Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, has joined agriculture ministers, policymakers, and private sector leaders from across the world at the Eighth Agrilevante Fair in Bari, Italy, held from October 7 to 11, 2025.

The fair, organised by FederUnacoma (the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers’ Federation) in partnership with regional institutions in Puglia, showcases cutting-edge machinery, technologies, and innovations for agricultural production and animal husbandry in the Mediterranean region.

At an evening programme themed “Strengthening Agro-Food Ecosystems in Ghana, Republic of the Congo, and Senegal in Partnership with the Italian Private Sector,” Mr. Opoku highlighted the need for deeper collaboration between African countries and Italy to enhance sustainable agricultural growth and food security.

“Every human being survives on food, and without food, no one can live.

Commitment to food production is therefore a messianic duty,” the Minister said.

“Food production is anchored on soil and water management, and therefore science and agriculture are inseparable.

This underscores the need for us to research how we can maximise production from limited resources while ensuring sustainability.”

He emphasised that the global challenge was not just about increasing food output but doing so in a way that safeguards natural resources for future generations.

“The concern is not only food production but food production that ensures resources are protected for future use.

That makes research indispensable in agriculture,” Mr. Opoku noted.

“We have assembled here tonight to share ideas and explore avenues for cooperation.

Nobody can be the repository of wisdom, so learning from each other is the best way to develop.”

The minister also underscored the responsibility of global and national leaders in driving sustainable agricultural transformation, stressing that collaboration and shared innovation were vital for addressing hunger, climate challenges, and rural development.

The Agrilevante Fair attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors from around the world, serving as a platform for countries to exchange technologies and policy ideas for advancing agribusiness.

Ghana’s participation at this year’s fair is expected to strengthen ties with the Italian private sector and open new opportunities for investment in mechanisation, irrigation, and agro-processing to support the government’s efforts in modernising agriculture and boosting food security.