The National Food and Agric Show (FAGRO) has received recognition for its contribution to Ghana’s agricultural development in Wichita, Kansas, during the 113^th Convention of the National Farmers Union (NFU); a  prestigious annual gathering of farmers in the United States of America in March.

The four-day event, on the theme, “Driving the Future of Agriculture,” drew over 480 family farmers, ranchers and fishermen across the USA and also featured a number of high-profile speakers and grassroot policy-makers.

The President of NFU, Mr Roger Johnson, making the presentation said the Union would be working with FAGRO to train Ghanaian youths especially students every year at the All State Youth Camp programme held annually in June.

He explained that the Youth Camp is aimed at exploring the personal leadership skills of NFU members aged 17-20, who have distinguished themselves as leaders.

“These young farmers spend a week at the NFU Education Centre to identify issues important to their generation, discuss their role in affecting positive change throughout rural America, both individually and through involvement in Farmers Union and also get them to see the business of agriculture,” he added.

Reminiscing about his participation in last year’s FAGRO activities in Kumasi, Mr Johnson said he was excited at Ghana’s agric potential and believes that the country will be able to feed herself better by focusing more on agriculture as a business.

The NFU’s president reiterated the Union’s commitment to supporting FAGRO in improving, promoting and projecting Ghana’s agricultural sector as well as its image.

The Exhibitions Director of FAGRO, Ms Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, receiving the silver-plated accolade said FAGRO is resolved to improve Ghana’s economy by changing the perspective of the youth to see agriculture as a business.

She said she was very excited that Ghana has gotten the opportunity to participate in the annual Youth Camp; an initiative of the NFU which has been ongoing for years in the USA.

Ms Akosa expressed appreciation to the NFU for recognising FAGRO’s hard-work and dedication to making Ghana’s agriculture better.

“I am particularly grateful to Mr Johnson for making time to participate in FAGRO 2014,” she added.

In a related development, the Alaskan and Hawaiian NFU Presidents, Messrs Robert W. Shumaker and Vincent Mina respectively, have pledged to partner FAGRO in training Ghanaian farmers on modern agricultural practises.

The training will include farmer to farmer programs, training courses in the beginner’s farmers' institute and leadership training for women in agriculture.

“I look forward to interfacing through agriculture with your farmers in support of their best and highest interest,” Mr Mina said.

The Alaskan President advised Ghanaian farmers to form and take cooperatives seriously to have one voice and then, be able to form policies to govern them.