The European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme, through two of its GIZ implemented programmes – the Market Oriented Agriculture Programme in North-West (MOAP NW) and 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 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 centre in Kudula, Tamale, Northern Region, under the theme ‘Connecting the unconnected; the farmer, the input dealer and 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 Organisations (FBOs), Aggregators, Processors, input dealers, machinery companies, fertiliser 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 key outcome from 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 growth of the agricultural sector, with a special emphasis on climate change and community resilience-building for sustainable agricultural development.
In a statement, Executive Director-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 emphasised 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 Pre-Harvest event’s crucial role 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, policymakers, 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 of the commitment to strengthen 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 capitalising on the multitude of opportunities within the agriculture sector.
