The Fair attracted farmers within Wa and its adjourning districts and across the country. This event was timely, offering an opportunity for farmers to access quality standard seeds and other agro input products for the upcoming planting season.

A team of officials from the EU Delegation lead by Mr. Pieter Smidt Van Gelder, Deputy Head of Mission were at the opening ceremony representing the Head of Delegation. Following the speeches, dignitaries had an extensive tour of the exhibitors. It was an opportunity to interact directly with farmers and exhibitors.

“Today’s fair is timely! Just before the planting season starts, it brings together farmers, seed companies, farm equipment and machinery dealers, as well as agro-input products dealers,” Deputy Head of Mission Pieter Smidt Van Gelder stated.

The EU team took advantage of its mission to Upper West Ghana to monitor a few activities of the EU-Ghana Agricultural Programme and meet with its implementers and beneficiaries. They visited the Neem Seed Processing Facility lead by a women farmers group, the Tibourataa Women, who produce organic pesticides, which are sold on the local markets. The EU team also visited a community demonstration plot for conservation agriculture, promoting little or no soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation and associations. The results are very positive, leads farmers are pleased and communicate within their communities of the benefits to adopt conservation agriculture practices.

To finish the journey, the EU team paid a short visit to the Wa Castle on its way back to the airport.