This week, farmer leaders from ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program marked the achievements of its enduring partnership with strategic ally Flosell Farms during a tour of its aquaculture facilities in Sogakope, Ghana. Soybean growers from Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas are currently on a trade team trip in West Africa to receive updates on various WISHH projects in the area and commend the recent graduates of Flosell's Training Program for Young Professionals (TPYP), sponsored by the United Soybean Board.

The TPYP program plays a crucial role in bolstering the aquaculture industry in Africa by offering hands-on farm experience and practical insights into the fisheries sector. Graduates from multiple sub-Saharan African countries have participated in the program, aligning with WISHH's long-term strategy to boost demand for U.S. soy in the region, particularly as the demand for fish rises.

The successful collaboration between WISHH and Flosell continues to garner recognition in Ghana. The Ghanaian Ministry of Agriculture and the Chamber of Commerce recently honored Flosell with the Best Aquaculture Collaboration award for its partnership with WISHH.

Morey Hill, ASA director and vice chair of WISHH from Iowa, commended Flosell's founder and CEO, Evans Danso, for the program's success and the fruitful partnership between the two organizations. “This internship program underscores Flosell's significant impact on Ghana's fisheries. Flosell has been an outstanding partner for WISHH, and our collaboration grows stronger each year,” Hill remarked. “It's fitting that we celebrate the graduates today, as they are now part of Ghana's robust aquaculture legacy.”

Danso highlighted the presence of three generations of graduates who joined the trade team for the visit, including new arrivals from Ghana and Liberia who participated in the farm tour. With previous graduates already contributing to the aquaculture sector, Danso emphasized the program's value for African fisheries 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 stated. "Undoubtedly, this could lead to a greater reliance on U.S. soy for its quality."

WISHH remains at the forefront of the burgeoning aquaculture industry in Africa, which could drive up demand for soybean meal and fish feed.