Five Dutch leading vegetable sector companies visited Ghana to explore investments and trade. The mission included one of the world’s leading vegetable seed companies Bejo Seeds, a constructor of cold store facilities Unitherm, as well as two mechanization companies Kramer and Amatrex.

The mission was led by Mr. Peter Verbaas the director of the Dutch fruit and vegetable wholesale association, FrugiVenta. This association brings together more than 300 companies with a combined turnover of more than €10 billion per year.
During the 9th GhanaVeg Business Platform meeting the Dutch companies met with their Ghanaian counterparts in so-called matchmaking sessions. More than 200 Ghanaian vegetable companies attended the Business Platform, which also saw presentations on new business opportunities in the field of private extension and vegetable exports.Ultimately, the Dutch companies were impressed by the opportunities in Ghana’s vegetable sector.

André Dekker of Bejo Seeds  expressed some hope and indicated that with the right inputs facilities, seedbed preparation and planting machines from Kramer and Amatrex, vegetable growers especially  carrot farmers in the  Mampong municipality who are currently producing 10 tons, can  easily increase yields to 40 tons.

Other companies like Bejo, Kramer and Amatrex are planning to start a number of demonstrations and trainings with Ghanaian farmers in the Ashanti and Volta Regions.
The 9th GhanaVeg Business Platform was themed: “Ghana and the Netherlands: Growing Together”.

GhanaVeg’s program leader, Joep van den Broek, explains: “Ghana has a lot to offer in terms of opportunities for domestic production and exports of vegetables; while the Netherlands can contribute much through its knowledge and technology for intensive horticulture.” “GhanaVeg believes that Ghana has the potential to drastically reduce vegetable imports and increase exports. Especially the current problems with phytosanitary notifications are on the top of our agenda. Together with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the association of vegetable exporters (GAVEX) we are working on quick solutions.” GhanaVeg contributes to this by supporting frontrunner companies with agronomic trainings, and co-financing support for establishing certification and outgrower schemes.