At the first glance at the Topic for the said month in question, I was a bit nervous because I did not know that I could get something to write up on so far as Ghana is concerned. I was however amazed to come across The Green Label Certification Program which is an initiative taken up by Ghana since 2018 and hence would spread a few words about it.

 

The Ghana Green Label Scheme is aimed at promoting safe food production, postharvest handling and distribution using good and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers, transporters and traders (wholesale and retail) subscribing to this Scheme must implement such practices.

 

The certification scheme is modelled to certify farms that comply with the requisite production and distribution systems that ensure that safety and environmental sustainability are not compromised until produce reaches the consumer. The implementation of this scheme should facilitate the eventual transition of the Ghanaian horticultural industry to sustainable agriculture.

 

While the Ghana Green Label scheme targets the domestic market, it is expected to serve as an entry point for local farmers to access the international market.

 

This initiative was envisaged to yield a lot of benefits, a few are listed below

 

1.     Competitive Advantage

Fruits and vegetables have been independently confirmed as produced under Good Agricultural Practices. Get an edge over your competitors in the marketplace. Assure buyers that fruits and vegetables come from a well-managed and sustainable source.

 

2.     Potential for high income

It is anticipated that the demand-pull for Green Label products will increase and translate in higher income for actors within the value chain. Higher volume of sale should translate to higher revenues.

 

3.     Quality and Safety

Green Label ensures producers produce the best quality fruit and vegetable for both the local and international market using good agronomic practices. Green Label should become the household name for branded sustainable, safe, quality and healthy fruits and vegetables on the domestic and international markets.

 

4.     Organic Produce

Green Label Standard supports organic production therefore ensures that certified organic producers also have a market to sell their produce.

 

5.     Compliance with GAPs

Green label certified farmers receive regular training on Good Agricultural Practices to ensure they are up-to-date with knowledge and are implementing these practices.

 

6.     Potential for access to export market

Aggregators who source farm produce from farmer groups / out growers for export are now guaranteed safe and quality source of procuring produce for the international market. It is envisaging that Green Label standard will become the minimum standard for export.

 

What can be improved?

 

I personally think this is a very noble and good initiative, the government needs to support and enact a law that would force all “farms” to take part in this program because overall, it would be at our own benefit if this initiative is enacted and enforced.

 

Green Cheers From Ghana