Ecoland International Ghana held its second Organic Farmers’ Day celebration on November 7, 2024, under the theme “Organic is the New Gold.”
The event hosted by University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies(UCAES) in Bunso aimed at promoting organic farming across Ghana, with a particular focus on making it more appealing and accessible to smallholder farmers.
In his address, Dr. Isaac Adodoadji expressed gratitude for the dedication of farmers and partners in building a strong organic farming community.
Dr. Adodoadji pointed out the numerous advantages of organic farming, including its independence from costly pesticides and synthetic chemicals.
“Organic farming presents numerous advantages, allowing farmers to operate independently of costly pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Its contribution to climate change mitigation and biodiversity preservation also helps maintain the genetic diversity of species, aligning with global environmental goals,” he stated.
He commended the German Ministry for Development Cooperation for their support through the Partner Africa Project, which has facilitated several targeted interventions.
Dr. Adodoadji addressed pressing challenges facing Africa, such as rising food prices and malnutrition, and stressed the importance of promoting sustainable agriculture. The Partner Africa Project, built on four foundational pillars, aims to contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, including eradicating hunger, promoting quality education, and preserving ecosystems.
Among the notable achievements listed were the development of Ghana’s first Organic Agriculture Diploma Program at the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies (UCAES) , growing Ecoland membership to over 1,200 members, and providing training for over 700 farmers on organic and climate-friendly farming practices.
“The first of its kind, the Diploma in Organic Agriculture has been established in partnership with UCAES, including short courses with Alma Mater,” Dr. Adodoadji noted. “We have grown to approximately 1,242 members and have trained over 700 farmers on organic principles, climate-friendly agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and more.”
He also discussed the promotion of EcoFair standards through the Partner Africa Project. “These standards play a crucial role in advancing sustainable agriculture, fair trade, and environmental stewardship, ensuring high-quality, ethically produced goods,” Dr. Adodoadji explained.
President of Ecoland International, Rudolf Bühler, has called for a national focus on organic agriculture in Ghana.
He believes that reducing reliance on imported food, GMOs, and chemical fertilizers is key to achieving food sovereignty.
Rudolf Bühler, explained that organic agriculture is vital for sustainable land use and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Ghana’s food import bill has averaged $2 billion per year, with products like rice, poultry, sugar, and tomatoes making up a large share.
Rudolf Bühler believes that food sovereignty should be a national priority to reduce its dependency on food imports.
As a result he noted that, Ecoland is assisting Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture to develop draft bill on Organic farming.
Representative from the German Embassy, Pauline Okkens, underscored the global importance of organic farming in tackling climate change and creating job opportunities.
Some distinguished personalities present at the event included Mrs. Cristina Bühler, Prof. Dr. Patrick Ofori-Danson,Rector of UCAES, Dr. Kwaku Adu, and Dr. Oppong -Kusi, both Lecturers, as well as students,organic farmers and some local chiefs
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
