Farmer leaders representing the ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program celebrated the success of WISHH’s long-term collaboration with strategic partner Flosell Farms this week as it toured its aquaculture facilities in Sogakope, Ghana. Soybean growers from Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas are on a trade team trip in the West African country to receive updates on several WISHH projects in the region and honor the latest graduates of Flosell’s United Soybean Board-sponsored Training Program for Young Professionals course.
The TPYP program is instrumental in strengthening the aquaculture industry in Africa by providing on-farm experience and real-world knowledge of the fisheries industry. Graduates from multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the program and are part of WISHH’s long-term strategy to increase demand for U.S. Soy in the region as demand for fish increases.
The success of WISHH’s collaboration with Flosell continues to be well-celebrated in Ghana as the Ghanian Ministry of Agriculture and the Chamber of Commerce recently honest Flosell with the Best Aquaculture Collaboration award for its partnership with WISHH.
Iowa Soybean Farmer and WISHH Vice Chair member Morey Hill commended Flosell Founder and CEO Evans Danso on the program and the success of the two organizations’ partnership.
“This internship program is a testament to how impactful Flosell is for fisheries in Ghana. Flosell has been such a great partnership for WISHH, and one that continues to grow each year,” Hill noted. “So, it is fitting that we are celebrating graduates today as they are now a part of a strong legacy aquaculture in Ghana.”
Danso noted that three generations of graduates made sure to join the trade team for its visit as some arrivals for the newest class from Ghana and Liberia joined the farm tour. Coupled with previous graduates who have gone on to work in the aquaculture sector, Danso emphasized the value the program has for fisheries in Africa and U.S. soy.
“Together, we’ve trained over 300 aquaculture practitioners and impacted more than 12,000 value chain actors and farmers across 16 countries,” he said. “Surely, this could mean a greater reliance on U.S. for its quality.
WISHH remains at the forefront of a growing industry in Africa that could yield increased demand for soybean meal and fish feed.