Empowering Agriculture in Ghana for Global Markets
Founded in 1984, Tacks Farms Ltd (TFL) started as a local vegetable producer specializing in okra and chillies. Our journey took a transformative turn in 1989 when we joined a select group of vegetable growers under the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) to export fresh produce to Europe. This initial success propelled us into the international market, and since then, we have expanded our offerings to include a variety of Asian vegetables such as tinda, turia, guar, tindhori, dudhi, ravaya, long beans, papri, chillies, and okra.
Expanding Horizons with Exotic Fruits
In 1991, we diversified our crops by introducing exotic mangoes, including Florida varieties, over 125 hectares. This was followed by the cultivation of pineapples, further broadening our product range and strengthening our market position.
Pioneers in Organic Farming
A significant milestone was achieved in 1995 when we partnered with a Swiss organic herbs producer, leading to our venture into organic farming. With the support of FIBL (Swiss Organic Research Institute) and certification by BioInspecta, we became the first company outside Switzerland to earn this prestigious certification. This move underscored our commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices.
State-of-the-Art Value Chain Development
In 1996, TFL embarked on a comprehensive value chain development project, valued at approximately USD 1.2 million. This initiative, supported by APDF and financed by IFC, Proparco, ADB, and Prudential, included:
- Establishment of a modern product handling facility with precoolers, holding rooms, and a cold packing area.
- Advanced drip irrigation systems.
- Enhanced communication infrastructure.
- Upscaled transportation.
- Comprehensive training in pre and post-harvest handling practices.
This transformation enabled us to produce high-quality mangoes, papayas, pineapples, assorted packed herbs, baby corn, aubergines, okra, assorted peppers, beans, and more for European supermarket packers. It marked a significant shift from supplying wholesale markets to catering to the stringent demands of international supermarket chains.
Sustained Growth and Innovation
Driven by the vision of S.N. Tackie and supported by his wife Gloria, TFL has consistently strived for excellence and innovation. In 1995, the growing demand for our products led us to commission APDF for an irrigation system upgrade and production expansion. The resulting technical report, prepared by UK consultant Benjamin Hatfield, facilitated substantial financial support from major institutions, including:
- USD 374,000 from the IFC.
- USD 350,000 from PROPARCO.
- USD 140,000 from Prudential Bank of Ghana under the Bank of Ghana's PEED programme.
- USD 230,000 from ADB Limited of Ghana.
A Commitment to Organic Excellence
Our dedication to organic farming saw us achieving full organic certification by 2001, following a rigorous conversion process supervised by BioInspecta of Switzerland. This certification reflects our unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, organic produce that meets international standards.
Join Us on Our Journey
At Tacks Farms Ltd, we are not just growing crops; we are cultivating a legacy of excellence, sustainability, and innovation. We invite foreign investors and local food chains to join us in advancing Ghana’s agricultural sector and delivering premium, organic produce to markets worldwide.