The Registrar-General, Grace Ama Issahaque, has called for improved access to new and better crop varieties to help farmers increase production, earn higher incomes and improve food security.

According to her, agricultural research and innovation will only make a meaningful difference when farmers can access and use improved crop varieties on their farms.

She made the call during her closing remarks at the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) programme held in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 21, 2026.

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The programme, held under the theme “Bringing Innovation to Farmers: New Varieties, New Opportunities,” focused on helping farmers benefit from advances in agriculture.

In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Issahaque, who also serves as Vice President of the UPOV Consultative Council, stressed the importance of protecting new crop varieties to encourage agricultural research and development.

She explained that sustained funding for research, improved sharing of agricultural knowledge and easier access to improved seeds were essential to addressing the challenges farmers face.

She also encouraged farmers to treat agriculture as a business rather than merely a way of life, stressing that modern farming methods and improved crop varieties could create greater economic opportunities.

She noted that agricultural innovation should not remain confined to research institutions but must reach farmers and deliver tangible benefits to their families and communities.

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The Registrar-General further called for stronger cooperation among governments, researchers, farmers and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture.

She maintained that making improved crop varieties available to farmers would help boost food production, improve livelihoods and strengthen food security for future generations.



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