by Linda Boateng | Sep 5, 2024 | News
Salerno is set to become the center of Agrifood innovation and sustainability from September 8 to 10, 2024 as it hosts the highly anticipated 2nd AgriFood Future 2024.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, is set to redefine Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical results-oriented speeches and workshops to contribute in reforming and expanding the global discussion on Agrifood systems.
The AgriFood Future will offer a unique opportunity to leverage its rich agricultural heritage, integrating modern technologies to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable food systems.
Leading this year’s transformative AgriFood Future initiative, Alex Giordano, Scientific Director with visionary leadership is set to drive AgriFood Future 2024 into a new era of innovation and sustainability. This year’s theme, “Building a Business in the Food System 5.0,” reflects Giordano’s commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices to advance the AgriFood industry.
Under Giordano’s guidance, AgriFood Future 2024 will highlight groundbreaking business models and strategies designed to address critical issues such as food waste reduction, supply chain resilience and sustainable farming.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere and Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, leads this year’s event on the theme “Building a Sustainable Business in the Food System with AI.” His leadership is key to highlighting the development of a sustainable and innovative business approach within the food industry.
Andrea Prete is an entrepreneur in the industrial automation sector. Today at the helm of Unioncamere he aims to support the transformation in the Italian agri-food sector, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation. He advocates for practices that reduce the environmental impact of agri-food operations, while promoting the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. His efforts have helped streamline operations and increase resource use, ensuring the sector remains competitive in Europe, Italy, Africa and the Caribbean.
In a statement, the President of Unioncamere and promoter of AgriFood Future, Mr. Andrea Prete, expressed his excitement about having Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa as a keynote speaker for the event.
Under Ms. Akosa’s leadership, Agrihouse Foundation has been instrumental in executing initiatives designed to unlock the potential of youth, women and men for innovation in the agricultural sector.
These initiatives include the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums, and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
Her expertise in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration for the sector aligns perfectly with the themes of our conference,” he added
Her participation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and pioneering contributions to the agri-food sector.” Mr. Prete further acknowledged.
“We look forward to her keynote address and the rich discussions that will follow as we work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive AgriFood Future”.
As Salerno prepares to host this landmark event, AgriFood Future 2024 is promise to be a transformative event, bringing together leading voices and decision-makers to shape the future of the Agri-food sector in the Caribbean and Africa as well.
by Linda Boateng | Sep 4, 2024 | News
Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with the 1 Household 1 Garden initiative and the Monthly Executive Agribusiness Masterclass, is set to host the 4th edition of its transformative one-day training session on backyard farming.
Scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Agrihouse Training Centre in Dzorwulu, this event aims to promote sustainable agriculture and empower individuals with essential skills in backyard farming, contributing to improved agri-food systems in Ghana.
Under the theme “Enhancing Nutrition, Ensuring Household Food Security,” the 1 Household 1 Garden Masterclass has, for the past three months, equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of backyard farming, enhancing nutrition, and boosting household incomes.
By enabling individuals to grow their own fresh produce, this initiative reduces dependence on store-bought goods and ensures access to nutritious food options. Additionally, it offers a pathway to economic empowerment, as surplus produce can be sold or traded within communities, generating additional income for households.
Recognizing the critical importance of practical agricultural skills, the training will cover a wide range of topics, including nursery establishment, seed nursing, transplanting, selecting planting mediums, mulching, water management, and irrigation techniques.
Speaking ahead of the event, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, emphasized the significance of this Masterclass in empowering communities and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
“The One Household One Garden Maserclass on backyard farming initiative has proven to be a powerful tool in transforming how individuals view and engage in agriculture. By equipping people with the skills and resources to start their own backyard farms, we are not only improving food security but also creating opportunities for economic empowerment within our communities.
This 4th edition is a milestone for us, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on participants to help them kickstart their backyard farming journeys, participants will receive a starter pack filled with essential resources, including seedlings, compost or manure, organic neem insecticide, and seed trays.
The Executive Agribusiness Masterclass promises a rewarding experience for all attendees, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their backyard farming endeavors.
Prospective participants are encouraged to secure their spots early, with a registration fee of 300 Ghana cedis. For more information and registration, interested individuals can contact Joseph at 0570246813 or Deborah at 0541555606.
Alternatively, participants can secure their spots by accessing the registration link provided [here](https://forms.gle/AoFKw1ujzXW97p2x9).
Join us on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Agrihouse Training Centre in Dzorwulu as we lead the evolution of agriculture and empower communities through the art of backyard farming!
by Bismark | Aug 30, 2024 | News
A Fifty (50) member businesses of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber of Commerce – GNEBCHAM is set to experience the Husker Harvest Days and participate in key Trade and Investment Activity in Nebraska, from September 8 to 13, 2024, in Nebraska – U.S.A.
The delegation, comprising decision-making officials in Government and diverse value chain players within the Livestock, crops, irrigation, fertilizer, grains, agro processing, education, finance, technology and input sectors, are expected to meet with their Nebraskan business counterparts, to explore and discuss matching opportunities, capacities, strengths of both parties and forge relationships that will ultimately strengthen the Agricultural Infrastructure, for the mutual benefit of the two regions.
The five (5) day trade facilitation event also aims at strategically bringing to the forefront, the agribusiness opportunity gaps of both regions and provide the desired tailor-made support and measurable solutions to bridge the gap, by negotiating and signing of short to long-term working agreements.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Co-Founder of Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber of Commerce (GNEBCham), expressed the Chamber’s commitment to scale-up its trade and facilitation works, by ensuring that, the GNEBCHAM members, are efficiently able transact, negotiate, signed deals, export and import from the USA, by embodying and fully leveraging on the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
GNEBCHAM is currently working to ensure GNEBCHAM AGOA Desk is vibrant and operational, to support its members, in the expansion, growth and scale-up strategies.
Last year, about twenty-two of GNEBCHAM members, participated in the Husker Harvest Days and the Trade and Investment Activity. This year, we have fifty (50) of our members participating.
As of today, GNEBCHAM has over 100 pledged members, reflecting the strong interest and ambition to grow and transform our agricultural sector.
This commitment is a testament to the vision of stakeholders who have taken up the mantle to improve agriculture for generations to come.
Their dedication and collaborative efforts highlight both the Ghanaian and American shared goal of advancing the industry, ensuring sustainability and creating lasting positive impacts that will benefit future generations.
Senator Ken Schilz, Co-Founder of GNEBCHAM expressed his delight about the increase in the business delegation for this year. Our focus is to ensure that, we are able to successfully create relations that sustains and strengthens the Ag infrastructure.
I have personally met with most of our GNEBCHAM member companies, discussing and accessing their collective strengths and I remain confident, that we shall achieve our collective objectives.
We are committed to raising the profile of agriculture, both in Ghana and Nebraska and if we are able to correctly do this, the GNEBCHAM will become a preeminent voice for the advancement of agriculture and demonstrate what is possible through strategic partnerships, Senator Schilz said.
During the five (5) day Husker Harvest and the Trade and Investment Activity, GNEBCHAM Business delegates will be strategically positioned and engaged in focused business investment and negotiation dialogues, to sign business partnership and relationship deals.
Some of the Business delegates will be accessing the possibilities of having their agro products on the shelves of Nebraska stores or creating a mini-Ghana space within the Grocery shops in Nebraska.
Other delegates in the Educational sector will also be exploring the possibility of collaborating with Nebraska State Universities offering Agriculture, to introduce agribusiness educational modules and create partnerships for exchanges.
Additionally, other business delegates who are exploring investment partnerships for grains ( soybeans), irrigation, seeds, beef, poultry imports, have been pencilled and matched with Nebraskan businesses within shared goals and similar fields.
Delegates will be hosted to a welcome business and networking reception by state senators and businesses in Nebraska, have key meetings with the Nebraska State department of Agriculture and a reception with the Nebraska State Governor.
Throughout the five (5) day business trip, delegates, will get to attend the Husker Harvest days, which is by far, the largest irrigated farm show, to experience the latest in agribusiness technology and learn from industry experts.
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations (GNEBCham) is the International representative arm of selected Nebraska Senators, Farmers, Agribusinesses and subsidiaries voluntarily working together with their Ghanaian partners to create an environment where Agribusiness and Trade can thrive between Ghanaians and Nebraskans and beyond.
GNEBCham aims to foster economic growth and strengthen trade ties by developing business markets among Ghanaian and Nebraskan value chain businesses.
With a growing membership base of over 100 companies, GNEBCham aims at developing agribusiness trade ties and relationships, build bridges that strengthens the Agricultural infrastructure and drive economic growth.
by Linda Boateng | Aug 22, 2024 | News
Agrihouse Foundation is excited to announce the 14th Edition of the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibition, set to take place from Tuesday, October 29 to Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, Tamale.
This year’s event, themed “Connecting the Unconnected – Accelerating Farmer-Buyer Connectivity to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses,”aims to address one of the most pressing challenges in the agricultural sector: reducing post-harvest losses through enhanced market linkages.
The Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions have, over the past 13 years, evolved into the largest market linkage platform in Ghana, successfully connecting over 197,000 farmers to markets. This event has consistently provided a conducive environment for establishing new partnerships and promoting agribusiness, with a strong focus on fostering sustainability and growth in the sector. This year, we aim to build on this legacy by offering even more opportunities for learning, networking, and business development.
In a statement the Executive Director, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, emphasized the significance of the annual event , stating, “The Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions have become a cornerstone of Ghana’s agricultural calendar, providing essential support to farmers and agribusinesses.
This year, we are particularly focused on bridging the gap between farmers and buyers, ensuring that our farmers have the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to reduce post-harvest losses and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. We are excited to continue building on the success of previous years and look forward to another impactful event.”
This fourteen edition will feature several key components designed to empower farmers, improve market access, and enhance agricultural productivity which includes a Farmer-to-Farmer Apprenticeship Session which will offer practical training module where experienced field representatives will guide selected farmer groups, including Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and women-led groups aimed at strengthening farmers’ abilities to manage machinery, equipment, and agricultural inputs, thereby enhancing productivity and creating new market opportunities.
There will also be a Commodity Breakout Sessions which seeks to provide focused training and capacity building to farmers tailored to specific crops such as maize, soybeans, rice, cowpeas, groundnuts, and vegetables. These sessions will offer farmers in-depth knowledge and practical skills that are directly applicable to their agricultural activities, ensuring that they are better equipped to meet market demands and increase yields.
The Farmer-to-Buyer Matchmaking component will serve as the event’s central deal-making platform, where farmers can present their produce, engage in pricing discussions, negotiate contracts, and secure deals with buyers. Last year, this matchmaking session facilitated 53 contracts valued at USD 189,000, connecting farmer groups with buyers interested in a wide range of produce including rice, maize, millet, sorghum, soybeans, groundnuts, yams, and tubers.
The Exhibitions segment will showcase a diverse range of participants from various sectors including farmer groups, input and seed dealers, financial institutions, equipment and machinery companies, and more. Last year’s event recorded 122 exhibitors and attracted over 2,797 visitors, and this year’s event is expected to see a 45% increase in exhibitor
Agrihouse Foundation invites stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to partner as sponsors or exhibitors in this significant event, which continues to play a critical role in promoting agricultural education, innovation, and community engagement. For more information, or to register as a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact Joseph at 0570246813 or Alberta at 0244623012.
by Linda Boateng | Aug 9, 2024 | News
Agrihouse Foundation is Today, Friday 9th August 2024 hosting a Junior farmers Mentorship Day for children with the Aim of nurturing a love for agriculture among children.
Designed to instil a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for sustainable practices, the program offers a unique opportunity for children aged between three and sixteen years to grasp the basics of gardening and understand the benefits of growing their own food.
The free junior farmers mentorship session will feature hands-on training sessions where young participants will learn how to set up and maintain their own backyard gardens ,understanding soil basics and composition ,safety guidelines and introduction to tools and hands on gardening experience among others .
Each child will receive a comprehensive startup pack, including seeds, seed trays, fertilizers, and compost, to kickstart their gardening journey. This kit ensures that the children have all the necessary tools to practice their new skills at home, fostering continued engagement with gardening.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted the importance of early agricultural education.
“Our goal with the Junior farmers Mentorship Day is to inspire a new generation of agricultural enthusiasts. By teaching children, the basics of gardening and the benefits of growing their own food, we aim to foster a lifelong appreciation for agriculture and sustainability,” she said.
“This initiative is part of Agrihouse Foundation’s broader commitment to promoting agricultural education and awareness among all age groups. By engaging children in hands-on agricultural activities, we believe we can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and food-secure future,” she added.
The Junior Farmers Mentorship Day is one of many initiatives by Agrihouse Foundation designed to support and empower individuals within the agricultural sector. Through events like this, the Foundation continues to play a vital role in promoting agricultural education, innovation, and community engagement.Parents and guardians interested in registering their children for the event can contact joseph on 0570246813 for more information. The Foundation eagerly anticipates welcoming the young participants and guiding them in their first steps towards becoming future leaders in agriculture.
by Linda Boateng | Jul 24, 2024 | News
Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I, the esteemed Queen Mother of Jaman South in the Bono Region, won the Ultimate Gold in the Soil Award at Agrihouse Foundation’s 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC). The event, held from July 9th to 10th, 2024, at Sunyani Technical University, celebrated outstanding contributions to agriculture and the community, with Nana Yaa being recognized for her exceptional achievements.
At 53 years old, Nana Yaa manages a remarkable agricultural enterprise in Chiraa, Bono Region, which includes 25 acres of maize, 6 acres of cassava, 1 acre of plantain, and 5 acres of coconut. She also oversees a thriving poultry farm with 1,500 birds and a piggery housing 80 pigs. Her journey into agriculture began after a challenging period as a trader in Accra. Seeking a new path, she returned to Chiraa and embraced farming, transforming it into a sustainable livelihood that has significantly improved her quality of life.
Nana Yaa’s vision extends beyond her current achievements. She plans to further grow and expand her farming operations, with aspirations to increase her workforce from four to accommodate the expanding needs of her farm. Her unwavering determination and clear vision continue to make her a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating how agriculture can drive economic growth and community development.
Upon receiving the award, Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I expressed her gratitude, saying, “This award is not just for me, but for all the hardworking women in agriculture who strive every day to improve their lives and the lives of their communities. I hope my story inspires more women to see the potential in farming and to pursue it with passion and dedication. I am deeply grateful to the Agrihouse Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and Yara Ghana Limited for their unwavering support and recognition.”
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, praised Nana Yaa’s achievements and encouraged more women to venture into agriculture. She stated, “Nana Yaa Esuama Yeboah I’s success story is a testament to what is possible when women are empowered and supported in agriculture. We need more women to take up this mantle and contribute to the development of our agricultural sector. The potential is immense, and the impact is profound. Let us work together to break down barriers and create opportunities for women in agriculture.”
The event also recognized other exceptional individuals for their contributions to the agricultural sector. Takyiwaa Emma Gyan was awarded the Passion for Farm Award, and Afia Maria received the Feed to Food Award. Alijetu Bukari was honored as the Outstanding Woman in Extension Services, while Vera Enyonam Kwakye earned the She-Innovates Award. Sara Kyeremaa was celebrated with the Star Woman Agripreneur Award, and Adiata Abdulai received the Special Agriwoman Award.
Nana Anane Sarah won the Royal Agro Award, and Ayensu Patrick was acknowledged with the Supportive Agri-Man Award. Akua Benepour was recognized for her Climate Smart Women Project, and Elizabeth Sevor took home the Super Woman Farmer Award. Lucy Asuama was awarded the Lady of the Region Export Award, while Theresa Adu Boateng received the Diamond in the Rough Award. Global Affairs Canada was honored with the Development Partner Award, Janat Issifu received the Princess Carla Award, and Miss Vida Korang was celebrated with the Change Champion Award.
The 6th Annual Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards, themed “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders,” brought together over 800 participants for discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions.
Supported by Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana Limited, the event highlighted the crucial role of women and individuals with disabilities in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic growth in Ghana.
