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Excerpts from the 8th Ghana Fruit and Vegetable Fair.

13-09-2024

Excerpts from the 8th Ghana Fruit and Vegetable Fair.

The 8th edition of the Ghana Fruit and Vegetable Fair, organized by the Horticulture Business Platform (HBP) in partnership with the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and Ghana Vegetables, and with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council (GNBCC), was a resounding success. Held under the theme "Working Together: Taking Horticulture to the Next Level," the three-day event brought together key players from across the horticultural value chain.

Starting on the 5th of September 2024, at the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the event showcased exhibitions from 55 companies, engaged participants in seminars tackling critical issues in the sector—such as access to finance and market—and offered interactive expert-led sessions.

The opening ceremony was graced by dignitaries such as the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Her Excellency Wendy van Meel, who delivered a compelling keynote address. Reflecting on the legacy of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, she acknowledged his vision for agricultural development as a pathway to national prosperity. "Nkrumah's foresight continues to shape Ghana's progress today, particularly in agriculture, where the nation's potential remains vast," she remarked.

Wendy van Meel also underscored the Netherlands' shared ambition to support Ghana's growth, particularly in the horticulture sector. She highlighted three critical areas where the Netherlands can contribute: economic growth, improved diets, and youth employment. The Netherlands, with its deep-rooted agricultural tradition, has faced similar challenges to those Ghana faces today, particularly in feeding a growing population with limited resources. “Our partnership in horticulture can help address these challenges and unlock the economic potential of Ghana’s fruit and vegetable sector,” she added.

Following the keynote address, an engaging seminar on access to finance took place, with facilitators from Rabobank, Fidelity Bank, and Pan-African Savings and Loans. They provided valuable insights into evolving financing mechanisms for agricultural ventures, stressing the importance of having essential business foundations such as registered operations, accurate financial records, and production capacity. Additionally, the facilitators noted that while the stringent checkboxes of previous years have been relaxed, it remains crucial for businesses to maintain basic operational standards in order to qualify for loans.

The second day was equally packed, featuring a vital seminar on access to markets, facilitated by IDH. Speakers highlighted the substantial demand for horticultural produce and discussed solutions to reduce the high levels of imports for goods like tomatoes, chili peppers and onions. One key takeaway was the importance of creating synergies between producers and buyers, ensuring that local production meets market demands in terms of both volume and variety.

Holland Greentech, a GNBCC member and a core team member of HBP, led a highly interactive session titled "Time with the Agronomist." This session focused on business development in agriculture, the role of irrigation in modern farming, and strategies for maximizing productivity in greenhouse and open-field farming. Farmers and producers had the unique opportunity to receive firsthand expert advice on these topics, making it one of the event’s standout moments.

The final day saw an influx of participants, drawn by both the exhibitions and a free health screening session. Recognizing the busy nature of agricultural entrepreneurship, the health talk reminded participants of the need to prioritize their well-being. Attendees were able to check their blood pressure, sugar levels, and receive expert health tips—all for free.

As the event drew to a close, HBP Project Coordinator Barnabas K. Apom delivered the closing remarks. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their support through funding and to GNBCC and the organizing partners, IDH and the Ghana Vegetables Association, for their critical roles in the fair’s success. His message to the vendors was clear: “Ayeekoo,” congratulations, for your efforts and continued collaboration in taking Ghana’s horticulture sector to new heights.

In line with the theme "Working Together: Taking Horticulture to the Next Level," the fair was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges and unlocking the opportunities in the horticulture sector. The insights shared, networks formed, and knowledge exchanged over these three days have set the stage for an even brighter future for horticulture in Ghana. Let’s continue to work together toward a more sustainable, productive, and profitable horticulture industry.