual preharvest agribusiness conference and exhibitions ,these includes, YARA, GIZ-EUGAP, Interplast, Bon Agro, SEEDCO, International Potato Center, Esoko Limited, BADECC AGROVOLTA LIMITED, AGRO CROWN WEST AFRICAN COMPANY LTD, HJA Africa Limited, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), AGRISEED, Miqdadi Ltd, Jubaili Agrotec, Agrohao Ghana Company Limited, Feed the Future Ghana Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (MFA) Activity, GIZ-EUGAP, Omnifert, Crop Doctor, MENNONITE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (MEDA), Tree Aid, Melon J Consult CL Ltd, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), The Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), Ecobank, Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), TATA, KANU EQUIPMENT, SAYETECH, PUMPTECH, AGRI SIGMA, and Lamb Father among others.
This diverse range of exhibitors will not only showcase their products and services but will also provide practical insights, engage in discussions, and foster connections within the agricultural sector. Attendees are encouraged to explore every exhibition booth to learn, buy, and discover the latest innovations and solutions in agriculture.
This year, the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition promises to be an engaging and immersive experience. We encourage participants to explore every exhibition booth to learn, discover, and invest in cutting-edge agricultural solutions.
The Exhibitors will provide practical insights, engage in enlightening discussions, and enable you to build essential connections within the agricultural sector. You can expect to explore the latest innovations, purchase high-quality products, and participate in discussions that address critical challenges and opportunities within the agricultural industry.
NOTEWORTHY ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED:
Commodity Breakout Session: Aiming to assemble a diverse spectrum of participants, including farmer groups, farmer-based organizations, aggregators, buyers, students, smallholders, and commercial farmers, the Commodity Breakout Session aims to provide invaluable insights into excelling within the agricultural value chain.
Farmer-Buyer Matchmaking: This exclusive networking event is tailored to enable 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 significantly shape their agricultural endeavours.
Exhibition: Spanning the entirety of the three-day event, an engaging exhibition showcase will unfold, offering a platform for purchasing and selling products at affordable prices. This hub serves as a space to explore the latest innovations, products, and services driving advancements in the agricultural sector, encompassing Crop Varieties, Seeds, Farm Equipment and Machinery, Agrochemicals and Fertilizers, as well as Livestock, among others.
Field Demonstrations: In this phase, farmers and industry participants engage in practical learning, acquiring firsthand experience and adopting best practices in farm management. Hosted at the Agrihouse Foundation Agri-Village, this immersive experience aims to equip attendees with tangible skills to enhance their agricultural practices.
The 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference promises to be an influential convergence, fostering collaboration and innovation across the agricultural landscape. Join us as we work together to empower agriculture and bridge connections in pursuit of a prosperous future.
JOIN THE 13TH EDITION OF THE PRE-HARVEST AGRIBUSINESS EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCE EVENT:
We extend a warm invitation to all stakeholders and value chain actors to participate in the Agribusiness Adventure of the year. Join us from October 24th to 26th, 2023, at the Agrihouse Agri-Village training and demonstration center in kudula in the Northern Region, for the highly anticipated 13th edition of the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference.
Discover the ultimate platform that connects farmers, market players, and agribusinesses, unlocking endless opportunities for growth, innovation, and success.
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 range 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 matchmaking, 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 continues 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 feedback and testimonies, we are confident to say that the annual Pre-Harvest event has lived up to its overall goal of creating markets and linking farmers to buyers.
The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, along with President Touray, concluded the signing of seven financing agreements totaling €212.5 million in EU support to support crucial areas in the continent.
Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture(MOFA) and the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) , will from Tuesday, October 24th to Thursday, October 26th, 2023 ,host the highly-anticipated 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition Under the theme, ‘CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED: THE FARMER, INPUT DEALER, AND THE PROCESSOR,’ the event is scheduled to take place at the Agrihouse Agri-Village Learning ,innovation ,Training and Demonstration Center in Kudula, Tamale, Northern Region.
The 13th edition of the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition is designed to foster collaborations and integration within the industry. Over the course of three days, participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore appropriate technologies, foster market linkage, enhance productivity, and create a network of opportunities.
The Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition has a rich history of uniting stakeholders in the agricultural field. It has consistently promoted sustainable agricultural practices, fostered connectivity within the industry, and contributed to the overall development of Ghana’s agriculture sector.
The 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition promises to be a pivotal event that celebrates the growth, sustainability, and progress of the agricultural industry in Ghana. Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience enriched with practical insights, engaging sessions, and the opportunity to network with key players in the agricultural sector.
In a statement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, extended a warm invitation to all participants, stating, “We invite everyone to join us for three days of innovation, knowledge sharing, and valuable connections. The 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to empowering Ghana’s agricultural industry. This year, we have brought together a diverse group of over 70 exhibitors spanning various sectors of the agricultural value chain to showcase their innovative solutions, services, and products.”
She went on to highlight the essence of this year’s theme, “CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED: THE FARMER, INPUT DEALER, AND THE PROCESSOR,” emphasizing that the event aims to build strong partnerships and linkages across the entire agricultural value chain.
“The Pre-Harvest has always been a platform for driving sustainable agriculture, fostering connectivity, and contributing to the development of Ghana’s agriculture sector. As we focus on connecting the unconnected, we’re fostering relationships between farmers, input dealers, and processors, ensuring that no link in the agricultural chain is left unattended.”
Sponsors for this year’s event include YARA Ghana, GIZ-EUGAP, Interplast, and others. These sponsors have played a vital role in making this event possible and in supporting the growth and development of agriculture in Ghana.
Over seventy (70) companies are expected to serve as exhibitors at the 13th annual preharvest agribusiness conference and exhibitions ,these includes, YARA, GIZ-EUGAP, Interplast, Bon Agro, SEEDCO, International Potato Center, Esoko Limited, BADECC AGROVOLTA LIMITED, AGRO CROWN WEST AFRICAN COMPANY LTD, HJA Africa Limited, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), AGRISEED, Miqdadi Ltd, Jubaili Agrotec, Agrohao Ghana Company Limited, Feed the Future Ghana Mobilizing Finance in Agriculture (MFA) Activity, GIZ-EUGAP, Omnifert, Crop Doctor, MENNONITE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (MEDA), Tree Aid, Melon J Consult CL Ltd, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), The Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), Ecobank, Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), TATA, KANU EQUIPMENT, SAYETECH, PUMPTECH, AGRI SIGMA, and Lamb Father among others .
This diverse range of companies will not only showcase their products and services but will also provide practical insights, engage in discussions, and foster connections within the agricultural sector. Attendees are encouraged to explore every exhibition booth to learn, buy, and discover the latest innovations and solutions in agriculture.
This year, the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition promises to be an engaging and immersive experience. We encourage participants to explore every exhibition booth to learn, discover, and invest in cutting-edge agricultural solutions.
The diverse range of exhibitors will provide practical insights, engage in enlightening discussions, and enable you to build essential connections within the agricultural sector. You can expect to explore the latest innovations, purchase high-quality products, and participate in discussions that address critical challenges and opportunities within the agricultural industry.
The 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition promises to be a pivotal event celebrating the growth, sustainability, and progress of the agricultural industry in Ghana. This gathering of key players and stakeholders in the agriculture value chain is a unique opportunity to explore, network, and collaborate within the ever-evolving agricultural landscape of Ghana. We look forward to welcoming you to an extraordinary event that will shape the future of agriculture in our nation.
Noteworthy Activities Scheduled:
Commodity Breakout Session: Aiming to assemble a diverse spectrum of participants, including farmer groups, farmer-based organizations, aggregators, buyers, students, smallholders, and commercial farmers, the Commodity Breakout Session aims to provide invaluable insights into excelling within the agricultural value chain.
Farmer-Buyer Matchmaking: This exclusive networking event is tailored to enable 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 significantly shape their agricultural endeavors.
Exhibition: Spanning the entirety of the three-day event, an engaging exhibition showcase will unfold, offering a platform for purchasing and selling products at affordable prices. This hub serves as a space to explore the latest innovations, products, and services driving advancements in the agricultural sector, encompassing Crop Varieties, Seeds, Farm Equipment and Machinery, Agrochemicals and Fertilizers, as well as Livestock, among others.
Field Demonstrations: In this phase, farmers and industry participants engage in practical learning, acquiring firsthand experience and adopting best practices in farm management. Hosted at the Agrihouse Foundation Agri-Village, this immersive experience aims to equip attendees with tangible skills to enhance their agricultural practices.
The 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference promises to be an influential convergence, fostering collaboration and innovation across the agricultural landscape. Join us as we work together to empower agriculture and bridge connections in pursuit of a prosperous future.
JOIN THE 13TH EDITION OF THE PRE-HARVEST AGRIBUSINESS EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCE EVENT:
We extend a warm invitation to all stakeholders and value chain actors to participate in the Agribusiness Adventure of the year. Join us from October 24th to 26th, 2023, at the Agrihouse Agri-Village training and demonstration center in kudula in the Northern Region, for the highly anticipated 13th edition of the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Exhibition and Conference.
Discover the ultimate platform that connects farmers, market players, and agribusinesses, unlocking endless opportunities for growth, innovation, and success.
The European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme, through two of its GIZ implemented programmes: the Market Oriented Agriculture Programme in North-West (MOAP NW) and the Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH) Project, has renewed its partnership with Agrihouse Foundation to organise the 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition.
The partnership seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices while building agricultural resilience, promoting connectivity between farmers and markets, and contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Ghana.
The event is slated for Tuesday 24th to Thursday 27th October 2023, at the Agrihouse Agri-village learning ,innovation ,training and demonstration center in Kudula , Tamale, Northern Region, under the theme: ‘CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED THE FARMER, THE INPUT DEALER AND THE PROCESSORS’.
The Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition stands as an important event for Ghana’s agricultural industry because it connects a diverse array of stakeholders along the agricultural value chains, such as farmers, Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), Aggregators, Processors, input dealers, machinery companies, fertilizer companies among others, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in this evolving sector.
Since 2019, EUGAP has been a steadfast supporter of the annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition, primarily as a supporter and active participant in key sessions.
One of the key outcomes of the partnership between EUGAP and Agrihouse Foundation has been the establishment of robust business linkages between farmers and agribusiness enterprises. These connections have not only strengthened the operations of agribusiness enterprises but also significantly increased incomes for all parties involved.
To further demonstrate their commitment, EUGAP will expand its support from six to ten Micro and Small-sized Enterprises (MSEs) participating in this year’s exhibition. This expansion is expected to further enhance market linkages, empower MSMEs, and boost economic growth within the sector.
The Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition promises a series of impactful sessions and workshops. EUGAP will actively participate in the “Farmer-to-Farmer” and “Farmer-to-Buyer” sessions during the conference.
These sessions will provide farmers with practical insights into crop production, market access, value addition, and buyer engagement. They will also address strategies for adapting to changing weather patterns and mitigating the effects of climate change on crop production.
Over its 12-year history, the Annual Pre-Harvest Conference and Exhibition has evolved into a crucial platform connecting agricultural value chain actors to regional and national markets. The Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions have facilitated enduring business relationships between farmers and agribusinesses that extend far beyond the event itself.
The Pre-Harvest event remains a vital platform for connecting farmers to markets in an ever-evolving global trade landscape. It will continue to focus on addressing relevant national issues that foster the growth of the agricultural sector, with a special emphasis on climate change and community resilience building for sustainable agricultural development.
In a statement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, expressed her profound gratitude for the enduring partnership with EUGAP, stating, “We are truly appreciative of their continued support.
This partnership has been instrumental in driving positive change within our agricultural community. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the transformation it has brought to the lives of farmers, agribusinesses, and various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.”
She emphasized the vital role this collaboration plays in fostering growth, sustainability, and connectivity within the agricultural sector, saying, “Our shared commitment to nurturing growth and promoting sustainable agricultural practices is evident in the impact we’ve achieved together. The Pre-Harvest event has become more than just a conference; it’s a platform for change and progress. It’s where deals are made, knowledge is shared, and connections are forged.”
Ms. Akosa highlighted the crucial role of the Pre-Harvest event in creating market linkages and building the capacity of over 150,000 value chain actors and stakeholders, ranging from farmer groups and buyers to development partners, policy makers, agribusinesses, ICT professionals, aggregators, and many others.
She underlined how the event has contributed to removing constraints on market access for farmers and agribusinesses, thereby enhancing economic opportunities and improving livelihoods.
The partnership stands as a testament to the commitment to strengthening the foundation for sustainable agriculture but also highlights the importance of connectivity within the value chain. As the 13th Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition approaches, all eyes are on the positive impact this partnership will bring to Ghana’s thriving agricultural sector.
The three-day event encompasses conference sessions, presentations, exhibitions, and a marketplace for fostering business-to-business interactions. Participants also can 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.
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 range 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 matchmaking, 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 continues 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 feedback and testimonies, we are confident to say that the annual Pre-Harvest event has lived up to its overall goal of creating markets and linking farmers to buyers.
Note to Editors
EU-GAP comprises of 3 pillars: Market Oriented Agriculture Programme in North-West Ghana (MOAP-NW), Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH), and Productive Investment Programmes in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone.
Since 2019, support for the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition has been done through MOAP-NW and REACH, which are co-funded by the European Union (EU) and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).
About GIZ
As a provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international education work, GIZ is dedicated to building a future worth living around the world.
GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security. We work with businesses, civil society actors, and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is our main commissioning party. Currently, GIZ promotes sustainable development in Ghana via about 50 programmes and projects.
Our activities currently cover three priority areas: Energy and Climate just Transition; Sustainable Economic Development and Employment, and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies, which looks at good governance. For more information, please visit http://www.giz.de/ghana
About the European Union
The European Union is made up of 27 Member States, with a population of around 500 million. It is the largest trading bloc in the world. The Delegation of the European Union to Ghana has the status of a diplomatic mission and officially represents the European Union in Ghana.
The Delegation’s mandate is to actively promote the values and policies of the European Union, in an open and equal partnership with the Government and people of Ghana and to deepen the political dialogue on all issues of mutual interest and to strengthen the partnership among others.
The European Union supports Ghana in many sectors, among them the agriculture sector and gender equality.
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.
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 18th 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.
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 18th 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.
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.
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.
