Fresh fruit producers in Ghana were trained on how to increase their access to international markets. The Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) worked together with the regional Fairtrade Africa office to ensure Fairtrade farmers could participate in the event.

‘Accessing the international market for our fresh produce has been a challenge; however, through our interactions with SIPPO, we are making headway,’ says Winfred Gelli of Elikem Welfare Association. ‘Hopefully our participation in the 2013 Fruit Logistica Fair will open more opportunities for our member farmers.’

The Fruit Logistica Fair is an international fair for fresh produce trade in Berlin, Germany. During the workshop, producers learned how they could participate. Other presentations were on the topics of SME certification and improving competitiveness. Fairtrade Africa was invited to explain the Fairtrade system to non-certified participants.

Apart from Fairtrade farmers, the workshop was attended by members of the Swiss Embassy, the Ghana Export Promotion Council and the Federation of Ghana Exporters.