November 18, 2015

US helps Ghana upgrade poultry sector

The US Department of Agriculture said Tuesday, November 18, that Ghana is availing itself of US assistance in improving its poultry sector including its capacity to test feed and upgrade veterinary services.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, who was in Ghana leading a trade mission to some countries in sub-Saharan Africa, was joined by Ghanaian Minister of Food and Agriculture Fifi Kwetey Tuesday in announcing two Food for Progress agreements to support agricultural development and trade within Ghana's poultry sector.

One of the agreements, which aims to improve feed quality and veterinary services, was inked with the economic development organisation ACDI/VOCA.

The other agreement, with the American Soybean Association (ASA), focuses on educating producers about the importance of high-quality feed and improves the industry's capacity to test feed.

The agreement ACDI/VOCA is valued at US$36.6 million while that with ASA is worth $21.5 million. The projects to be undertaken will operate over five years.

"The Food for Progress agreements are the latest example of the partnership between the people of Ghana and the United States," Harden said. "When the government of Ghana asked for assistance to improve its poultry sector, USDA and its partners were ready to help. We are happy to be here today (Nov. 17) with ACDI/VOCA and the American Soybean Association to launch new economic development and producer outreach initiatives."

USDA's Food for Progress Program helps developing countries modernise and strengthen their agricultural sectors.-Rick Alberto