HortiFresh organised its 1^st Business Platform Meeting to engage stakeholders on ways to improve the competitiveness of the value chain. The theme for the meeting was “Creating opportunities for a competitive and sustainable Horticultural sector in Côte d’Ivoire”.

The Director of Cash Crops and Rural Development, Madam Aman Koko who spoke at the opening, applauded the Netherland’s Government’s initiative (HortiFresh) toward the fruit sector. According to her, the program is a timely solution to counter food insecurity, competitiveness, competence, access to credit facilities and phytosanitary issues.

Madam Aman Koko said the current food situation in Côte d’Ivoire shows a deficit in fruits and vegetables. The average level of fruit and vegetable consumption per capita is currently estimated at 50 kg / cap / year, which is lower than the WHO recommended intake. She is hopeful that the program will aid in boosting consumer confidence for more consumption of fruits.

Participants of the meeting were representatives of NGOs, Agro services providers, exporters and fruit producers. These participants proposed recommendations to HortiFresh in a bid to solving the current challenges of the sector.

HortiFresh used the opportunity to share available opportunities within the program and how stakeholders can benefit.