Getting a Handle on High-Value Agricultural Products

On a hot afternoon at San Dionisio in Nicaragua’s Matagalpa Province, farmer leader Manuel Moreno describes how he has radically changed the way he markets agricultural produce. Before, his main questions were, “Where can I sell my maize, and how much can I get for it?” Now, he asks, “What does the market want that our farmers association can provide at a profit?”

A group of about 40 specialists met recently to help the CGIAR and its partners provide stronger and more coordinated support for Don Manuel and many farmers like him, who are eager to seize new market opportunities. Gathering at CIAT in October, experts on all aspects of high-value agricultural products (HVPs) – from production and post-harvest handling, to processing and marketing – examined the question of how poor farmers, especially neglected groups such as rural women, can benefit from growing markets for these products. Convened by the CGIAR Science Council and Global Forum on Agricultural Research, the workshop was organized in collaboration with CIAT, IPGRI, the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) and the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP).

The meeting was an important joint initiative following the Science Council’s call for a major expansion of CGIAR research beyond its traditional focus on staple commodities as well as further strengthening of the Centers’ work on fish, livestock, and forest products.

Specialists in HVPs which include fruits, flowers, and vegetables, and livestock products are quick to acknowledge that enabling small farmers to avail new market opportunities is not easy and entails risks. While enjoying some advantages, such as the limited economies of scale in markets for HVPs, small farmers face significant challenges, including the need to better organize themselves, acquire new knowledge and skills, and gain access to business support services.

The workshop helped participants to reach a shared understanding of what HVPs are, review strategies used in different regions for linking smallholders to HVP markets, identify high-priority issues for a shared research agenda, and begin creating informal networks and alliances for addressing key themes. Overall, the workshop helped establish solid framework for moving forward with realistic actions.