GNEBCHAM congratulates farmers 

The Co-Founder of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCHAM), Ken Shilz, has sent a congratulatory message to Ghanaian farmers on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the National Farmers’ Day ceremony.

“On this great occasion of the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebrations, grand durbar, exhibitions and awards, we at the GNEBCham extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to Ghana's farmers, fishers, value chain actors and agribusiness professionals,” he said.

Mr Shilz, who is also a former Nebraska State Senator in a statement said, “your tireless dedication and resilience are the backbone of Ghana's agriculture, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.”

Creating opportunities 

He said GNEBCham has, within the past three years, put into action a collective mission to create opportunities that strengthen the agricultural sectors of both Ghana and Nebraska respectively.

 “We have been committed to facilitating agribusiness trade activities, supporting knowledge sharing, educational exchanges, capacity building and business expansion between our two regions.” 

“With the support of valued stakeholders and partners, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the U.S. Embassy, Nebraska Strategies, Agrihouse Foundation, Nebraska State Agricultural Department, among others, we have been able to facilitate and advance business opportunities, with some at the early stages and others already flourishing,” Mr Shilz said. 

 He said the chamber had by far, experienced an agribusiness sector that had a key potential to thrive further, given the favourable economic conditions, transparent regulations and active government-private sector collaborations in the country. 

Agrifood system

“As a farmer myself, this Farmers’ Day celebrations mean so much and remind me that together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive agrifood system.”

After earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, I returned to our family farm in western Nebraska, where my father, brother and I worked together to farm and raise cattle,” he narrated. 

He said for about 15 years, he had the privilege of managing the family’s 20,000 head feedyard, and in 2006, “I received the Progressive Partner Award from Certified Angus Beef.”

Mr Shilz expressed excitement that, now, more than ever, farmers’ efforts and progress were being tracked, recognised and celebrated all over the world. 

Collective contribution

He said the farmers’ day not only celebrated the achievements of Ghana's agricultural community, but also reminded all that further leveraging the power of innovation and collaboration with organisations such as GNEBCHAM would contribute immensely in achieving food sustainability and economic prosperity.

“GNEBCHAM pledges our continued support to grow sustainable farmers, advance our agribusiness infrastructure and embark on agri-trade activities that drive success in both Ghana and Nebraska.” 

“Together, we look forward to a prosperous future where Ghanaian and Nebraskan farmers and agribusinesses thrive locally and globally,” he added, congratulating Ghanaian farmers. He also welcomed them to join the GNEBCHAM.