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Sowing the seeds of change together.
Agriterra, together with the AgriGRADE consortium partners, has officially launched the AgriGRADE Project in Ghana. This important milestone was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghana’s Department of Cooperatives (DoC).
The MoU was formally signed by Mr. William Darli, Acting Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives, and Cees van Rij, CEO ofAgriGRADE, during a meeting between the AgriGRADE Local Advisory Committee and the international AgriGRADE team.
Around the table were representatives from Rikolto, the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Cooperatives, and the AgriGRADE team.
More than a formal agreement, this moment represents a shared commitment. Ghana’s cooperative regulator has officially joined the journey toward building a stronger, more harmonised approach to cooperative development.
Together, we are laying the foundation for thriving tomorrow.
A Shared Vision for Stronger Cooperatives
Cooperatives play a vital role in rural development, yet they continue to face complex challenges.
As Cees van Rij, CEO of AgriGRADE, shared:
“Cooperatives play a vital role in rural development but continue to face significant challenges. Their potential to transform farmer organisations and livelihoods is immense and calls for bold, systemic support. It is an honour to support the Government of Ghana, particularly the Department of Cooperatives, in strengthening this mandate and making cooperative development a long-term societal responsibility.”
His words reflect the ambition behind AgriGRADE: notshort-term fixes, but structural support that strengthens farmer organisations for the long run.
Mr William Darli, Acting Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives, emphasised the importance of standardisation and capacitybuilding:
“This will help build capacity by training cooperatives on the standardisation of operations across the country.”
A clear signal that this initiative is rooted in national priorities and long-term commitment.
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What is AgriGRADE?
AgriGRADE aims to develop a global standard grading system for cooperatives.
Why does this matter?
Because when farmer organisations are clearly assessed and categorised, they can be matched with the right support at the right time.
No one-size-fits-all solutions.
Just targeted, practical steps that strengthen performance and unlock growth.
Within the consortium
- Scoping Insight leads the assessment stage
- Agriterra, Rikolto, academia, and the Department of Cooperatives provide technical advice
- IDH supports value chain systems
- Oikocredit provides financial support to cooperatives
- AgriGRADE manages data and coordination
Each partner brings unique expertise. Together, we create one structured and collaborative approach.
Why This Matters for Ghana
The project aligns closely with Ghana’s national cooperative development priorities.
With a clear grading system:
- Cooperatives can better understand their strengths and areas for growth
- Support can be tailored and efficient
- Resources can be used more effectively
- Partnerships become more transparent and impactful
It’s about empowering farmer organisations with clarity, direction and opportunity.
At Agriterra, we believe strong farmer organisations are the cornerstone of thriving rural communities.
AgriGRADE is another step in professionalising cooperatives with the right tools, the right partnerships, and the right support.
Together, we grow.
Sowing today. Thriving tomorrow.
