Ghana's Best Farmers to Study Modern Agritech in Italy under 2026 National Awards Scheme

Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture has unveiled an ambitious international incentive programme aimed at rewarding and developing the nation's most innovative farmers. Starting with the 2026 National Farmers' Day celebrations, the winners of the Overall National Best Farmer and National Best Poultry Farmer categories will each receive fully sponsored seven-day study tours to Italy, a significant initiative designed to boost agricultural modernisation across the country.

The sponsorship packages, facilitated through partnerships with Mehak Company Limited and Covenant Farms, represent a substantial investment in recognising agricultural excellence while providing practical exposure to European farming methods. The Overall National Best Farmer and their spouse or partner will undertake an agricultural study and leisure trip organised by Mehak Company Limited, focusing on modern European agritech systems, sustainable value chains and processing innovations. The National Best Poultry Farmer will participate in a separate technical benchmarking programme sponsored by Covenant Farms, centring on contemporary poultry production practices and sustainable systems.

According to the Ministry's announcement on 23 September, travel arrangements have already been negotiated with the Embassy of Italy to ensure smooth facilitation of the winners' journeys. This groundwork will allow selected farmers to embark on their international programmes immediately following their recognition at the 2026 celebrations.

Why it matters for Ghana

Agricultural development remains central to Ghana's economic growth and food security agenda. By enabling award-winning farmers to study international best practices firsthand, the government aims to accelerate technology adoption and innovation within the sector. These study missions serve a dual purpose: they recognise and incentivise excellence among Ghana's farming community whilst creating pathways for knowledge transfer that can benefit broader agricultural productivity.

The initiative aligns with government modernisation goals and demonstrates how private-sector partnerships can strengthen support for agriculture. When successful farmers return from Italy with practical insights into sustainable production, processing innovations and smart farming technologies, their experience can influence peers and contribute to sector-wide improvements in efficiency and competitiveness.

For Ghana's poultry sector specifically, international exposure to modern production systems could help address productivity challenges and position local producers to meet growing domestic and regional demand more effectively.

Private Sector Leadership in Agriculture Support

The Ministry commended Mehak Company Limited and Covenant Farms for setting what it termed a benchmark in private-sector commitment to agricultural development. Such sponsorships underscore the role that businesses can play in supporting government objectives and recognising farmer excellence.

• Mehak Company Limited funds the Overall Best Farmer's trip, covering agritech and sustainable value chains
• Covenant Farms sponsors the Best Poultry Farmer's programme, focusing on modern production systems
• Italy travel arrangements already negotiated with Embassy of Italy for smooth winner facilitation