FAGRO Presents Strong Case For Women In Agric In USA

Exhibition Director at the National Food and Agriculture Show (FAGRO), Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has emphasized the importance of incorporating the role of women in agriculture across the country. Ms. Akosa said this in a presentation on women in agriculture in Ghana at the prestigious National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention in the USA - attended by over 600 farmers and agric policy makers. She said that the world, especially developing countries need right equality policies that would empower women to contribute towards ensuring food security and overall rural development. Apart from acknowledging the role of the Ghanaian woman in agriculture, she lamented women lacked the capacity to produce more because of unfavorable policies. �Government must mainstream the contribution of women in agriculture policies if meaningful steps can be taken to ensure food security and pushed for all inclusive gender equality policies that will consider the challenges faced by women in agriculture.� She told a packed room of delegates from around the world. Dr. Mrs. Mary Opoku-Asiamah � Director, Women in Agriculture Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) also gave an update on current trends of Ghana�s agriculture sector, the role of international organization in the development of the agricultural sector as well as the success and challenges of the sector. She heightened international interest in Ghana�s agricultural potential within the following sectors; farm machinery and equipment, agricultural inputs, farm and agribusiness services, agricultural commodities and value-added products. The two left Ghana to attend the NFU at the special invitation of Roger Johnson, President of the National Farmers Union. �There is much we can share and learn from each other; this I believe will contribute to FAGRO�s efforts in providing a marketing platform for Ghanaian farmers and working closely with government and private agencies to build, renew and strengthen cooperatives and unions in the country.� Said Roger Johnson. He added that NFU believes that good opportunities in production agriculture are the foundation of strong farm and ranch families, and strong farm and ranch families are the basis for thriving rural communities. For her part, Women Committee Chairperson of the World Farmers� Organization, Sue Carlson explained that women farmers and entrepreneurs are essential to economic development, especially in rural and agricultural economies. �Just like it is in the USA, if Ghana�s Agric is to move to another stage, the whole farming business should be made very independent from the government� Themed �Making waves in agriculture,� the 111th NFU has been working to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.