HortiFresh organised regional business platform meetings in Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi with the aim of introducing the program’s mission to stakeholders as well as create business linkage opportunities for stakeholders in the regions.

Speaking on the theme “Creating Opportunities for a Competitive Horticulture Sector” in Kumasi, the Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture in the Ashanti Region, Rev. John Manu echoed government’s initiative on Agriculture and business development and how that will create employment. He added that the immense opportunities in the sector will be realised through collaborative work from actors who are ready to sacrifice time and effort to do the right thing.

Issues arising from the discussion in Kumasi bothered around collaboration between Researchers and Producers to solve production related challenges confronting the sector. 

The discussions in Tamale took another turn with focus on the need for Farmers to conduct market analysis to identify potential off-takers and buyers with contractual agreements before the production season. This strategy is to minimize the risk of not having market for their produce as well as strengthen the Chilli and Water Melon value chain which happens to be highest volume production crops.

Meanwhile, the oil city, Takoradi appears to have a number of fruit and vegetable activities happening along the value chain as a result of the huge market in the oil industry. There are companies and individuals who specialise in processing, retailing, distributing and production. Top on the discussion were issues of irrigation, capacity strengthening, identification of pest & diseases and use of safe pesticides.

The Reginal Director of Agriculture in the Western Region, Mr. S.Y. APIIGA in a presentation expressed that there is the need for Ghana to increase her profile for Agriculture product in the EU in order to maximise potential for farmers acquire low interest rate loans, provide education for farmers to produce to meet customer needs and provide training and motivation for extension agents.

After the regional interactions, certain recommendations were made by participants for HortiFresh’s considerations. These recommendations will be explored within its cluster development activities.