Value Added Agriculture Expo to offer free training workshops to farmers, agro processors

Ghana’s agriculture sector will get a boost in August, when the country hosts the Value Added Agriculture Expo and co-located Value Added Aquaculture Expo West Africa for the first time at the Providence Events and Recreation Centre.

Value Added Agriculture Expo West Africa is West Africa’s biggest exhibition to promote solutions for value added agriculture and aquaculture. Featuring three days of in-depth practical training covering everything from crop and horticulture care to livestock care; as well as over 70 exhibitors and an opportunity to learn and network.

The expo aims to fast-track development for farmers and agro-processors in the region.

The “live demo” area will not only demonstrate to farmers and processors the use of equipment, but tractor handling and commercial truck test drives will be available daily at the show. We would like to welcome Agro Positive, BABCO, AFRGI Ghana, CropLife Ghana, Dizengoff, Interplast, Irrigate, LK International, Mac Ghana, Mechanical Lloyd, OCP and RST who will be leading these daily demo programmes.

Frederick Boampong, Programme Manager of CropLife Ghana says, “CropLife Ghana is excited to partner Reed Exhibitions the Organisers of the Value Added Agriculture Expo, which enable our members to increase their market share at this premium expo. CropLife Ghana will also run extensive training workshops on crop nutrition and protection over the 3 days at the expo, all farmers are welcome to attend. CropLife Ghana is affiliated with CropLife Africa Middle East (CLAME) which a regional association is representing leading global manufacturers of crop protection products, seeds and biotechnology products in more than 26 national associations spread throughout Africa and the Middle East. CropLife Ghana association is legally fully independent but maintains strong link with the Global CropLife network.”

With an endorsement by the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Value Added Agriculture Expo and Value Added Aquaculture Expo West Africa will support the government’s goals of helping the sector move from subsistence to big business.

“Everyone from farmers and agricultural associations, through to buyers, distributors and agro-processing businesses will benefit from attending the Value Added Agriculture Expo and Value Added Aquaculture Expo West Africa,” says Adele Eloff, the Africa Manager of expo international organisers Reed Exhibitions. “The show brings together all the major players in offering product services and products in the agri- business industry. More than just showcasing products and solutions, the expo will actively teach farmers, processors and industry stakeholders how to overcome common problems and improve the volume and quality of their outputs,” she says.

Dr Gyiele Nurah, the Minister of State in charge of Agriculture, has welcomed the Expo, saying it will bring out the best in the industry and create a good platform for exchange and networking among industry players, and offer the opportunity to foster business relationships and partnerships.

He said the introduction of modern technology had also been acknowledged as a very important factor in doubling agricultural productivity. He therefore expected the Value Added Agriculture Expo West Africa to help bring about a lasting turn-around result in the agriculture sector.

The Minister says the event is in line with the President’s policy to modernise agriculture. The country’s ongoing efforts to bolster the sector also include its Planting for Food and Jobs programme, which has created 745, 000 jobs and empowered 200, 000 farmers with improved seed and farming inputs.

Hon Dr Gyiele adds that in addition to improved farming techniques, economic growth also depends on enhanced value addition. “We must develop value chains that will make all the difference in our earnings for the rich resources of our land,” he says.

Cherrylyn Ruiz Emarketplace and Operations Manager of Ecommodity says "As a global business to business (B2B) platform, we are honoured to be one of the sponsors of Value Added Agriculture Expo. We believe in this event as an opportunity to inspire farmers to grow and produce more crops and see how taking their fruit of labors to global trade would benefit them and the consumers. This is a milestone event that everyone in agriculture community shouldn't miss."

The event is presented by Diamond Sponsors Barclays and Interpalst, Platinum Sponsors Kingdom of Netherlands, Mel Consulting, Gold Sponsors Interplast, Ecommodity Express and Bronze Sponsors AFGRI and Irrigate, in partnership with Reed Exhibitions.

The Value Added Agriculture Expo West Africa and co-located Value Added Aquaculture Expo West Africa and SMARTFactories expo will be held at the Providence Events and Recreation Centre, Accra, Ghana, from 2 - 4 August 2018.

Visit www.valueaddedagri-wa.co.za for more information.

Limited exhibition space is still available at this premier event. For further information, place contact Adele Eloff Africa Manager Reed Exhibitions at email: adele.eloff@reedexpoafrica.co.za Contact: 0027 84 658 6551.