Non-compliance with global standards, others affecting horticulture sector – FAGE

The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) president, Davies Narh Korboe, has mentioned that complying with international food safety standards remains a major hurdle for Ghana – and a noticeable inconsistency in supply volumes caused by a lot of factors and limited international exposure keeps hindering access to premium markets in the horticulture industry.

According to him, the lack of robust international partnerships and promotional campaigns often result in missed opportunities to showcase the excellence of Ghanaian products on the global stage; variation in climate conditions, inadequate storage facilities and logistics constraints causing fluctuations in agricultural input; and lack of resources and smallholder farmers’ knowledge contribute significantly to the challenges highlighted above.

“These challenges have hindered the sector’s growth and competitiveness on the global stage. Addressing this issue is essential for revitalising the horticulture sector and ensuring its sustainable development.”

Mr. Korboe during his speech at the maiden Ghana Horticulture expo, themed ‘Celebrating Ghana’s Horticulture Diversity; Produce quality, export more’, suggested increased investment in digital marketing, participation in international trade fairs, collaborating with established export promotion agencies, investing in modern storage facilities like temperature – controlled warehouses and improved transportation networks to help curb the sector’s disablement.

He noted other solutions, saying: “Technical advancements like solar-powered drying solutions can play a role in mitigating post-harvest losses; and also aligning with global benchmarks and certification, increased investment in training programmes to educate farmers on best hygiene, traceability and Integrated Pest Management will be very essential”.

The FAGE president reiterated commitment to ensuring that the horticulture sector improves its standards on the international market.

The sector is going to continue partnering with local and international organisations to enhance skills, bolster the economy and showcase Ghanaian products on the global stage in aiming to become the leading facilitator for promoting non-traditional exports to foreign markets.

Mr. Korboe further urged all stakeholders to join forces, work together and leverage on each other’s strengths to overcome challenges and build sustainable growth in Ghana’s horticulture sector.

Andrew Read, Director-Ghana Economic Growth Office, USAID, also emphasised that the horticulture industry has over the years grown remarkably – helping to diversify the agriculture sector and become a vital contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mr. Read however noted that despite this success, Ghana faces challenges in fully capitalising on its horticultural commodities.

To address these challenges, he also called for collaborative efforts to boost productivity and product safety.

“We need to work together on increasing the adoption of best practices and improving production consistency with consumer health and international requirements in mind. We must also ensure the use of safe and compliant inputs, provide additional training for producers and trader and adhere to international standards.”

Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, Chief Executive Officer-Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), also indicated that her organisation remains committed to supporting the horticulture sector through strategic initiatives – such as revitalisation of the coconut sector by supplying disease-tolerant coconut seedlings to farmers, supplying pineapple suckers to farmers and undertaking capacity building programmes through the GEPA export school, among others.

Speaking on sustainability, the CEO charged all stakeholders to remember the importance of sustainability by embracing practices that conserve the country’s natural resources, protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts to ensure a resilient and thriving agriculture sector for future generations.

The Ghana Horticulture Expo 2024 is aimed to point out Ghana’s capabilities in horticulture and highlight the importance of sustainable farming methods in achieving economic growth through exports of value-added products.