The Export Development and Agricultural Development Fund (EDAIF), an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, has so far disbursed credit totaling GH¢9.6 million to 11 beneficiaries in the Western Region.

The credit was disbursed since the inception of the Fund in 2002 to March this year, Mr. Charles Wordey, Marketing Manager of the Fund, announced at a regional workshop organized by the EDAIF for stakeholders at Takoradi.

The Workshop was to sensitize stakeholders about the new Agriculture and Agro-Processing Development credit facility and existing facilities of the Fund.

Mr. Wordey said the Fund also disbursed grants totaling GH¢1.2 million to three beneficiaries in the region during the period.

He said public and private sector stakeholders in agriculture and agro-processing sector, were eligible for the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Development facility including limited liability companies.

Mr. Wordey said the zero per cent interest loan facility was available to associations, cooperatives of farmers and artisans to undertake agriculture, agro-processing and export oriented activities.

He said individuals or enterprises engaged in agriculture and agro-processing also qualify.

The maximum amount that can be assessed under the facility is $100,000.

The EDAIF was established by Act 582 in 2000 to provide financial resources for the development and promotion of export trade of the country.

He said it was amended by Act 823 in 2011 to include the provision of financial resources for the development and promotion of agriculture relating to agro-processing and agro-development.