Fruit and Vegetables sector poised for economic transformation

• amid AfCFTA opportunities

The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, has underscored the fruit and vegetable sub-sector’s pivotal role in elevating Ghana’s economy and securing a substantial market share within the African continent.

Speaking at the Ghana Fruit and Vegetables Fair 2023 themed ‘Harnessing Gains of the Horticulture Sector – with a Focus on AfCFTA’, the Deputy Minister stressed a need for collaboration, increased business sector investment and effective government policies to foster growth in this industry.

Tomatoes, peppers and onions have been identified as key priority crops under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) 2.0 initiative by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Additionally, policies like One District-One Factory (1D1F) and Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) are geared toward enhancing local production, promoting value addition and improving export performance in the sector.

Industry stakeholders and local horticultural business owners emphasised the importance of collaboration in tapping into the expanding fruit and vegetables markets across Africa. Such cooperation, they believe, can bolster local economies and secure Ghana’s position on the continent.

Apart from the economic benefits, the Deputy Minister highlighted the role of fruit and vegetables in promoting a healthy diet and preventing diseases – making it imperative to meet the WHO/FAO recommended daily consumption of 400g per person. However, current consumption levels in Ghana fall short of this target, particularly among men and youths; and industry members are encouraged to actively engage in initiatives to increase consumption.

Exporting non-traditional agricultural products, including fruit and vegetables, plays a significant role in economic growth and job creation… particularly for the youth. Government efforts and collaboration with development partners have addressed challenges in the sector; including establishing the Food Safety Taskforce, which led to the temporary ban on Ghanaian exports to the European Union being lifted.

Furthermore, the Ghana Green Label initiative, promoting the consumption of safe and sustainably grown fruit and vegetables for the domestic market, has made these products readily available in major supermarkets and corner shops.

With a focus on the AfCFTA, Ghana’s Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) experienced a remarkable 17% increase, reaching US$3.33billion according to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) 2022 annual report. As Ghana’s non-traditional exports, especially fruit and vegetables, hold great potential in the European Union market, the AfCFTA offers promising opportunities for market access within the continent and investment prospects that can enhance intra-African trade alongside the existing EU market.

The 7th Ghana Fruit and Vegetables Fair 2023 exemplified the sector’s resilience and growth, positioning Ghana for substantial economic transformation and AfCFTA opportunities. The overarching message is clear: collaboration, investment and strategic policy direction are key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

 

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