A round table discussion on the “Safety of Domestic Vegetable Consumption” held in Accra in the middle of February brought together farmers, restaurants and hotel operators as well as retailers of supermarkets. This was to sensitize them on the importance of demanding and maintaining some minimum standards in the safety of vegetables sought from farmers /middlemen. Ensuring safety does require some investments and connecting producers to these frontrunners sets the stage for a good start. Speaking at the forum, the Trade & Policy Officer at The Netherlands Embassy, Madam Mariska Lammers indicated that there is a huge opportunity for the vegetable sector in Ghana as the country moves steadily into a middle income status and the rising awareness of healthy living in most Ghanaians is a mark of ensuring food safety which gives room for potential market expansion.

Deliberating on the theme, “Safety Standards for Healthy and Quality Vegetables from Ghana”, retailers proposed to producers to subject their activities to good agricultural practices as presented in the Ghana Green Label Certification Scheme. Madam Mariska believes that the “right attitude and collaboration amongst these stakeholders will go a long way for business expansion”.

During the session, stakeholders gave presentations on some activities such as the onion varieties in the Keta-Ketu district. The Horticulture Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture also had a presentation on the Ghana Green Label Certification Scheme. This presentation sort to encourage all stakeholders to support the scheme to move it to another level.

The Snr. Business Advisor & Deputy Program Leader of GhanaVeg, Mrs. Sheila Assibey-Yeboah also presented to participants opportunities available within GhanaVeg through its matching grant system. She encouraged all to apply for the funds to enhance the sector.

At the end of the session, stakeholders from the various supermarkets, restaurants and hotels established a collaborative pledge and assurance of ensuring food safety and high quality standards. See more pictures