Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has underscored the vital role of smallholder farmers in global food production, emphasising the need for greater recognition and support for producers along the agricultural value chain.

Delivering an address at the Third General Assembly of the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) in Rome, Italy, the Minister noted that farmers — the originators of food — have long been neglected despite their central role in sustaining global food systems.

“Unfortunately, along the value chain, it is the producer who has been neglected all this while, ”Mr. Opoku said.

“That is why I consider this platform to be extremely important—it recognises the farmer, the person who goes to the field, tills the land, plants the seed, and produces the food that sustains us all.”

He revealed that about 80 per cent of Ghana’s farming population consists of smallholder farmers, who dominate the nation’s agricultural landscape and produce the bulk of food consumed domestically.

To empower these farmers and improve the efficiency of the food system, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has supported the formation of community, commodity-based cooperatives across the country.

“To date, we have successfully established over 70,000 farmer cooperatives nationwide,” the Minister stated.

“By organising themselves into cooperatives, our farmers are better positioned to access resources, markets, and knowledge that enhance productivity and income.”

The Third General Assembly of the World Farmers Markets Coalition brought together farmers, market managers, associations, and stakeholders from across the globe to share knowledge, evaluate progress, and discuss strategies for strengthening farmers' markets.

The gathering also focused on issues of biodiversity, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and sustainable local supply chains.

Special highlights of the assembly included a biodiversity exhibition, the presentation of a Youth Manifesto for Local Food, and the WorldFMC Awards, which recognised outstanding contributions to farmers' markets and local food systems.

The event was held in Rome, Italy, beginning on Friday, October 10, in conjunction with the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)