Davis Korboe is the President of FAGE
The President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davis Korboe, has emphasised that agriculture is not a venture for everyone, particularly those lacking passion and commitment.
Speaking in an interview on Metro TV on May 20, 2025, Korboe, who is also the 2009 National Best Farmer and Chairman of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association, expressed reservations about the widely promoted idea that all Ghanaian youth should venture into agriculture.
According to him, while governments consistently advocate for youth participation in agriculture, such encouragement must come with a clear understanding that agriculture demands more than just interest.
He asserted that agriculture requires discipline, dedication, and a genuine appetite.
“Every government talks about the youth going into agriculture, but is that really the case? I come from a school of thought that not every youth should go into agriculture,” he said.
“You need to have the appetite for it, be committed, and be disciplined before you can succeed in agriculture. It helps if there is a role model to look up to.”
Korboe stressed that agriculture extends far beyond basic farming activities.
He explained that the sector encompasses a comprehensive value chain, including logistics, value addition, agribusiness services, and more.
“When we talk about agriculture, it’s not just about tilling the soil. There’s a whole value chain, services, logistics, processing, and so on,” he noted.
He further highlighted challenges in the sector, particularly in the areas of financing and mechanization, which he believes must be addressed to modernize agriculture and make it more attractive to committed individuals.
“The financial aspect and the lack of mechanization are areas where I differ. We don’t practice modern agriculture, and that must change,” he added.
He reiterated that agriculture is not a fallback option, but a professional field that should attract people who are genuinely passionate and prepared for the demands it entails.
His remarks come ahead of the Ghana Horticulture Expo 2025, one of the most anticipated agribusiness events in West Africa, scheduled for June 11–13 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Themed ‘Innovate, transform, sustain: Driving growth in Ghana’s horticultural sector’, the expo aims to spotlight the potential of horticulture to drive economic growth and attract investment.
Korboe highlighted that the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has consistently supported horticultural actors in accessing regional and global markets through the organisation and participation in key international trade exhibitions.
GEPA partnered with FAGE to host the Maidem Horti Expo last year and, recognising the sector’s vast potential, is once again collaborating with FAGE for the second edition.
The event will bring together producers, exporters, investors, researchers and policy-makers to explore strategies for innovation, sustainability and market access in the horticulture space.
It will also highlight issues such as climate resilience, regional trade integration and inclusive participation, particularly among youth and women-led agribusinesses.
The domestic horticultural sector, known for high-value crops like mangoes, pineapples, coconuts and vegetables, has been gaining international attention. Stakeholders say stronger policy direction and financial backing will be critical in sustaining this momentum and expanding market reach.
SSD/MA